So I bought a 1971 k5 while I was stationed out in California while I was going through a divorce. I was stupid to get married but the best thing that came out of it was my k5 lol. I payed 5,000 for it, and I know that sounds like a lot of money for the shape it looks to be in. It has a crappy 6 inch block lift in the rear and lift springs in the front. The shocks are rancho, so its safe to assume its a cheap rancho lift and believe me it rides like one.... It will throw you around like a rag doll if your not holding on. Its pretty stock besides tires and lift, 350 SBC, SM 465, and NP 205. 14Bolt SF rear and Dana 44 front. the drivetrain is very good except for the clutch, but I'm about to replace that.
Here's some pictures of the build so far that just started today.I will add that the body panels are all original and the largest rust spot is the size of a half dollar behind the wheel well. My overall plan for this build is to make a super capable rig that looks great but also is very functional.I would love to make an off-road swing out tire carrier that doubles as a stand for a gas stove, A winch bumper for the front and make some sliders to protect the door and body. and would prefer some storage option with drawers but we'll see.
After looking at the general state of the frame it looks pretty good for its age, but I am still going to take the body off the frame and sandblast it all down and put a thick coat of POR-15 on it to help prevent rust. This ins't first time me and my father have restored a vehicle and the first was much harder and a lot more complex 58 Cadillac's are long and have lots to fix....
My vision is currently a 2-3 inch lift with lots of down travel in the springs and obviously a shackle flip in the rear instead of blocks. New shocks all around, either billistien or fox I haven't decided yet. I've been referred to alcan springs for the new lift springs, and I will probably use the ORD shackle flip kit. As far as traction goes, there isn't a lot of locker options for the 14 bolt semi-floater axle and frankly I don't feel like putting any money into it. I may put a lunchbox locker in the front since I can just unlock the manual hubs and won't have any bad road manners while they are unlocked.
I would love a family roll cage for safety and also it adds a lot of support for the body, Blazers have a huge problem with the body panels not lining up while flexing and doors shutting or opening and I know this will help with the issue if not solve it completely.
While the body is off I will also weld in another crossmember or two.
Currently the old 350 in it seems very responsive and peppy it averages about 10MPG no matter what I'm doing or how I'm driving, and trust me I know 10 MPG isn't very "Overlandish" but I will work with what I have for now. If the the 350 goes I will just put in a 5.3 since its fuel injected and will hopefully boost my MPG to a minimum of 15MPG. The transmission shifts great and is bulletproof, but the clutch needs replaced as there is hardly any break from the clutch being fully engaged to disengaged. The NP205 has a very lackluster 2:1 ratio in 4low so the only option for that is to do a NP203/205 doubler which would get me to 4:1 in low, but this isn't a big deal right now, I'm not building it as a crawler as I have a jeep cherokee for that. As far as gear ratio's go, I have 3.73 in the axles and will probably keep them because I don't want to put money into a 3/4 and 1/2 ton axle. and it goes good on the highway.
This is my first build using a forum and sharing so hopefully its not too thrown together... any helpful tips or tricks would be appreciated.
I pulled off the bumpers today, the front wasn't too bad, but the rear was bad because the bolt head stripped out of the bumper and the whole bolt was turning, I sawed one off and managed to hold the other with a 1/2 wrench and back it off. I then sprayed down every single bolt,bushing and body mount with some penetrating oil.
Here's some pictures of the build so far that just started today.I will add that the body panels are all original and the largest rust spot is the size of a half dollar behind the wheel well. My overall plan for this build is to make a super capable rig that looks great but also is very functional.I would love to make an off-road swing out tire carrier that doubles as a stand for a gas stove, A winch bumper for the front and make some sliders to protect the door and body. and would prefer some storage option with drawers but we'll see.
After looking at the general state of the frame it looks pretty good for its age, but I am still going to take the body off the frame and sandblast it all down and put a thick coat of POR-15 on it to help prevent rust. This ins't first time me and my father have restored a vehicle and the first was much harder and a lot more complex 58 Cadillac's are long and have lots to fix....
My vision is currently a 2-3 inch lift with lots of down travel in the springs and obviously a shackle flip in the rear instead of blocks. New shocks all around, either billistien or fox I haven't decided yet. I've been referred to alcan springs for the new lift springs, and I will probably use the ORD shackle flip kit. As far as traction goes, there isn't a lot of locker options for the 14 bolt semi-floater axle and frankly I don't feel like putting any money into it. I may put a lunchbox locker in the front since I can just unlock the manual hubs and won't have any bad road manners while they are unlocked.
I would love a family roll cage for safety and also it adds a lot of support for the body, Blazers have a huge problem with the body panels not lining up while flexing and doors shutting or opening and I know this will help with the issue if not solve it completely.
While the body is off I will also weld in another crossmember or two.
Currently the old 350 in it seems very responsive and peppy it averages about 10MPG no matter what I'm doing or how I'm driving, and trust me I know 10 MPG isn't very "Overlandish" but I will work with what I have for now. If the the 350 goes I will just put in a 5.3 since its fuel injected and will hopefully boost my MPG to a minimum of 15MPG. The transmission shifts great and is bulletproof, but the clutch needs replaced as there is hardly any break from the clutch being fully engaged to disengaged. The NP205 has a very lackluster 2:1 ratio in 4low so the only option for that is to do a NP203/205 doubler which would get me to 4:1 in low, but this isn't a big deal right now, I'm not building it as a crawler as I have a jeep cherokee for that. As far as gear ratio's go, I have 3.73 in the axles and will probably keep them because I don't want to put money into a 3/4 and 1/2 ton axle. and it goes good on the highway.
This is my first build using a forum and sharing so hopefully its not too thrown together... any helpful tips or tricks would be appreciated.
I pulled off the bumpers today, the front wasn't too bad, but the rear was bad because the bolt head stripped out of the bumper and the whole bolt was turning, I sawed one off and managed to hold the other with a 1/2 wrench and back it off. I then sprayed down every single bolt,bushing and body mount with some penetrating oil.
Attachments
Last edited:
