solid axle swap questions

[LoudnLifted88]

ok guys im thinking im going to use my taxes this year and solid axle swap my 88 the plan is to buy a new frame and start fresh since my frame has been fixed and needs to be fixed again...


I already have rear springs and hangers from a 85 k5 blazer also have the transfercase from the same blazer I can also get the front end from it if needed or a dana 60


my questions are

when I buy a frame should I buy a 2wd frame or a 4wd frame which would be easier to do the swap

what else am I going to need for steering and such ive been looking over 88gmctruck's build 92 sierras build and dirtridinz71's just unsure whats needed

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[95obschevy]

Get the 4x4 frame because the frame horns come out straight and you will have less problems mounting brackets etc. As for steering you will need a drop pitman arm and a cross over steering setup

 

[dirtridinz71]

How much lift and what size tires are you looking to go?

Like said you'll need a drop pitman arm, I used the superlift 1104 arm. A steering arm, draglink/tierod ends, if using a a d44 or corp need you will need a passenger flattop knuckle then get it machined flat, drilled and tapped for the steering arm. Extended brake lines will be needed. Rear lift of some sort a shackle flip would be the best way of course.

 

[lkfldredneck]

Check out Offroad Designs. they have a good write up to whats needed. if you want to go with there mounts and brackets its not too expensive and it bolts right up. heres a link, it should help quite a bit

http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/88-98SolidAxleConversion.htm

 

[LoudnLifted88]

Get the 4x4 frame because the frame horns come out straight and you will have less problems mounting brackets etc. As for steering you will need a drop pitman arm and a cross over steering setup

How much lift and what size tires are you looking to go?

Like said you'll need a drop pitman arm, I used the superlift 1104 arm. A steering arm, draglink/tierod ends, if using a a d44 or corp need you will need a passenger flattop knuckle then get it machined flat, drilled and tapped for the steering arm. Extended brake lines will be needed. Rear lift of some sort a shackle flip would be the best way of course.

thanks guys and prob 6 inch with 35s don't want to go to big because itll be hard enough getting a sticker with it solid axle swapped and what is a factory front axle in a 85 k5 blazer?

 

[LoudnLifted88]

Check out Offroad Designs. they have a good write up to whats needed. if you want to go with there mounts and brackets its not too expensive and it bolts right up. heres a link, it should help quite a bit

http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/88-98SolidAxleConversion.htm

ill look into it but the frame is going to eat up a lot of my budget

 

[SCOTTYINWV]

I do see one problem with this though. The t case from the 85 will not allow you to run your speedo. You will need a 87-91 or 92 full size blazer or suburban to get the pass side drop t case with electric vss.

 

[badazzbulldog]

just throwing it out there I was at the junkyard today and saw a 89 stepside regular cab mounted on a early 80's shortbed chassis looks like the only thing they modified was the 4 cab mounts and bed mounts

 

[SCOTTYINWV]

just throwing it out there I was at the junkyard today and saw a 89 stepside regular cab mounted on a early 80's shortbed chassis looks like the only thing they modified was the 4 cab mounts and bed mounts

You must take pictures when you go back!

 

[dirtridinz71]

The front axle of the k5 will be a corp 10 bolt. Same axle from all 78-87 1/2 tons. You will need either matching d44 knuckles or buy an aftermarket flattop passenger side knuckle for the 10 bolt.
I priced getting a rcsb frame here and one from south Carolina was around $1000-1200.