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Offline dave945

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1986 K5 Blazer
« on: October 16, 2018, 10:45:24 PM »
So I had to drive the blazer for a week or so while the Honda Odyssey was down waiting for radiator and fan replacement. It highlighted some issues that need to be resolved. Just for some background, it’s got a 5 liter v8 with a 700R4 transmission and NP208 transfer case, and sits on 3/4 ton axles front and rear. Here are the issues I noticed over the couple days I drove into the office 60 miles each way.
1)  engine was boiling the coolant out and onto the overflow. Think I may have a stuck thermostat.
2). Transmission is leaking some and not shifting very cleanly/consistently. This tranny was rebuilt maybe five years ago, I’m doubting the quality of the rebuild.
3). Vibration/groaning on letting off the gas pedal at higher speeds. Seems like it might be coming from the driveshaft area, but not sure yet.
4). Steering is loose/has a lot of play in it.
5). Brakes tend to be a little touchy, I’m guessing it has to do with the large drums in the rear on the   14 bolt FF axle.

My goal is to get the truck into a condition where daily driving is possible and even comfortable. Optimally, it would be solid enough for my wife to be comfortable driving it. We’ll see how it goes.

I don’t have any set plans at this point and I’m open to ideas and suggestions.  I’ll try to keep this updated as work gets done.




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Offline stlaser

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #1 on: October 16, 2018, 11:22:18 PM »
3) u-joint or u-joints

5) I have a disc conversion kit for that axle, regardless a $40 Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve might help

« Last Edit: October 16, 2018, 11:25:49 PM by stlaser »
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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2018, 01:18:06 AM »
Start with a oil change. End with a parking lot land mark


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Offline dave945

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2018, 07:20:06 AM »
Start with a oil change. End with a parking lot land mark


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Oil change.....so you’re saying I should do a duramax conversion with Allison transmission and put portal axles in?  I’ll have to consider it. At least I know where a diesel shop is, there’s a big green landmark already there.


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Offline dave945

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1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #4 on: October 17, 2018, 07:21:10 AM »
3) u-joint or u-joints

5) I have a disc conversion kit for that axle, regardless a $40 Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve might help
I’ll check the u joints on the driveshaft. I need to check my angles too, something i keep telling myself to do. 

How much is the disc conversion kit?  I’ve considered doing that before just to shave 100 pounds off the rear axle.


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« Last Edit: October 17, 2018, 07:22:03 AM by dave945 »

Offline stlaser

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2018, 07:26:53 AM »
Bracket kit & mounting hardware $50, then depending on auto parts another couple hundy but I provide all part numbers and you can source from rock auto or whomever etc.
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Offline dave945

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #6 on: October 17, 2018, 09:03:08 AM »
Sounds good. I’m going to start busting knuckles on it this week and see if there is anything else I need that before I order, you never know what might come out of this project.


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Offline KensAuto

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #7 on: October 17, 2018, 09:33:13 AM »
Agree with Shawn, probably ujoints or slip yoke...or you left the hubs locked in the last time you went wheelin'..
Trans issue could be the TV cable adjustment. It's different than a "kickdown" cable and has to be adjusted just right or it will shift funky.
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Offline EL TATE

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #8 on: October 17, 2018, 10:34:07 AM »
Also could be pinion bearings :cry: Get the rear axle up on jackstands and have the wife accelerate then let off the gas and listen near the pinion support. Deceleration noise is typically loss of preload and bearings buzzing while the pinion gear runs in an "off" spot on the ring gear coast side.
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Offline KensAuto

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #9 on: October 17, 2018, 11:21:23 AM »
Also could be pinion bearings :cry: Get the rear axle up on jackstands and have the wife accelerate then let off the gas and listen near the pinion support. Deceleration noise is typically loss of preload and bearings buzzing while the pinion gear runs in an "off" spot on the ring gear coast side.

Jeez, that escalated quickly. lol
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Offline stlaser

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #10 on: October 17, 2018, 11:39:27 AM »
You know those differential sales guys..... :popcorn:
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Offline Nate

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #11 on: October 17, 2018, 11:55:50 AM »
Also could be pinion bearings :cry: Get the rear axle up on jackstands and have the wife accelerate then let off the gas and listen near the pinion support. Deceleration noise is typically loss of preload and bearings buzzing while the pinion gear runs in an "off" spot on the ring gear coast side.

Am i the only one that finds that method a bit odd....?

- put rear axle on jack stands

- stick entire body under said vehicle

- have WIFE put it in drive (and hope its not reverse)

- smash gas pedal (pray shes not pissed at you or been watching too many murder tv shows)

- then listen for noise with head next to axle

?
« Last Edit: October 17, 2018, 11:58:01 AM by Nate »
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #12 on: October 17, 2018, 11:58:23 AM »
Could also be the magnetic resonance transverse wave focusing on the variometric spinning bearing in a sheroid, elliptically modified orbit,

Or what they said...
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #13 on: October 17, 2018, 11:59:28 AM »
Also could be pinion bearings :cry: Get the rear axle up on jackstands and have the wife accelerate then let off the gas and listen near the pinion support. Deceleration noise is typically loss of preload and bearings buzzing while the pinion gear runs in an "off" spot on the ring gear coast side.

Am i the only one that finds that method a bit odd....?

- put rear axle on jack stands

- stick entire body under said vehicle

- have WIFE put it in drive (and hope its not reverse)

- smash gas pedal (pray shes not pissed at you or been watching too many murder tv shows)

- then listen for noise with head next to axle

?
What's wrong with any of that?

I don't get it

Makes sense to me

Derrrr....

;-)
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Offline dave945

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1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #14 on: October 17, 2018, 12:15:55 PM »
Also could be pinion bearings :cry: Get the rear axle up on jackstands and have the wife accelerate then let off the gas and listen near the pinion support. Deceleration noise is typically loss of preload and bearings buzzing while the pinion gear runs in an "off" spot on the ring gear coast side.
Should it be in 4 wheel drive when she punches it?  That would help with Nate’s concerns above.



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Offline EL TATE

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #15 on: October 17, 2018, 12:18:33 PM »
Also could be pinion bearings :cry: Get the rear axle up on jackstands and have the wife accelerate then let off the gas and listen near the pinion support. Deceleration noise is typically loss of preload and bearings buzzing while the pinion gear runs in an "off" spot on the ring gear coast side.

Am i the only one that finds that method a bit odd....?

- put rear axle on jack stands

- stick entire body under said vehicle

- have WIFE put it in drive (and hope its not reverse)

- smash gas pedal (pray shes not pissed at you or been watching too many murder tv shows)

- then listen for noise with head next to axle

?

Only strange to those with Ex's I suppose :shocked:
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Offline EL TATE

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #16 on: October 17, 2018, 12:19:59 PM »
You know those differential sales guys..... :popcorn:

Just for that, I'll be sponsoring Dave's rebuild when he finds the bad bearings.   :tongue:

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Offline Flyin6

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #17 on: October 17, 2018, 12:37:44 PM »
OK, you have that.

I'll handle the prayer request thread for Dave's recovery!
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Offline stlaser

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #18 on: October 17, 2018, 12:52:17 PM »
You know those differential sales guys..... :popcorn:

Just for that, I'll be sponsoring Dave's rebuild when he finds the bad bearings.   :tongue:

I just read free u-joints! Sweet
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Offline dave945

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #19 on: October 17, 2018, 02:06:13 PM »
You know those differential sales guys..... :popcorn:

Just for that, I'll be sponsoring Dave's rebuild when he finds the bad bearings.   :tongue:

I just read free u-joints! Sweet
I think you misread, he said he would sponsor the rebuild, he didn’t put any limitations on it. This is gonna be a sweet ride.  So would a ball peen hammer or a five pound sledge be the best way to “discreetly” cause bad bearings?


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Offline stlaser

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #20 on: October 17, 2018, 02:10:45 PM »
Well, I read FULL sponsorship too!
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Offline EL TATE

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #21 on: October 17, 2018, 02:11:25 PM »
Just get the lube serviced by Jiffy Lube. They'll put in waste oil and the rest will be history
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Offline stlaser

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #22 on: October 17, 2018, 02:47:39 PM »
Yeah, what’s the update on that anyhow?
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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #23 on: October 18, 2018, 12:29:19 AM »
Get that Alison trans ordered yet?


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Offline Farmer Jon

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #24 on: October 18, 2018, 07:02:37 AM »
Also could be pinion bearings :cry: Get the rear axle up on jackstands and have the wife accelerate then let off the gas and listen near the pinion support. Deceleration noise is typically loss of preload and bearings buzzing while the pinion gear runs in an "off" spot on the ring gear coast side.

Am i the only one that finds that method a bit odd....?

- put rear axle on jack stands

- stick entire body under said vehicle

- have WIFE put it in drive (and hope its not reverse)

- smash gas pedal (pray shes not pissed at you or been watching too many murder tv shows)

- then listen for noise with head next to axle

?


Thats how I found the vibration on my pickup.
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Offline EL TATE

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #25 on: October 18, 2018, 01:07:16 PM »
Thank you Jon, now I feel validated :cool:
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Offline dave945

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1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #26 on: March 27, 2019, 10:13:34 AM »
Okay, so this thread does a temporary death. But weather is turning nice and I’m wanting drive the k5 more again. I was looking online and found a 2016 6.0 L96 engine with 9k on it. Attached to the back is a 6L90 and a manual shift transfer case. The truck was totaled with a. Hit to the back end looks like. It would come with the harness, accessories, gas pedal and sensors.  It’s currently still running and they are asking $6000. I know it’s a lot to stick into a 33 year old truck, but I don’t think I would have to do anything to it again after that. Until I have to do a fluid change.....

What do You all think?  What else am I going to need?  I figure exhaust, mounts, dash cluster(might be able to get that), drive shafts.....


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Offline Nate

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #27 on: March 27, 2019, 10:39:23 AM »
do you have pics of this wrecked truck?

and what is currently wrong with the blazer as it sits now?
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 10:40:21 AM by Nate »
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Offline dave945

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #28 on: March 27, 2019, 10:45:04 AM »
The 5.0 in the blazer is rather anemic, and it is tiring have to pump the far 15-20 times and then crank it to get it to start, then tease it with the gas pedal as it warms up. Not a daily driver so it sometimes sits for a while between driving it.  That and the transmission(700r4) is finicky also, st cold start it doesn’t grab immediately when put in gear, rev the engine and it will eventually grab and go, after warming up it is better, but not great.

I’ll see if I can get a picture of the wrecked truck.


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Offline stlaser

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #29 on: March 27, 2019, 11:07:41 AM »
My opinion sounds like a very pricey donor, do you have copart in your area? Things is the newer gm gas last drivetrains are good for a couple hundred k so why pay premium on a newer low mileage unit? Can you sell other parts off to recoup some of $6k investment?
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Offline dave945

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #30 on: March 27, 2019, 12:55:47 PM »
Great, now I’m looking at copart, only about twenty minutes away is a 2002 Silverado 1500 with a 5.3l.

Just another site to dig around on. :)


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Offline Nate

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #31 on: March 27, 2019, 02:57:39 PM »
 :popcorn:
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Offline TexasRedNeck

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #32 on: March 27, 2019, 03:14:29 PM »
I second Shawn. Seems high. You could duramax swap for that kind of coin


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Offline stlaser

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #33 on: March 27, 2019, 03:23:58 PM »
Yes, copart is pure evil.....  :evil:  :beercheers:
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Offline dave945

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #34 on: March 27, 2019, 06:45:18 PM »
So there are several that are ending on Friday that have the 5.3L LS engine and one 2019 suburban with the 6.2L. Everything I’m looking at is 4wd, so I should be able to use the transmission as well.  The fact it’s only 20 minutes from home is a definite plus.


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Offline Flyin6

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #35 on: March 27, 2019, 07:32:45 PM »
Yea, Dave, 6K is too much to spend. You'd have to add a bunch of other "k's" to that number before you drove the first mile.

Good used LS, then spend some money on it like I did which can add 100HP, then install that.
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Offline dave945

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #36 on: March 28, 2019, 01:25:33 PM »
I second Shawn. Seems high. You could duramax swap for that kind of coin


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Now you’ve got me thinking, there’s a 2007 2500 with duramax engine in it.  No current bids on it.   


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Offline TexasRedNeck

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #37 on: March 28, 2019, 04:25:01 PM »
You’re welcome. I can spend other people’s money really well....


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Offline JR

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #38 on: March 28, 2019, 08:12:12 PM »
Yep, just stick with the 5.3. The 6.0 way over priced and hit from the rear could mean the driveshaft got pushed into the tcase.

So may parts for all the LS motors and a stand alone harness is easy to find.
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #39 on: March 28, 2019, 08:57:50 PM »
I second Shawn. Seems high. You could duramax swap for that kind of coin


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Now you’ve got me thinking, there’s a 2007 2500 with duramax engine in it.  No current bids on it.   


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If this would have been two-three months ago, I think I may have just pulled the trigger on that D-Max engine for Ravin8. I doubt it remains a gasser indefinitely.
Oh and I started it up for the first time today...It sounds really healthy!
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Offline dave945

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #40 on: January 23, 2021, 12:11:09 AM »
So I was looking at the blazer today, the rear drum brakes are dragging, which explains some of the issues I was having. I saw a full float 24 bolt from a 2006 2500hd with 4.11 gears, which I think would match my front axle. The current owner is asking $300 for it. I would then have disc brakes with a parking brake.  My other option would be replacing the drum brakes with disc on my existing axle.  I’m leaning toward the 2500hd axle  I’ll do some more looking tomorrow. Any thoughts from you fellows? 


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Offline JR

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #41 on: January 23, 2021, 12:27:03 AM »
You mean 14blt, right? The axle would be nice, but then you have 6 lug and 8 lug. Plus if its a later axle it maybe 170x8 vs 165x8. Probably a posi to but worth the upgrade.

I will have a 8 bolt front with 4;11 GM shortly you could have, but I fear you are a bit far.
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Offline dave945

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #42 on: January 23, 2021, 03:45:19 AM »
Yes, 14 bolt. I have 3/4 ton running gear on the front already that is 8 bolt, but didn’t think about the change to the bolt pattern. I’m pretty sure the axle is a 2006 which would still be 8x165.1. I’ll check on that and verify before I spend the money. My current rear axle is a gov lock 14 bolt from a 1985 2500 if I recall correctly.


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Offline stlaser

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #43 on: January 23, 2021, 10:42:15 AM »
Dave, this 2006 if a gas motor 6.0 is the same axle I’m building for Don’s burb. It is still 8 on 6.5 and the older carrier and gears fit it. It’s slightly wider than your current rear which is 67” and this is 69” so wheel spacers to get the front back a bit wider than rear. Any questions let me know I sell a lot of these and $300 is more than fair. It does have gov bomb in it but Tate has parts to help with that.
« Last Edit: January 23, 2021, 10:43:31 AM by stlaser »
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Offline Nate

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #44 on: January 23, 2021, 11:35:30 AM »
So what is/was the purpose of having the rear axle shorter than the front?
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Offline JR

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #45 on: January 23, 2021, 01:05:06 PM »
So what is/was the purpose of having the rear axle shorter than the front?

For some reason GM has always done that. My burbs are the same way stock, with the dually front the rear is the same width now as my 14bt.
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Offline KensAuto

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #46 on: January 23, 2021, 04:16:13 PM »
So what is/was the purpose of having the rear axle shorter than the front?
That's a great question.
Supposed to be more stable in corners and a tighter turning radius, but I think that's an old myth. There's plenty of modern trucks with an even track width
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Offline stlaser

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #47 on: January 23, 2021, 07:15:45 PM »
So what is/was the purpose of having the rear axle shorter than the front?

Tracks better down highway and for off-road purposes if your front end can get thru a tight space then so can the back end. You know the issue Ken’s GF has in that the back end is wider than front end....
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Offline JR

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #48 on: January 23, 2021, 09:04:22 PM »
Better get Ken an 11.5 AAM,,,,,,,,,,,
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: 1986 K5 Blazer
« Reply #49 on: January 24, 2021, 11:36:55 AM »
Dave, without even questioning it, I'd opt for the newer 14 bolt. You can live with the Gov-lock if you baby it, or prepare to replace it when it grenades.
I don't think you mentioned anything about the Master-Cylinder. You will need one for disc/disc. Any stock Chevy silverado would probably bolt right up. Do a little research to figure out which one would fit/ work best and you're on your way!
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