Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum

General => Hobbies and Interests => Topic started by: wheels78ta on January 22, 2011, 10:55:12 PM

Title: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: wheels78ta on January 22, 2011, 10:55:12 PM

This is my current project.  A 1987 K5 Blazer.  First year for the TBI engine and as long as it's running good, you can't beat it.  What I mean is, if you start getting trouble codes and/or it starts sputtering, good luck.  It could be 10 different things and it won't be close to what the trouble code is telling you.  But other than that...... ::)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/100_1112-1.jpg)

When I first bought it, I was working in Kansas City, Kansas and had it delivered from Tennessee to Wichita, Ks.  Wichita is where my regular reporting shop is but a group of us were volunteered to go to KC.  Anyway, I bought it on the PO word and guess what....It turned out to be completely opposite of what he told me...It was a lemon.  
It was supposed to be a daily driver but when I drove it out of the parking lot, instead of shifting to third gear, it would slam down to first.  I babied it down the road and seen steam coming out from under the hood and thought "Now what?".
There was no overflow jug, no little hose coming from the radiator, no nipple for the hose on the radiator, and very low on water.  I filled up the radiator and drove it 15 miles at 20 mph to get it home in one piece.
Turned out that one of the heads had 2 small cracks, the bottom half of the engine was full of sludge, and one freeze plug was leaking from rust.
Luckily I didn't pay a ton for it so I figured I would make it my own little "Monster Truck".
I call it the "Cashbag".

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: RainMan on January 22, 2011, 11:15:58 PM

That was an awesome year imo ,and I hope you restore it as they are getting more rare all the time  . I sold my 84 GMC to get the Marty ,but heres a few pics . Red black and silver was my fav paint scheme on these trucks

(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i54/GMC_Guy/7.jpg)

(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i54/GMC_Guy/4.jpg)

(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i54/GMC_Guy/22.jpg)

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: Rarebird on January 22, 2011, 11:34:20 PM

ahhh the good ole K5 .. I traded mine in because it was eating a hole in my wallet.... had an appetite like you never seen for gas.. 9 mpg was the best i got and that was after changing the gears to 3.08.. originally had 3.73.. how they got in there I dont know.... but like Rainman I prefered the black and silver combo...this is the only pic I have of mine.. and the oil spot under it.. it was not from the K5... its was the Conversion van I traded it for

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g33/rarebird_78/Blazer.jpg)


off road you would not believe how this thing would go...its more of a tank than a truck

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: RainMan on January 23, 2011, 03:14:30 AM

Virgil , same color trucks , both of us have T/A's , same birthday?
What's with that lol

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: ShakerBreaker on January 23, 2011, 09:24:35 AM

I hope you start an actual restoration thread on here when you start to dig into the Blazer.
I'm a big fan of the full-size Blazer's/Jimmy's. Have had a few and loved them. Old solid axel boy's.
The newer independent front  suspensions are more comfortable.
But--------The old ruff rider's were just fun and strong. 

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: Rarebird on January 23, 2011, 09:45:17 AM

lol ... just good taste in vehicles.. as for the birthdays... unless we are the same age ... twins seperated at birth.. lol

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: CT Bird Fan on January 23, 2011, 10:11:11 AM

I love those old Blazers, especially being a GM guy! I'd love to have one some day. I remember as a kid my friend's dad had a black one that was a show winner, it was a beauty!! Yours looks awesome!!!

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: wheels78ta on January 23, 2011, 11:25:47 AM

In the first month I owned this K5 I replaced the engine w/rebuilt 350 TBI, rebuilt 700r4 tranny, 4" TC all spring lift, Headers, dual exhaust to back, all new brakes, new sensors including EGR valve, regeared rear 10bolt from 3.42 to 4.10, powertrax no slip locker, 2 rims to match front, and 4 BFG A/Ts.  I didn't regear the front 10b because I got a great deal on a Dana 60 for a 1 ton conversion.  The D60 came from a 1986 M-1031 Military 5/4 ton contact truck.  It has 4.56 gears and a trac lock limited slip differential.  I will be regearing to 5.13s and maybe a power lock for a little more stance and better towing.

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0007.jpg)
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0003.jpg)

In time I was able to get this 14bff with 4.56s.....it was set up for military usage also but never got installed.  I converted it from drum to disc brake, and I'm putting in 5.13s now.  It has a Detroit locker.


(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/CopyofDSC_0028.jpg)
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0030.jpg)
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0031.jpg)

Regearing a 14bff is fairly easy....you don't have to remove the bearing from the pinion to add or subtract shims.  Finding the right pattern to run is about the hardest part because of all the torquing and retorquing.

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/CopyofDSC_0020.jpg)
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/CopyofDSC_0027.jpg)

And then, of course.......24KARAT.....I've only put about 50 miles on it in the 5 years I've had her.

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/Y88%20Trans%20am/100_1369-1-1.jpg)

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: kjkjkcjkcj on January 23, 2011, 01:17:50 PM

very sweet.  that thing is going to look sweet.  i love your nick name for her.

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: lawbreaker2 on February 04, 2011, 11:20:59 PM

Would love to get a old 78 or 79 k5 as that is what my grandpa had and I loved riding in it. Very cool truck u got. And take care of it they are.getting hard to find. My buddy has a 79 full size bronco and bro n law has a full size dodge power wagon or what ever they called them. That thing was cool.

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: kjkjkcjkcj on February 05, 2011, 08:48:50 AM

my friend has a bronco as well.  His front grill fell off so being the hockey lover his family is, his dad made a new grill out of old hockey sticks.  Looks pretty sweet

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: Rarebird on February 05, 2011, 11:20:23 AM

Quote from: lawbreaker2 on February 04, 2011, 11:20:59 PM

Would love to get a old 78 or 79 k5 as that is what my grandpa had and I loved riding in it. Very cool truck u got. And take care of it they are.getting hard to find. My buddy has a 79 full size bronco and bro n law has a full size dodge power wagon or what ever they called them. That thing was cool.

The Fullsize K5, Bronco and the Dodge Ramcharger/Plymouth Trail Dusters were the ORIGINAL SUVs...wish they still made them

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: RainMan on February 18, 2011, 11:38:29 PM

Wow that is some serious work your doing there ! Wish I did that with the 84

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: SoonerTA on February 19, 2011, 04:59:22 PM

That will be one fun K5.  I had a '91 Z71 that is did a solid front axle swap.  It had the TBI 350 but I ended up putting a TPI 383 in the truck and man did it fly even with 38. 

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: wheels78ta on November 20, 2011, 11:59:28 AM

I know it's been a while since my last post of this K5 build....but I've finally got it back to a Daily Driver/go where ever I want to go Rig.

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/DSC_0350-1-1.jpg)


I'll work on the gauges and dash later on this winter.  For now, I need to start on the Y88 project.

wheels

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: hada76 on November 20, 2011, 01:49:48 PM

i have an '83 and love it...sadly its off road only use now. FUN

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: 79taman on November 20, 2011, 02:08:36 PM

Yall got some nice K5'S and Trucks, thought I would share my two wheel drive 85 GMC with you, it was my dads truck.

(http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/hvelectronics/Apple-Fest-2003-342.jpg)

(http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/hvelectronics/P10100302.jpg)

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: crazyd_wv on November 20, 2011, 03:50:46 PM

Man, blazer looks tough.  I've always somthing like that, ah some day, LOL.

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: hada76 on November 20, 2011, 09:57:28 PM

the real old ones were the best, the whole roof came off...4 WD convertable...great for off road wheelin

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: ShakerBreaker on November 20, 2011, 10:03:36 PM

Quote from: wheels78ta on November 20, 2011, 11:59:28 AM

I know it's been a while since my last post of this K5 build....but I've finally got it back to a Daily Driver/go where ever I want to go Rig.

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/CopyofDSC_0350-1.jpg)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0351.jpg)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0352.jpg)

I'll work on the gauges and dash later on this winter.  For now, I need to start on the Y88 project.

wheels
Sweet Blazer!!!!!!!!

Umm--- you said Y88.
Do you have a thread of the Y88 or pictures of it on this site?
I'm a big fan of the Y88's.

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: b_hill_86 on November 30, 2011, 07:38:27 PM

Nice lookin truck! I'm diggin rainman's old truck too. I'm more of a Jeep guy only cause I'm biased by my dad having made his living working for Jeep at the Willy's plant here in Toledo before it closed but I love any straight axle american 4x4 like the K5's, bronco's and such. 4x4's are how it got into cars to begin with and my 77 TA is actually the first 'car' I've ever had.

Great rig man! Keep us posted on the progress and throw up some videos if you ever go wheelin'.

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: firebird79_00 on November 30, 2011, 08:53:38 PM

Awesome man, love k5's. I was going to buy one last winter then i came across this and couldnt pass it up.
(http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss336/firebird79_00/006-57.jpg)

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: b_hill_86 on November 30, 2011, 09:02:22 PM

Quote from: firebird79_00 on November 30, 2011, 08:53:38 PM

Awesome man, love k5's. I was going to buy one last winter then i came across this and couldnt pass it up.
(http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss336/firebird79_00/006-57.jpg)

Nice! I miss my 2nd gen Ram. Bought a 2006 to replace it. What motor, 360 or 318?

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: firebird79_00 on November 30, 2011, 11:48:55 PM

360, i had a 94 last year with the 318. Both about the same on gas, this has a cold air intake though

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: wheels78ta on September 11, 2012, 10:10:29 PM

It's been a few since last update, but I've got all the body armor on with the exception of skid plates underneath.

Front and rear bumpers were done at RLC Welding by a guy named James.

A warn VR12000 winch sits in front and a full size spare (37" KM2) is mounted on the swing out arm in back.

Rock sliders on the side provide a step and protect the sides from boulder damage.

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0003-4.jpg)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0006-2.jpg)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0009-1.jpg)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0008-2.jpg)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0021-2.jpg)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0013-1.jpg)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0015-1.jpg)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/wheels78ta/87%20Blazer/DSC_0018-1.jpg)

It has a total of 7" lift.  6" suspension and 1" body.  The door handle is 60" from the ground which means I'll need a step ladder in the future.

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: b_hill_86 on September 12, 2012, 12:17:36 AM

Looks awesome dude. Now for wheelin' vids :)

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: kjkjkcjkcj on September 12, 2012, 10:04:32 AM

Lookin good.  Have fun with her/

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: Greenbird76 on September 12, 2012, 02:31:34 PM

I'm loving the K5s!!!.  Here is a picture of my old 79.  I loved this truck and owned her from 1990-2006.  I just did not have the adequate space to work on her and restore her again.  She always sat outside.  That is why I had decided to work on muscle cars instead.  They fit into normal sized garages lol.  the 2nd picture was taken right before I decided to sell her.   I have a lot of good memories in that truck.  Did a couple of parades with her too. 
(http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z340/greenbird76/Other%20Firebird%20Pictures/Untitled-1.jpg)
(http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z340/greenbird76/Other%20Firebird%20Pictures/jhf.jpg)

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: CT Bird Fan on September 14, 2012, 05:35:39 PM

Wow, looking great! Very tastefully done.

Title: Re: 87 K5 Blazer build
Post by: hada76 on September 15, 2012, 01:27:57 AM

nice tire upgrade, what are the tire/wheel specs?