CK5 - The Full-Size GM Off Road Community

EDIT: Changed the thread title due to the fact that this thread is jam packed w/ good full size pre-runner info...

Original title was: "Anyone have a full-size pre-runner on here like this?"




I've been doing some thinking and have realized as much as I like my truck and it works ok out in the sand (only wheelin' I like ;)) a pre-runner build might be more at home for the dunes...

I ran across this and it gave me some ideas... so has anyone on here experimented with a full size pre-runner like this? Are they just too heavy to work?
Maybe a "hybrid" pre-runner (keep the 4wd) would be an option...


HrKq-kawXu4

I just see a blank white square.

really? hmmm let me see whats up. It works for me.

here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrKq-kawXu4

I want to build a prerunner myself but out of a suburban. Want to cut the top off behind the rear door, build a cage that would angle from the roof where its cut off to the top of the bedsides at the back of the bed. I would NOT run a bid block, too heavy. I would build a big inch aluminum headed small block. AL. heads would save some weight. I would also move the motor bach to held weight distribution. Alot of short beds or mostly step sides were build into prerunners back in the 70's/80's.

A solid fromt axle is not the best idea for a 4x4 prerunner. the Ford TTB axle setup is the best 4x4 prerunner setup. Now for a custom setup the sky's the limit, but Im talking factory axle setups. GM's IFS is crap period for any real serious travel with big jumpd in mind. I would stick with a 2WD for a chevy prerunner, just run a spool in the back. it will take you alot of places. VID worked for me too.

I would throw as much fiberglass as possible at a prerunner to make it light, as weight is horsepower Lexan windows, Aluminum fasteners where strength is not a concern, or titanium if you can afford it. Build the cage to some sort of race rule book spec atleast. that way you know its safe. I would not just wing it on the cage. with the speeds a prerunner rips along at safety is #1 period. minimum DOM tube or chrmoly.

A 'sub?!?! Are you joking? Thats soooo much weight man. I see standard cab short beds get stuck out in the sand (locked rear end) so I can't imagine a 'sub. If you even get out of the throttle I bet you'd sink :)


Yeah rdn2blazer I'm thinking as light as possible...
In my mind I'm picturing a standard cab short bed stripped of pretty much everything (even doors...just do 1/2 doors out of tube)... cut the rear fenderwells out so the tires can tuck into the bed... take out the front fenderwells and replace the stock fenders w/ some fiberglass ones w/ a couple inch buldge... mild small block, th400, 14ff shaved w/ 4.56's a detroit and 35" BFG AT's... suspension will depend on $$$ but since it'll be trailered I'd probably start super simple and build up as I break stuff...

This is fun stuff to dream about...

Yea, a burb would be heavy but with the top cut off and everything gutted like we said it would not really be that bad. I want a 3 or 4 seater prerunner in the old body style so a burb is the only choice I can think of without cutting 2 cabs up and building an extra cab chevy. I dont want to go to those extremes. If chevy made a extra cab in the old body style there would have been tons of Chevy prerunners built. Ford cornered the market on prerunners though.

Wade - ktmoutfront - has a fullsize pre-runner K5. 4wd and all. He won Jason Payne Memorial trophy for the most innovative truck at Blazer Bash. I saw it in action and it is for real.

***avery frantically searches under the username ktmoutfront for pics and details***

A local auto shop that I have been dealing with for 25 years now is know for their drag racing and offroad racing experience. they have held drag racing records, have won Best in the Desert Series. the owners have codriven with some well know names in offroad in the baja 500 and 1000. last time I was there they had Parnelli Jones JR's prerunner K5 blazer he uses to pre run races with.


I was BUMMED I did not have my digital camera with me to take pics with and post up on CK5. it was a 2WD, had a trussed 14FF, full cage, 3 seat race seats. I think they said it was a 383 stroker motor, TH400 trans. looked like 35's or 37's. Dont remember if it was bead locked. it was bad ass though.

Wade - ktmoutfront - has a fullsize pre-runner K5. 4wd and all. He won Jason Payne Memorial trophy for the most innovative truck at Blazer Bash. I saw it in action and it is for real.


NICE :)

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa139/ktmoutfront/Moab%20Blazer%20Bash%2007/DSCF0554.jpg

[Steps Up On Soapbox]

It drives me nuts to see people type "full size" and "light" in the same sentence. If you want light, buy a small, 2WD rig, and drop a big motor in it. You would be AMAZED what sheet metal weighs.

[\Soapbox]

seriously bro a standard cab short bed STRIPPED probaly doesn't weigh a whole lot...

***avery frantically searches under the username ktmoutfront for pics and details***
His sig has some info on what's in his truck too.

Yeah, it does. ;)

I won't get into it in this thread because that's not what it was meant for.

There's a ck5 member that races a k-5 in baja. I forgot his name though :doah:

Also I own a 2wd k-5 that I would love to turn into a pre-runner some day, but there aren't too many places to do that kind of stuff around here

I would throw as much fiberglass as possible at a prerunner to make it light, .


fullsize...light, hence the reason for this statement above. the only sheet metal in a fullsize prerunner should be the cab.

If he wants to throw cubic dollars at something, then yeah, it can be done, but so can a rail. Unless there's a fiberglass firewall out there, it's gonna be heavy.

2wd Toyota, TBI 350, TH350, tires, done.

Yeah, it does. ;)

I won't get into it in this thread because that's not what it was meant for.


By all means post up... my threads are open to whatever people have to say :)

I obviously don't have much background in the pre-running scene...

If he wants to throw cubic dollars at something, then yeah, it can be done, but so can a rail. Unless there's a fiberglass firewall out there, it's gonna be heavy.

2wd Toyota, TBI 350, TH350, tires, done.


yea, BUT it sounds like he is looking to build a fullsize. So you have to work with what you got. you sell all the sheetmatal you can if its clean and it will help pay for some of fiberglass. besides a fullsize has more cab room for a cage.

Ok, taking both of your replies into account.

I have 0 experience in pre-running or dunes, BUT, as with just about every application except for pulling, weight is going to screw you, and you just have to build more power to make up for it. Light parts = expensive, power = expensive.

If you truly want to build a full size, by all means, go for it. I'm sure it'll be a blast. However, if you're looking for something as light as possible and pretty affordable, I think you're starting with the wrong platform. From a quick google search it looks like the curb weight of a 2WD K10 is ~3500 lbs. I'm getting results that vary from 3000 lbs. all the way to 5000 lbs., so I'll use 3500. For comparison's sake, a '90-'94 Toyota in the same trim is ~2500 lbs. That's 1000 lbs. difference to begin with. Strip 100 lbs. in junk out of the fullsize and 75 out of the 'Yota, now you're at 925 lbs. difference. The Toyota now weighs 70% of what the fullsize does. 30% is a HUGE difference. Now, drop an SBC into the Toyota and add 300 lbs...the Toyota still weighs 83% of what the Chevy does. Not huge, but enough to make a pretty big difference.

My K5 with SBC/700/241 'tons and 40's weighed in the 7,000 lb. neighborhood without a top and with a stripped interior. So, I would be more apt to lean towards the 5,000 lb. estimate. If you start with that, the Toyota weighs 55% of what the fullsize does, you have a fully boxed frame to start with, and a rear axle that is as strong as a 10 bolt but has a dropout third and a housing that you can truss extremely easily. You would have to nearly double the output of a small block to make up for the weight difference.

I'm sure running dunes would be fun no matter what vehicle you chose, but weight is a killer, and if you don't need the cab space I think you'd have a vehicle that performs better if you started with a different platform.

why not a full convertible 2wd blazer??

ok I have figured it out, narrow and shorten a chevy truck to be the same size as a toyota, you will still LOOK like AND BE a chevy but be as light as a toyota, problem solved. :D :haha:

It'd be nearly the same deal Gus...



Those are great points Mikey... I drove a late 80's 'yota while my truck was having the tranny work done and it was snug... my dad literally couldn't even fit in the truck. Once I was in I was ok but I'm definately not getting any smaller :)
So that is the main reason I wouldn't go 'yota...

Try a 4runner. I have to squish into a standard cab but I wheel a 'Runner and it has plenty of room. I even have enough room to work the clutch with my big fat feet.

haha I know the fat feet deal... I could hardly drive my dad's 300Z when he had it and depending on the shoes he was wearing sometimes he'd actually hit the clutch and brake at the same time b/c he wears a 15-16 shoe...


You squish into a fullsize standard cab or a 'yota standard cab?

Come on Avery, you know a 3,000 lb. truck with 350 horses (vortec 5.3) and paddles would be fun. :D

I have to squish into my roommate's wheeling rig. Standard cab 'Yota. Never driven an ex-cab. 90's and up have more room though.

Oh yeah man don't get me wrong I'd love stupid power to weight ratio but I also love not having my knees in my chest :)

haha I know the fat feet deal... I could hardly drive

I can relate to this I was driving one Of my friends Saturn to do She Got pissed at me for riding the Brake Well my Fat feet were on both pedals wheather I like it or not

lol it Sucked

if all the wheeling you like to do is in the sand then why not just go with a sand rail?

i am planning on building a sand rail this summer

this one is a little flashy for me but.

Its another option, just not something I brought up in this thread...

A Sandrail would be nice but definately some serious $$$...

if you can find an old sand rail frame its not bad or build a frame if you have the tools.

always the baja bug option, but i prefer the sand rail.

Its another option, just not something I brought up in this thread...

A Sandrail would be nice but definately some serious $$$...


Ya but there cool


In a couplem Of years I am probaly gonna be out west so I was gonna mod the suspension on the Blazer to make it more sand friendly

Ive wheeled sand Before its accualy really fun, I like almost as much as mud.

Yeah like I said I'm researching the sand rail option but I started this thread to get more info on a full size pre-runner...
There are quite a few mid-travel sand rails for sale in the Fresno area so its definately an option...

Power Power Power and paddles. I don't care what you weigh (within reason of course) if you have enough hp to turn paddles at a high wheel speed (75 mph+) you will surprise alot of poeple. Coilovers and air bumps in the front with a trussed 60 14b out back, skin EVERYTHING with glass no doors no windows gutted interior no heater no radio no anything extra and it will be killer. I wheel sand alot and have with some high horsepower rigs. You will never be able to out climb a half decent rail but you will have a hell of alot of fun and still be able to do other types of wheeling

BTW Avery we have a hill at St. Anthony called chokecherry that even a 4 wd with quite a bit of power and paddles all the way around can't climb well at least not yet at least, a built 454 with a 400 shot of nitrious and some 38" paddles should do it though mabey

When you build this prerunner creation come on up to Idaho and run the dunes with us

Yeah I know there are so many ways to be successful in the sand but a lot of it comes down to power...
Chris or Gary might chime in here (although I don't see them post much...username Chevyin) but they were SO much help last time I was out in Oceano and they were running in Gary's '80 K5 that was pretty much stock (again maybe they'll chime in) but it was on 33" BFG AT's and Chris could drive the pants off of that thing and I know it didn't have tons of power...

So maybe I'd be better off building a stripped down blazer or pickup and spending time out in the dunes getting practice before I even worry about building some bad ass hybrid pre-runner or sand rail... again its fun to dream though :)

Apperantly my net was on the fritz.

My turn to chime in though. The 88-98 reg cab short bed would be the way to go. Gut the interior, basic gauges in an alum. dash panel, light chrome moly cage and light buckets. next ditch the bed, fiberglass skins on the rear feul cell and spare as far back as possible. Full 1 peice front clip. Drive train, high rev'ing small block, th400, 14bff set the engine and trand back 8-10".

Theres Tons of stuff to lighten your truck. for example a chevy steering column wieghs more than a simple tube column no tilt just a quick relese wheel. Im willing to bet you could lighten it and build a basic 8pt cage and fly in under 3500lbs with ease. Tons of stuff will shed pounds quick that you wont need , like headlights and their buckets, radiator support (use tube) ect.

Everyone says its expencive but when it comes right down to the nitty gritty its cheaper than stock parts. A one peice front end... sure its gunna be upwards of $1000 but price everything for a stock front clip. (as though you had a head on colision) I know I can get fiberglass front fenders and besdies for $1000 for all 4, to fit my 97. Also thats not the race weight stuff its the heavy duty. Race weight fiberglass is cheaper and lighter.

It can be done relitivly cheap. I have looked into it.
As far as rails go, they are expencive! everything about them is expencive. For instance I needed a quick relese for the steering wheel. Every rail suppy it was over $30 I found the same thing in a hot rod catalog for $12

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://mkparker.com/goose/newgoosefrnt.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.mkparker.com/goose/&h=580&w=890&sz=60&hl=en&start=35&um=1&tbnid=30KTS6lLZzuDeM:&tbnh=95&tbnw=146&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dchevy%2Bprerunner%26start%3D20%26ndsp %3D20%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26newwindow% 3D1%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://mkparker.com/goose/newgoosefrnt.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.mkparker.com/goose/&h=580&w=890&sz=60&hl=en&start=35&um=1&tbnid=30KTS6lLZzuDeM:&tbnh=95&tbnw=146&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dchevy%2Bprerunner%26start%3D20%26ndsp %3D20%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26newwindow% 3D1%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN)

Nice page... I've always liked this blazer...

http://mkparker.com/goose/red_blazer_frt.jpg

If you have the balls or the suspension to keep your speed up its hard to get stuck I have a freind who scares everyone with a basically stock YJ on 31s no lockers I have seen him keep up with just about every truck that is on the sand.

haha yeah but currently my k10 runs out of balls before I do out in the sand ;)
The suspension is so stiff I have a hard time keeping my wheel speed up w/o going into some serious hop and rattle...

A comment about the first video posted.... I can give a thumbs up to everything I heard them talk about, and everything I saw, except: 4.56's with 33's??? Waaaaay too low for a dunerunner - that's ust robbing RPM's and taking away a fair amount of tire speed. Seems, at least to me, that 3.73's would be more appropriate for this setup.

Discuss....

I bet they got the 14ff out of a CUCV and it already had the 4.56's and the detroit...

I'd bump it up to 35" BFG's and call it good...thats actually a pretty good price for that imo... really nice start for someone...

A couple of u guys were talking about saving weight, but then you used 14bff in the same paragraph :confused:. If I were building a pre-runner, a trussed 9-inch rear would be the only way to go.

A couple of u guys were talking about saving weight, but then you used 14bff in the same paragraph :confused:. If I were building a pre-runner, a trussed 9-inch rear would be the only way to go.


While your point is valid, the 14b is heavy, but its cheap strenth. you talk about 35" paddles and 600-700 hp and your gunna need to "build" a 9" to handle it. Whereas a unmodified 14b is gunna be plenty. Dont get me wrong a 9" could be made to handle the power and traction but not without spending some coin on it first. Disk brakes and also shaving the 14b both bottom and the "ribs", compaired to a trussed 9" isnt gunna be much more weight. Besides you want weight in the rear to some degree.

One of the cheapest was to get a 9" is old full size lincons and fords. I have owned 3 77-78-79 lincons with disk brake 9" rears. Unfortunatly the gears where something like 2.55:1. and the 77 I had shattered the ring gear with a stock and worn out 460. 9" parts can get expencive fast too.

After all that is said either way would be respectable.

As to the gears in the video, low gears are how sand rails are set up. As well as score trophy trucks.
I realize the comparisson is a little weird but my baja bug will have somewhere close to a 5.4ish:1 final drive. Also the rails I have rode in 2nd gear gets used the most and 3rd gear is only used on high power rails. Before anyone tells me theres a big differnce in RPM's on a VW and a chevy v8 mine redlines at 4450, that should be an EASY RMP to get out of any chevy V8.

As to the gears in the video, low gears are how sand rails are set up. As well as score trophy trucks.
I realize the comparisson is a little weird but my baja bug will have somewhere close to a 5.4ish:1 final drive. Also the rails I have rode in 2nd gear gets used the most and 3rd gear is only used on high power rails. Before anyone tells me theres a big differnce in RPM's on a VW and a chevy v8 mine redlines at 4450, that should be an EASY RMP to get out of any chevy V8.


I have no personal experience with sandrails or the like, however, I am thinking about this from a logical standpoint. It would make sense that tire speed is what gets it done in the dunes, and running 4.56's with 33's is gonna rob necessary tire speed - that 3.73's would be more appropriate. Sure, it's got (assumingly) a big power BBC that can produce, but getting though the gears of (assumingly) the automatic transmission, it's just gonna bogger down trying to get through to the higher side of the tranny.

Does anyone else see it this way, too, or am I alone?

Continuing from your logical standpoint - 33" tires with 4.56 lets you break 100mph at 4700rpm (1:1 3rd gear). I don't think you ever need to go faster than that. Remember that sand requires low tire pressure and creates lots of drag. With a higher axle gear like 3.73 you might need to drop into low range.

Continuing from your logical standpoint - 33" tires with 4.56 lets you break 100mph at 4700rpm (1:1 3rd gear). I don't think you ever need to go faster than that. Remember that sand requires low tire pressure and creates lots of drag. With a higher axle gear like 3.73 you might need to drop into low range.

I run 33's and 4.56, and I daily drive my truck to:doah:

thats probaly why my truck will do pretty good in the sand

I run 33's and 4.56, and I daily drive my truck to:doah:


I used to run 4.10 in my DD with 33's. I recently dropped down to 3.73, now I get a few extra mpg's and an obvious direct correlation between higher road speed at lower rpm's....

I used to run 4.10 in my DD with 33's. I recently dropped down to 3.73, now I get a few extra mpg's and an obvious direct correlation between higher road speed at lower rpm's....What tranny are you using, the 700r4?

You sort of have to ask yourself how far do you want to blur the lines between a drivable sand toy, a real prerunner, and an actual race truck? There's been lots of good ideas in this thread but it seems to me that many don't fall directly into one of those categories.

I've seen guys have great luck with 4x4 trucks as long as they have strong, braced axles, good spring packs (this is what National Spring, Deaver, and Alcan first made their names doing), and long travel driveshafts. Oh, good bumps too. This is about the most common setup here in Michigan for the Silver Lake Dunes. They suck but people take them seriously and build their trucks for sand.

There used to be a guy on here with a Suburban on TALL National Spring packs running some biiiig tires. He was down in the San Diego area, said they did great, but didn't post much. This was years ago though.

Avery, wadda bout a blazer with fiberglass fenders and bed sides, no doors, no top, it would be a lot lighter...
http://www.glassworksunlimited.com/shop/image.php?id=48&type=D

http://www.glassworksunlimited.com/shop/image.php?id=50&type=D

http://www.glassworksunlimited.com/shop/product.php?productid=12&cat=10&page=1

Tom

What tranny are you using, the 700r4?


5 speed. NV3500.

Lots of good ideas floating around in here...

Tom, yeah that is an option especially since a project like this calls for a full cage it wouldn't matter if it was completely topless...

I'm excited about this... I'm really doing some serious thinking about taking my k10 (since it already has a stout d-train that has so few miles on it) and dropping it down to a 6" lift and slapping some 35's on and use it as my local daily driver...
Then pick up a truck/blazer and dive in on a pre-runner build...

I'd say that first off I need to track down a trailer and assume from day one that it'll be trailered to and from Oceano which opens doors as well as gives you the go ahead in the back of your mind to have a lead foot out in the dunes ;)

Anyone have a full size trailer for sale? :D

Here are some of my favorite prerunner types

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5822/22073081ie1.th.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/my.php?image=22073081ie1.jpg)
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9805/10bl0.th.jpg (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10bl0.jpg)
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/6948/28blazerib1.th.jpg (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=28blazerib1.jpg)
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7411/copyofprerunnerwk5.th.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/my.php?image=copyofprerunnerwk5.jpg)
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3900/franksblazeronbeamsna8.th.jpg (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=franksblazeronbeamsna8.jpg)
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8957/jump3bj4.th.jpg (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jump3bj4.jpg)
http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/7972/jumptruckqc2.th.jpg (http://img161.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jumptruckqc2.jpg)
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/5088/whiteblazerjn4.th.jpg (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=whiteblazerjn4.jpg)
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/4391/yellowblazerup9.th.jpg (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=yellowblazerup9.jpg)
Also check out this
http://www.blitzkriegoffroad.com/?actn=viewproduct&id=18&pid=70
also look under the projects
and visit this page..
http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=49
and look around

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7411/copyofprerunnerwk5.jpg

Thats what I've been picturing in my head...


Blitzkrieg does some nice work... their welds look amazing.
Every time I see sites like that and read that they're shops in Cali it makes me want to go into that field more and more...

enough of this prerunner talk, if I dont stop Im gonna start another project. :D

enough of this prerunner talk, if I dont stop Im gonna start another project. :D


EXACTLY!

I was well on my way to a "CK5 cookie cutter truck" with the typical stuff but I've decided as fun as those rigs are (there is a reason everyone uses the same stuff :)) there are many ways to have fun in these old chevy trucks and blazers ;)

I'm going to talk to the boss about whats involved in getting a sub-forum as there is obviously some interest in this topic... I'll let you know what he says...
Oooo or maybe instead of me asking one of the mods could bring it up (if you guys think it'd be worth while)... rene, paul...what do ya' say?

EXACTLY!

I was well on my way to a "CK5 cookie cutter truck" with the typical stuff but I've decided as fun as those rigs are (there is a reason everyone uses the same stuff :)) there are many ways to have fun in these old chevy trucks and blazers ;)

I'm going to talk to the boss about whats involved in getting a sub-forum as there is obviously some interest in this topic... I'll let you know what he says...
Oooo or maybe instead of me asking one of the mods could bring it up (if you guys think it'd be worth while)... rene, paul...what do ya' say?



I like the idea for sure.

It might spice things up around here :)

I'm going to send some PM's...


EDIT: I just sent Paul, Rene and the boss man a PM to see if its a possibility...

Yeah, so here I am all happy with my plans for a buggy and now I see this pre-runner thread, and instantly have some insatiable desire to find a 2WD 80's Yota and make it scream. I hate this site. :doah:

I know how you feel but I think this is something we should all be excited about...

Like I said I PM'd the head honcho's to see what they thought and referenced this thread and the interest people seem to have in it...so hopefully in a little while we'll have a "pre-runner" sub-forum so we can chat up pre-runnin'!

Just to hold us over...

Ox-qvQLc-Yk

I have this "Mazulla" shop on my Myspace and they produce some sick stuff...

mAkwwr8iYxs

Ha, I live in Minnesota, about as far as you can get from any sort of dunes, I'd REALLY like to get into the go-fast scene but with nowhere to do it, it would be stupid to build a rig for it. Trust me though, if I were in the right area, I'd be all over it. :D

I'm starting to like this go fast scene :)

Man Avery as much as you like sand you really need to come up here and visit me If you watch ultimate adventure 2006 you will see some of St. Anthony dunes but we never got off the starter dunes they were still in the tiny dunes during that trip big bowls and steep climbs its fun

Well once I get a sand toy built I might just toss it on a trailer and come crash on your couch and wheel w/ ya' for a weekend :)

OMG I need to stop looking at this thread. I was going to try and sell my 2wd blazer, but after seeing some of those pre-runners that were posted I want to keep it and build it once the trazer is done. Arrgggg damn you avery!!!!

any more info on this truck?
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/6948/28blazerib1.th.jpg (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=28blazerib1.jpg)

OMG I need to stop looking at this thread. I was going to try and sell my 2wd blazer, but after seeing some of those pre-runners that were posted I want to keep it and build it once the trazer is done. Arrgggg damn you avery!!!!

Sorry man I'm just really excited about this... its a whole new window of opportunities for old chevy iron :)

I'm really hoping we can get that sub-forum going soon so we can have a place to chat and share videos and rigs...

Sorry man I'm just really excited about this... its a whole new window of opportunities for old chevy iron :)

I'm really hoping we can get that sub-forum going soon so we can have a place to chat and share videos and rigs...
I was kidding, but seriously I gotta talk to my brother about this tomarrow. We have both wanted to build the 2wd k5 into a pre-runner but figured it was going to be awhile, so might as well sell it. I might just have to hurry up with the trazer so I can get started on this: (its on the left, obviously :rolleyes:)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2186000-2186999/2186902_291_full.jpg

haha yeah I know you were kidding...

looks clean for where you're at... maybe sell off the stock fenders and rear sheet metal to put towards buying fiberglass replacements... ditch the top, full cage...blah blah blah ;)



:deal:
http://www.bajaconcepts.com/images/ref844.jpg


Found more info. on this one...
http://www.bajaconcepts.com/brokers/?do=showref&refnumber=844

hold on...


...



digging..

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/532000-532999/532757_528_full.jpgi went all the way to tiquana to take these damn pics lol

edit..cant spell in english so dont be too hopefull on spanish!

I cant remember the company

anyways, 06 front end on a blazer, rancho springs up front and I dont remember the rest:doah:






http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/532000-532999/532757_538_full.jpg




http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/532000-532999/532757_530_full.jpg

I have seen that front clip on another project... I saw one pic of it online then about a month later I saw it in a magazine... looks pretty sick imo.

Oh, I heard back from Paul and he said its up to Steve as to whether or not we can get a pre-runner sub-forum so I'm waiting to hear back from him.

http://www.mcneilracinginc.com/off-road-fiberglass/Chevy/Blazer/73-91/

So for $1100 you can get the front fenders, rear bedsides and hood... not that its a drop in the bucket but at the same time thats not too bad for the weight savings...

I wonder if there is a rule of thumb for weight vs. hp... for example if you drop 10lbs of weight off the truck its the same as gaining 2hp performance wise...

flames add 10hp

z71 stickers add at least 50hp.

haha yeah of course they do :) Don't forget about those KC lights...


Oh btw still no word from the boss man about a sub-forum...

Yall gunna make me break out my stash of prerunners
http://mkparker.com/goose/whiteblazer.html
http://mkparker.com/goose/jimblazer.html
http://mkparker.com/goose/aaron.html
http://mkparker.com/goose/dave.html
http://glassworksunlimited.com/vehicleType.php
http://www.hannemannfiberglass.com/Chevy%20&%20GMC_Full-Size.html (http://www.hannemannfiberglass.com/Chevy%20&%20GMC_Full-Size.html)
http://www.tiregate.com/
http://www.truckrollbar.com/3barphotos/index.htm
http://www.raceroffroad.com/BlazerPrerunner.shtml
http://www.donahoeracing.com/project_detail.php?projectID=4

Nice :)

All you guys who a talking about making it light. Try riding in a Dakar chase truck. I got the chance to ride in one in Baja. Nothing like sitting 8 feet off of the ground in a 12 ton truck doing 60 mph across the desert.

My Jimmy is full body to look stock. Cops stop me to look at it, not write it tickets. It has been 20 feet off of the ground and gone off 10 foot drop offs at speed. I can run a SCORE course at race speeds and bring an injured driver back on a backboard. It was built as a search and rescue vehicle.

The trick is in the shocks and valving and geometry. A descent prerunner can not be built with lowbuck equipment, unless it is a poser. I took many $100 bills from rice burner prerunners in the desert after 20 mile runs.

There you are... I was hoping you would join the discussion...

I've looked at the pics in your photobucket and it looks great! So that d44 has held up to jumping?

BTW since you're retired you should trailer that beast out to Oceano sometime and tear it up w/ us on the West Coast :)

There you are... I was hoping you would join the discussion...

I've looked at the pics in your photobucket and it looks great! So that d44 has held up to jumping?

BTW since you're retired you should trailer that beast out to Oceano sometime and tear it up w/ us on the West Coast :)

Oceano? We used to call that Pismo Beach. I used to dune there when you could drive to competition hill to the south and run as fast as you wanted too on the beach.

The 44 has worked great, other than a seal leak. The trick to making parts last is not ever letting anything hit hard. $12,000 in shocks and 4" air bumps are the trick.(I did not pay that for the shocks).

Sponsor? I was going to say...shesh what in the world did you retire from that lets you spring $12k for shocks :)

Yep Oceano/Pismo... they are basically the same thing but technically the section of the beach you drive on is Oceano... But yeah man that'd be such a blast if you ever make it out this way! There are some CK5 members in that area and some that actually live in Pismo so I'm sure there would be a good size group of old chevy iron...

Yes on the sponsorship. Sway-A-Way, BFG, PRP seats, PCI radios, Fox, GM Goodwrench, Allied wheels and others.

1260 mile to Oceano at 12 mpg = $368 x 2= $736 in fuel only. I just did that to my parents in So. Cal. to pick up a Bridgeport mill. Not spending that cash any time soon. Thanks for the invite.

Understandable... give me a couple years to get a sand toy built ;)




On another note a link was posted in another thread in the garage to a fiberglass site... saw in their gallery...
A 4wd 'yota "pre-runner"... more along the lines of what I was originally thinking (but in a full-size of course ;)) b/c you could run it in 2wd and have fun but then when you get stuck (or have to go slow) you can pop it in 4wd and its not a big deal...
http://www.glassworksunlimited.com/gallery2.php

I run mine in 2wd almost all of the time. The truck was weighed at 6100lbs. The most 4wd I have done was in Moab for BB07. I did hells revenge in 2wd until the sand off of the trail at the end. Just had to play.

Do you run beadlocks and air down to single digits? I just need to get more experience out in the sand b/c I've had such mixed results so far... my k10 was fine (stiff but perfectly fine none the less) anywhere I took it out in the sand... but our tow rig (which is 2wd) was absolutely useless and had to be drug around EVERYWHERE... even aired down and it has wide AT's...

I'm a pre-runner researching fool!!! :)

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee44/dirtracer3/IMG_0356.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee44/dirtracer3/IMG_0354.jpg

Uhhh...Avery...that appears to be a Ford...may I see your man card please? :haha:

Awh...come on man it was just once... :(

Those little turds are pretty popular in this field :)

Damn I almost wish I hadn't found this thread. It's been too long since I've been out on the dunes. Blazinzuk, how is St. Anthony's on Memorial Day Weekend. I used to go to Moses Lake out here in Warshington but it's died down the last couple years...the local police got a little big-headed.

On another note, how about a little shock talk? Let's say you had an average lifted blazer and you wanted to take it out and thrash on it, maybe get some air under the tires. What mods would you do for 1-1.5K to give it a chance of surviving.

Good shocks? Maybe Bilsteins? Two per corner or just one? Maybe weld in some good solid reinforced shock mounts.

Axle trusses? Can you get away with just trussing the top? Anybody know of anybody that has a good truss kit for a D44 or D60 or even a template?

Oh yeah one more thing I was gonna say. If prerunners and desert racing are your thing I'd like to highly recommend you attend the SCORE Los Terribles cup in Vegas. I went the the inaugural one a couple years ago. I think 08 will be the III. Seeing Trophy Trucks running side by side where you can see the WHOLE course is freakin' awesome. But that's not the best part. When I went, the friday before the weekends racing all the trucks were on display in the downtown Fremont St. All the trucks were parked right on the street and you could walk up and check em out. The drivers and chase/pit crew guys were all there just talking to people and having a good time. It was a really cool event that I'd like to make it back to.

Damn I almost wish I hadn't found this thread. It's been too long since I've been out on the dunes. Blazinzuk, how is St. Anthony's on Memorial Day Weekend. I used to go to Moses Lake out here in Warshington but it's died down the last couple years...the local police got a little big-headed.

On another note, how about a little shock talk? Let's say you had an average lifted blazer and you wanted to take it out and thrash on it, maybe get some air under the tires. What mods would you do for 1-1.5K to give it a chance of surviving.

Good shocks? Maybe Bilsteins? Two per corner or just one? Maybe weld in some good solid reinforced shock mounts.

Axle trusses? Can you get away with just trussing the top? Anybody know of anybody that has a good truss kit for a D44 or D60 or even a template?

I think I'd be more worried about springs... unless you're going all out I'd spend my $$$ on good springs and just go with some Bilstein 5150's...

Rangers and Toyotas are the best factory starting point for prerunners/desert race trucks. Anything GM is FAR behind in terms of starting basis and frame issues.

[/brand loyalty foolishness rant off]

Yeah from what I've seen Rangers are highly respected and 'yotas that started as a 4x4 are next in line (stronger frame)... BUT I am still on the fullsize track :)

Being from So. Cal., I have seen too many Ranger's and Yota's "Pre-Runnered". From mild to wild. You can make a leaf sprung truck work OK with a good set of shocks. Shocks are like any other add on. Everybody has their own favorites. Bump stops are a must if full travel is going to be pounded on. If it never hits hard, things are not as likely to break. When building, we always comment,"it's not the quantity of travel but the quality".

Shocks should be rebuildable, which means you can valve them to your truck. Good shocks are going to run $600+ each. I went with 3" triple bypass. Adjustments out the wahoo. Took 6 sessions to get them dialed. You could feel them get better.

As for trusses on the 40, I have so much stuff welded to them, with the 3 link an shocks, there is not anyplace to truss.

The Currie (sponsor I forgot) rear end is bullet proof. Came fully trussed.

As for SCORE, they put on a great show in the states. Nothing like going to Baja. There is nothing like chasing down Ragland or Gordon on the highway and passing them because they are limited to 60mph on pavement. We took pictures as we passed them. They just waved, then blew our doors of in the dirt. I was in an FJ looser.

http://th164.photobucket.com/albums/u39/chemicals3107/Icons%20and%20Stuff/th_drool.gif I can't wait...

Uhhh...Avery...that appears to be a Ford...may I see your man card please? :haha:

Taco's OK? :D

http://www.durkadurka.net/eastsideweb1-14/images/dsc_1969wtmk.jpg
http://www.durkadurka.net/eastsideweb1-14/images/dsc_1968wtmk.jpg
http://www.durkadurka.net/eastsideweb1-14/images/dsc_2085wtmk.jpg

This Dirt Alliance Vid has a couple FSC's in it... looks like they do ok for how big they are...

1hLTSz1kK7Q

Blazinzuk, how is St. Anthony's on Memorial Day Weekend.

busy busy busy, I personally have never been out on memorial day I live so close that its almost pointless to go when its busy.

As far as prerunning goes as has been said the best shocks around and air bumps. You put airbumps on a rig that has only been running normal bumpstops and you will pick up a ton of speed

I personally think once you get to a certain level as far as the suspension goes the size is almost a moot point. As long as you build everything to the size of the vehicle you should be fine. Of course you have to consider once you get to that level with your suspension little inexpensive parts like a custom aluminum dash and floors and firewall and fiberglass skins just don't cost that much.

Most of my opinions on sand come from our local playground and there to climb some of the stuff you better have big power and big paddles if you are going to run a big truck

Hey guys check it out...

'85 C20 w/ a BB454/TH400/14ff... all for $1k obo

I e-mailed him and he said they fired it up the other day and everything was fine... hmmmm

http://fresno.craigslist.org/car/494753472.html
http://images.craigslist.org/01010401020201030420071130ce3eb0386c54266fe600ea3d .jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/01010001150301020820071130e93db27efc5c1a163400ea4f .jpg

mmmmm pre-runner..... w/ BB... wish i had area here to do that and no snow..

Definitely a good starting point...but it is a long bed and has a BBC. Just me but I'd go with a shortbed and a high revving SBC.

I agree with Ajmblazer. This truck is too long, too heavy unless you going 15k on shocks and the big block adds that much more weight. It would be cool to discuss, but suck to make work. There is a reason everybody uses 1/2 tons.

I do have a truggy cage and firewall-windshield section and hood that would bolt onto those stock frame mounts. "Instant short travel truggy."

Yeah I'll keep lookin' for a C10 (although I'm still not convinced about going in true pre-runner fashion [2wd] and I might go w/ a k10 so I can still get through the really soft stuff w/o having to go 50mph)...

I would NOT run a bid block, too heavy. I would build a big inch aluminum headed small block. AL. heads would save some weight. I would also move the motor back to help weight distribution. Alot of short beds or mostly step sides were build into prerunners back in the 70's/80's.

Must be an echo in here :rolleyes: :D

Must be an echo in here :rolleyes: :D

Yep :D

But in threads that get lengthy I don't expect people to read everything first... nice to know they agree though right? :wink1:

What about a 1974 International 1/2 ton 2wd truck?


Now that would be different.:)

What about a 1974 International 1/2 ton 2wd truck?


Now that would be different.:)



different yes.....ugly.......yes! :D

There are some internationals for sale locally and no I won't touch them... :)


Hmmm check this out... small block punched out... 2wd... I could sell the suspension off of it and recover a little tiny bit of the price... looks clean too...
Pre-smog as well!

http://fresno.craigslist.org/car/495490060.html

http://images.craigslist.org/01020601040001030620071201e768483d1a7699e5d4005501 .jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/0101040115020103042007120110782fa9e3f76187c400f8e6 .jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/0115100102020104122007120187b64d936eadd95eae001bf5 .jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/01010001151301021020071201defff75f3cc53464a40071ff .jpg

Has potential. Wouldn't be the first low rider truck I've seen put back up in the air.




I miss SoCal sometimes...no wait, I don't...I just miss the vehicles...

There are some internationals for sale locally and no I won't touch them... :)


Hmmm check this out... small block punched out... 2wd... I could sell the suspension off of it and recover a little tiny bit of the price... looks clean too...
Pre-smog as well!

http://fresno.craigslist.org/car/495490060.html

http://images.craigslist.org/01020601040001030620071201e768483d1a7699e5d4005501 .jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/0101040115020103042007120110782fa9e3f76187c400f8e6 .jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/0115100102020104122007120187b64d936eadd95eae001bf5 .jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/01010001151301021020071201defff75f3cc53464a40071ff .jpg


there ya go man! never mind I see 3 grand, not too bad.

Has potential. Wouldn't be the first low rider truck I've seen put back up in the air.
I miss SoCal sometimes...no wait, I don't...I just miss the vehicles...

Just admit it... you miss us too :D



there ya go man! never mind I see 3 grand, not too bad.

Yeah $3k is pretty steep for something I'd chop up BUT if it has a complete bag system front and rear thats a pretty penny right there.
If that 383 runs well it looks like a pretty good deal... in fact a 383 is probably the perfect engine for a full size pre-runner... somewhat light but more power than a SB350...

Internationals are HOT!

no strokers, High RPM short stroke small block would be my choice. The 5.3 are quick lil buggers.

There was a guy over on off-road.com/chevy a number of years ago with a built 327 in his Toyota. Thing was a screamer and just kept going and going and going...

I have an idea that should work for a modern chevy 302 that with the right valvetrain should run up to about 10-12k. No seriously I think it can be done. Add that to my other Idea about a twin turbo v8.............

Fastest truck in the sand I ever saw was an 80's body toyota 4x4 extra cab shortbed with a 400sb/th350 dont remember what the t-case was but the truck was on 35in bfg muds he was rolling up oldsmobile in 2wd and the damn thing was so fast that the rear end was hopping as the truck skipped up the hill effortless, needless to say he had me envious because I had my truck at that time for about 6 years and have never been beaten up that hill by another street truck, he trailered that thing in but still.

Ever that about making a chassis on atruck frame like Im doing, I have (had) a 76 GMC 1/2 standard cab shortbed, pulled all the body and cab off, cut off 7ft of frame in the rear, purchased a hendrix F-toy chassis and welded it to my truck frame, 4linked the rear, so far the project is not all that expensive. SHould do pretty good in the sand never had any problems before.
Here is a picture as she sat about a month ago, Have put floor and firewall in since then. Its got a 500hp BBC in it right now if it's too heavy I'll probably get an ls2 for it but its always done good in the sand.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/gm500hprat/truggy%20pics/100_0330.jpg

Yeah original balzer a 5.3 vortec would be sweeeet but you're talking quite a bit of $$$ compared to even a built small block 350...


gm500hpwrat: I'm sure it'll turn into a tube creation as time goes on but I'd like to get a base built and start getting time on the sand... what excites me the first 10-15 times out in the dunes definately won't excite me my 100th time out... if that makes sense... so it'll evolve (lighten, more hp, evolving suspension, etc.) as time goes on...

Just some FSC pre-runner pics for the evening...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/SLIDE/MZOFFW.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/SLIDE/Mazulla.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/SLIDE/seth5.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/SLIDE/seth2.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/SLIDE/seth1.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/SLIDE/seth3.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/SLIDE/MAZ9906SILV-LT.jpg

Couple more...

http://a778.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/42/l_1dc2e6d47627169e10fde10e9a608959.jpg
http://a671.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/35/l_bfab23d573aea13f1494386234996c96.jpg
^^ there is a truck in there...^^
http://a531.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/12/l_aa4a6f5cd1fe8f1e45347e76f8a4a792.jpg
http://a178.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/51/l_bd41590e3cff41bc8d41d7e3ea0d36e1.jpg

with all the money in those trucks I would think they could afford better looking girls..

with all the money in those trucks I would think they could afford better looking girls..


Those kinda tramps are the norm at the offroad shows these days. I would still hit though. Even tramps need lovein too. :D and those chevy's are bad ass!

with all the money in those trucks I would think they could afford better looking girls..

Hey you! What's that? Are you talking about the girls I posted yet you haven't produced jack in the PP? :confused: Go post! hahaha :D


Mmmmmm air...
http://a969.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/102/l_953b13b61fa1ce3006e5bc9cd8f17570.jpg

I wish I could embed this but its a sweet movie that goes along w/ tonight's theme...
About 2/3 of the way through he almost rolls it!

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=552248

Found an '07 all done up...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/07%20chevy/07-2.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/07%20chevy/07-5.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/07%20chevy/07-6.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/07%20chevy/07-7.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/07%20chevy/07-8.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/07%20chevy/07-9.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/07%20chevy/07-10.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/07%20chevy/07-11.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/07%20chevy/07-12.jpg

Just out of stupid curiosity which rear end are they using in those late model GM's?

iono but it doesn't look too big... maybe they are just building up the 10b's eeeek! But I doubt it w/ the quality of work I've seen come out of their shop...
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/cmazzulla/myspace%20pics/seth4.jpg

I don't know how to embed a video but I found this from the Baja 500:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=M5NlKcJSgMA

Yeah but that's a total race truck. Just about nothing in common with a production vehicle.

Yeah but that's a total race truck. Just about nothing in common with a production vehicle.

There is nothing in common with a production vehicle but it's a cool clip nonetheless. :D

I don't know how to embed a video but I found this from the Baja 500:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=M5NlKcJSgMA


First off welcome to the boards! (at least according to your post count)...

Secondly if you want to see some good robby gordon stuff search for him at Glamis... GOOD STUFF...
SZLj3GPwP3s


Finally to embed you take that section of the YouTube link that says "=xxxxxxx" and you put it between the tags insert that stuff here
(I left a space between the e and the ] in that first tag b/c otherwise it'll try to post something and you couldn't see the example on how to do it... when you go to do it make it solid w/o any spaces...)

I love his Glamis jumps. That's where the dirt bikes and the big rails go to have fun. It's insane seeing a truck that big and heavy do that.

Thanks for the tips on embedding the video.

I've been a lurker for a long time and this thread finally inspired me to post.

Well nice to have ya' around :)

I've PM'd the Admin of the site about getting a pre-runner sub-forum but he hasn't responded... I'm going to PM him again and see whats up...

That would be cool. I'm looking for a K5 to build into an all around vehicle that will rock crawl as well as have some fun in the dunes.

I had an S10 that I did the whole prerunner/longtravel thing but it was such a terrible platform to start from that I ended up throwing way too much money away for pretty lousy performance.

Hopefully I'll have better luck this time.

Mattafact, where you at in SoCal?

I'm in beautiful Banning for the moment.

avery, you looking for a pre-runner platform? I know a guy with a rust free 2wd k-5 that he'd get rid of cheap :deal:

Several years ago I bought a '73 2wd blazer with the intention of building a budget prerunner with the crappy fabtech long travel lift and some fiberglass. Nothing serious, just something fun to haul my dirt bikes around in. Then of course fabtech quit making their lift. After pricing a few places for a custom coil over job I decided I didn't have the cash. I still have the '73 though, and will keep it for a while in case I hit the lottery.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c231/fatdonyo/P1010110-1.jpg

I like this

I'm finding its pretty easy to make a blazer go fast in the desert. We took my dad's blazer and redid the front suspension using a set of deaver's, my old Race-runners from my blazer and and a set of air bumps and it will haul ass threw the whoops pretty damn good. I still need to put deaver's and bypasses on the back and do some valving work in the front, but it flat out hauls ass, and its fun too. I was hammering it pretty good the last couple trips, and the air bumps make a HUGE difference, I only bottomed it out once on accident when I was playing robby gordon out at glamis and launched pretty high when I hit a lip I didnt see. Im guessing I was 5 or 6 feet in the air and who knows how far, I was moving pretty fast.

I'm planning on going the same route with mine, do the deaver setup with glass fenders, good shocks, high hp and some good axles. It will be my pre-runner, I will have the race truck after I get out of school for going stupid fast.

Oh yeah check this out, this is similar to what my blazer will end up like, although my interior will probably be trimmed out. http://www.chaosfab.com/projects/blazer/blazer.html

hmmm So I'm not the only ck5 member that owns a 2wd k-5

Several years ago I bought a '73 2wd blazer with the intention of building a budget prerunner with the crappy fabtech long travel lift and some fiberglass. Nothing serious, just something fun to haul my dirt bikes around in. Then of course fabtech quit making their lift. After pricing a few places for a custom coil over job I decided I didn't have the cash. I still have the '73 though, and will keep it for a while in case I hit the lottery.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c231/fatdonyo/P1010110-1.jpg

I wish I could find one like that

Oh yeah check this out, this is similar to what my blazer will end up like, although my interior will probably be trimmed out. http://www.chaosfab.com/projects/blazer/blazer.html

That's a really nice blazer. I wonder if that's all the flex it has. I guess that's a trade off.

Oh yeah, here is another BITCHEN trophy blazer. http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=49

That's a really nice blazer. I wonder if that's all the flex it has. I guess that's a trade off.

I doubt it, those deavers work really well, they have a ton of free-arc which works well for both flex and high speed maneuvers. I know my dad's front suspension flex's more than that, and the rear of that blazer looks like its barely working.

Your blazer has some good flex going. You running deavers on it too?

Nope, couldn't afford em at the time. I was trying to see if I could make stock springs work for high speed stuff, but I didnt know anything about valving and never really spent the time to get it right. Its been on the back burner since I built the samurai, and now going to school full time I really dont have time to mess with it. It will be built to go fast once I get out and get my shop built, I want to be able to beat sand rails in the drags out at glamis.

I've PM'd the Admin of the site about getting a pre-runner sub-forum but he hasn't responded... I'm going to PM him again and see whats up... Mr Steve is a busy dood mang, you`ll be lucky to hear back from him:crazy:

avery, you looking for a pre-runner platform? I know a guy with a rust free 2wd k-5 that he'd get rid of cheap :deal:

I'm looking for a pre-smog rig... I'm still deciding if I can go full out pre-runner (2wd) or if I want to keep 4wd to help in the really deep sand (you can't go fast in some areas of Oceano)...

Mr Steve is a busy dood mang, you`ll be lucky to hear back from him:crazy:

I know, I'm a patient guy I just want to make sure he realizes there are plenty of guys on here that are into pre-runners so it'd be a very nice addition to the site... continually growing and expanding is always nice. :D

You dont need 4wd for the sand, you would be amazed what a set of paddles can do, or hell even aired down tires. Last weekend at glamis I used 4wd twice, once was climbing oldsmobile hill, and the other was pulling out a stuck truck, and yes I duned it, its all about momentum and throttle control.

Yeah but what about those times you do need it... you just admitted you needed it on Olds. hill...
I'm sure I could get away with it but I figure with the nice leaf springs available today (and coil-overs down the road) why not keep it 4wd...
Run it in 2wd but then when I need 4wd its there...

I'm sure you've been to Oceano and sure once you're out there and going its really no big deal... a stock truck can make it pretty much everywhere in 4wd but there are plenty of sections where it gets really soft especially around where people camp (and even more so on busy weekends when you have to camp deep into the soft stuff)...


On another note check out how many leaves are in the Deaver leaf springs on that red project blazer... is this how they make them so soft?

http://www.chaosfab.com/projects/blazer/details11.jpg

On another note check out how many leaves are in the Deaver leaf springs on that red project blazer... is this how they make them so soft?


Yes, lots of thin leaves

I just read on their site... looks like their packs are anywhere from 8-12 leaves and shesh I knew they were expensive but didn't realize $800+ expensive... but I guess its one of those things where you get what you pay for :)

Deavers are hands down the best leaf spring you can buy right now. TONS of desert race trucks run them, tons of rock crawlers, and other trucks and they all work awesome. But yes, lots of thin leaves move much easier than a few thick leaves. It also creates a progressive spring rate, more so than standard production leaf springs that have 3 or 4 leaves. Oh yeah, deavers are hand made too.

Now, I could have probably made it up olds in 2wd if I aired the rear tires down more or if I hit it with more speed but there was too much traffic for me to hit it in 3rd gear. Never been to pismo though, I'd just assume go to glamis. 4wd is fun though, the looks on peoples faces when you come climbing UP out of a near vertical bowl is priceless.

I'm running Deavers on my blazer and love them. I have jumped it numerous times out at Oceano and never had a problem with the springs bending or even sagging. I bought my springs about 4 years ago so they didnt cost as much as they do now. I was running BDS before the Deavers and killed them in less then a year (you get what you pay for). Wish I had a set of those air bump stops though because it might have saved a few other things from breaking.

Yeah Jason thats why I'm thinking I'll stick to a 4wd based rig because I like to adventure around as well as go fast :)


camok5 I have a video of you guys out at Oceano from about a year ago I believe and it has a clip of you jumpin'...pretty sick to see a full size rig up in the air :)

Yeah Jason thats why I'm thinking I'll stick to a 4wd based rig because I like to adventure around as well as go fast :)


camok5 I have a video of you guys out at Oceano from about a year ago I believe and it has a clip of you jumpin'...pretty sick to see a full size rig up in the air :)

You must be talking about the video that Jason (Willyswanter) shot that had Ryan and Kevin's tubed out blazers in also.

Yep thats the one... wish I could have been there it looked like you guys had a blast.
Was it just Ryan, Kevin and you that had trucks out that weekend? Thats all I really saw vehicle wise in the movie...

I think there was a few other people from CK5 out there but Jason was mostly just shooting Video of Kevins rig because it was its first trip out since he had rebuilt it. I managed to get a little part in the video because Ryan didnt think I would actually jump the blazer and Jason wanted the proof caught on tape.

haha... didn't think you'd jump it.
You got more air than their tubed out creations on coilovers ;)

Im not going to read 17 pages......but I thought I would share these.
Not a full on prerunner, more of a dailyprecrawler if you will.
http://www.pacificfab.net/gallery/d/890-2/2007-05-25+09-39-35_0022.JPG
http://www.pacificfab.net/gallery/d/828-2/2007-05-21+09-25-25_0015.JPG
http://www.pacificfab.net/gallery/d/801-2/2007-05-18+14-15-46_0007.JPG

haha... didn't think you'd jump it.
You got more air than their tubed out creations on coilovers ;)

Ok now that I read the last few posts....It was pismo this past year. Kevin was leary on jumping his has the last 2 years we have had some good breakage. Last year with Ryan breaking his 60 in half and the year before with me breaking my 44 in half....wait I have video of that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMzwe57rtMw

More pics from pismo this year.
http://pnkages.com/gallery/v/Trips/pismo07/

Man I love that rig... I watch the movie from time to time even though I've probably seen it a hundred times by now...

Haha I've actually seen that youtube movie you linked to... didn't realize it was you.

When do you guys normally go out? Is it a set time of year or just whenever you have time away from the shop? I'd love to make it out some weekend w/ my truck...

Thought I would post this

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=377909

think he is asking more then its worth but its a nice start.

Holy shocks batman!

Thought I would post this

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=377909

think he is asking more then its worth but its a nice start.

If that is the truck I have seen videos(movies back then) from the Baja files, it worked well for its class. Those were some of the first progressive shocks out there. Each one had a different working stroke area and were valved different. Early version of the bypass shock. Notice the ultra thin leafs with what looks like a gazillion springs. Thin means soft and fast.

Ok I just got back from class and had some time to actually check it out... that looks like a pretty nice starting place for the price...

For 3k, it might be worth it.

Yeah but he want 5k started at 8k I think

I think that's a damn good starter truck. Get some new shocks, a little axle work and you'd be ready to have some fun!!

Its probably nice and light too... plus being all caged out is a plus...

I didn't think of 500 caddies before reading that post... we have all been talking about keeping w/ a small block 350 the whole time but I've heard the 500 caddies aren't too terribly heavy (comparably)...

Its probably nice and light too... plus being all caged out is a plus...

I didn't think of 500 caddies before reading that post... we have all been talking about keeping w/ a small block 350 the whole time but I've heard the 500 caddies aren't too terribly heavy (comparably)...Yea they are a little heavier than a 350 but are lighter than a 454

I think they are 60lbs heavier than a 350 but you can throw the Edelbrock aluminum intake on and that eats up a lot of that difference.

What kind of hp/tq. numbers are guys getting from caddies? I know they're torque monsters from the get-go but what kind of hp are guys seeing?

Pics of the day...

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/259.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/260.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/198.jpg

Oh, dig the CC with the TIB front. Nice.

Oh, dig the CC with the TIB front. Nice.

Yeah its pretty sick (and by the blurry engine bay I bet it has somethin' special under the hood ;))

I bet how the arms cross over eachother allow for some serious suspension movement... pretty wild setup.

Yep, there's a reason you see a lot of old Fords with TIB and TTB in the desert/sand scene. Just about the best suspension setup for max travel without going completely 100% buggy custom suspension.

TIB = Twin I Beam?
TTB = uhhhh iono Twin Traction Beam (for out back?)


How do they control the forward to backwards movement on front suspension setups like that? Seems like with those long arms there would be quite a bit of leverage to let the tire move forwards and backwards...

Yes on both of the descriptions. TTB was the 4x4 version. Dana 28's and 35's under the Rangers/Bronco II's/Explorers/clones, Dana 44's under the F150's and Broncos, and Dana 50's under the 3/4 and a very few 1 tons.

The coil sprung small trucks and half tons all had radius arms leading from the beam back. You can see it in the picture taken from the rear d-side of the truck. The factory length arms were all notorious for being a bit short but make them longer and suddenly HEAPS of travel was unlocked. Similarly elongating the beams and mounting them at equal points on each side gave the vehicle LOTS of downtravel.
www.AutoFab.com is a specialist in this sort of suspension.

Somewhere a decade or so ago I saw an article about a guy who had put a Dana 44 TTB under a Suburban that was a desert truck. Might have mentioned that before. Can't remember where I saw it though.

Hmmm thats pretty cool... I wonder why I haven't seen more of this setup when we're out in the sand...

Other than Econoline vans it hasn't been sold new since 1997. Everyone has A-arms under their 2wds and IFS 4x4's.

A-arms can only get the sort of down travel that is possible with TIB and TTB if you use really long A-arms or find a way to move the engine back and mount the A-arms centrally like the race trucks and buggies.

Found a couple more pics from last time we were out in Oceano... this was a nice rig...
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/Oceano%20Dunes/Untitled.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/Oceano%20Dunes/IMG_9404.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/Oceano%20Dunes/IMG_9405.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/Oceano%20Dunes/IMG_9406.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/Oceano%20Dunes/IMG_9407.jpg

I like that truck but I think I would want something a little more dual purpose. It doesnt look like it has enough ground clearance anymore because of the way the suspension is set up. I would want it setup closer to Kevin's rig or maybe more like ktmoutfront's rig. Speaking of which is there anymore pics floating around of ktmoutfront's blazer?

There's some on his photobucket...

http://s199.photobucket.com/albums/aa139/ktmoutfront/

Yeah I see what you're saying about being dual-purpose but at the same time if all you do is sand then why not go all out? Keeping the CG low like that probably helps quite a bit... from his speed and the way he sounded I bet he had some serious hp.


Man all this is making me want to do a big CK5 Pismo meet and greet... hopefully we'll get one together soon enough :)

If all you wanted to do is sand then I would just build a sandrail and keep a 4x4 truck to pull it to and from the dunes. I love going out to pismo with my blazer but its really hard on it because its so heavy. I would love to build a truck like the one in your pick but then what would be the point of it having 4x4 if it cant really use it somewhere else.

Yeah but I don't have a 4x4 to tow it with so by the time I bought that and a sand rail I'd be in it for quite a bit... I'll do a sand rail down the road I'm sure but for now I'm really interested in building a truck...

OMFG!! that black cab/truck is bada$$!! I am in love

haha

Little Robby Gordon to kick off the morning... :)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JvPcNjEREg8
JvPcNjEREg8

wheel travel...
...quality not quantity.


good shocks and springs go a long way.

wheel travel...
...quality not quantity.


good shocks and springs go a long way.


It's been said again.

Spend the money on the shocks.

Yeah I'm catching the drift :)

heres my 79 at ols hill in glamis. i ran it in 4wd most of the time although i didnt need to. i had no trouble going up olds other than the whoops, had to basically idle most of the way up the hill then i could get on it. duning a full size is no big deal if you know what your doing. i have taken my f250 superduty deisel in the big bowls at glamis(rescue mission) you just gotta pick your lines before hand.

Nice truck man! Member since '04 and only 2 posts? Where have ya' been? :)

So are the paddles worth it on the back or should I just stick to 4 BFG AT's?
Also where did you get them?

i have been a lurker here for a while, decided to pay the fee so i could see some pics here. im more of a desert guy since my offraoding consists of glamis and the desert in barstow lucerne valley, etc.

bfg a/t work really well aired down to around 12psi, thats what i had on my superduty when i ran it in the dunes.

my blazer didnt need the paddles, but i figured what the hell and put em on. i got them from suspension unlimited in ontario, you can also get them from fulelrton sand tires. the blazer throws a helluva roost in 2wd with these paddles. they are 35inches tall too to match the front tire height. helps to have the power to turn em too though. ive had my blazer since 1989 and been messing with it ever since. right now its got a 2in lift on it, crappy rancho shocks, 4.10 gears front and back with a locker on the rear, 400sb with scat rods, dart heads, roller cam, and all the goodies to break drivetrain parts lol. i am planning some serious suspension mods to help the ride in the dirt, leaf springs suck lol. looking at either a 3 link with coilovers or something like that total kaos setup. still figuring out what its gonna take to do all the stuff i want. im also looking for a 73-75 blazer for parts, mainly windhsield fram and top and a clean title.

Cool... yeah I learned from other members (username chevyin) last time we were out in Oceano that the BFG AT's are an INCREDIBLE sand tire when aired down... thats what they ran on the '80 k5 they brought out for the weekend and I was blown away...

Thanks for the heads up on the paddles...

Oh and check the for-sale section. I know there are a couple trucks for sale that meet your needs from a SoCal member... he's letting them go cheap too...

i have taken my f250 superduty deisel in the big bowls at glamis(rescue mission) you just gotta pick your lines before hand.

Thats the most fun I have ever had in the dunes. A buddys bike broke and another freind who wheels his fullsize bronco in the dunes was on a four wheeler and I just followed him no worries about the lines or anything I knew if he went down something it was no problem for me. That was a blast.

Thats another thing about wheeling a full size in the dunes I have taken 3 bikes and towed a couple of rails out of places. They make nice rescue rigs

Until they get stuck too! haha j/k this guy was an idiot for not realizing his wheelbase was too long....
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/Oceano%20Dunes/IMG_9395.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/Oceano%20Dunes/IMG_9400.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/Oceano%20Dunes/IMG_9403.jpg


So was this guy...
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/Oceano%20Dunes/IMG_9414.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/Oceano%20Dunes/IMG_9413.jpg

This thread has wanted me to make a crawler/ pre-runner so bad now!

I know man... its sparked a lot of interest, even from guys that don't normally post. I wish Steve would discuss the idea of opening up that new sub-forum for pre-runners, I think it'd be pretty popular and give guys that are into it a place to hang out and post...

It would be a good idea, heck lets do what pirate did and make a chevy for the baja 1k. :pimp:

haha I don't think we have the ability to do something like that quite yet but I'd definately like to see an area for us to discuss pre-runnin'...

Come on Steve!!! haha

I've sent him two PM's but he hasn't responded yet...

The guy in the Ford was an idiot for driving a 6000lb truck on stock tires with street pressures straight down a dune instead of at an angle. Sound like we need to plan a Glamis trip. I looked and it will only take me 15 hours to get there. Plus fuel and food stops. Thats about $800 in fuel for the tow rig. Ouch.

Yeah the guy in the stupid duty just drove straight down and plowed into the sand...ended up w/ his front and rear bumpers supporting the truck...

The 1/2 ton turd was a group of teenagers and if I remember correctly we were laughing at them b/c it still had paper plates on it...
They didn't even have shovels, they just started digging by hand, lol...

But hey if it wasn't for the blue oval group it wouldn't be nearly as entertaining out there ;)



Yeah ktmoutfront I'd love to make a Glamis trip someday. I priced out some Deaver front springs last night so I might go that route for a while... www.polyperformance.com (http://www.polyperformance.com) has some pretty good prices on them.

yeah the guys in those pics dont know how to drive in sand.

i go to glamis at least twice amonth, ceot for this month, will only be going out newyears weekend. this past november i spent half the month at glamis. i hope to have the blazer back out there in late march, changing the heads and cam and gotta fix a few things.

Sounds like fun :)


On a side note at 4:55 in this vid there is a nice old chevy... looks like what I envision my k10 looking like in a little bit...
H-j3LcXTGp8

Also any of you guys have a Glamis map that shows the hills and areas? Such as Old's hill, China Wall, etc.
I'm going to go and search a couple sites b/c I think I saw one a while back but figured one of you guys would have one too.

all i can say is build a bitchin 4x4 so you can ripp people out of being stuck and get free brews and watch some bumpers get pulled off...ive launched my big block blazer leaf spring and all in the air well over 6ft and only had a brakeline break once cause i didnt adjust my limit strap correctly ..ive hit whoops on the side of the rd at glamis .. its all about knowing what your doing and knowing how your vehicle responds... keeping in mind you cant flat bottom devils slide in ocitillo wells cause you are a heavey monster out their and will not bounce like the light pre runners .. and most importantly set your rig up right and not half ass things and gusset things
http://a366.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/53/l_02888ca2a21f8c4fb043eccc4cbd6765.jpg

Sweet pic man!

Pics of the day...

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/259.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/260.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/Avery4jc/198.jpg

Alright - now you've gone and killed me - that cc is BAD ASS :eek1::eek1::bow::bow: I'M IN LOVE W/ THAT TRUCK!!!!!!!!!!

haha yep :)

Alright - now you've gone and killed me - that cc is BAD ASS :eek1::eek1::bow::bow: I'M IN LOVE W/ THAT TRUCK!!!!!!!!!!



X2! ya know........I have a crew cab......:thinking:.......

DO IT! :D:deal: :weld::grind::crewcab: :saweet:

Let me think about this. I could put the 454 out of the crew cab thats built and sitting on the engine stand in my K5 along with the built th400/np205, get a NWF black box later. I was going to use the D60 out of the crew cab in my K5 till I hunted up another. Wouldn't have to come up with another if I went that route. could sell the crew cab front clip and bed to help with Fiber glass cost. The TH350/NP205 in my K5 could go in my 89' aka 74' registered burb and replace the 700R/208 or mate the np 205 to the 700R. The 383 in the K5 could go in the crew cab. would make a nice high revin hi torque prerunner motor.

Ditch the 89' crew cab 14FF axle since its made of grey cast iron. Build one of my 4 others 14FF ubber stout. Talk to the guy down the alley who has a 74 K20 4x4 into selling the POS and register my 89' crew cab as a 74' = no smog :D. Put the 8 lug D44 out of the K20 in my burb and ditch the 6 lug 10 bolt and put the 14FF I have for it in too.

The only thing is my crew cab WAS going to be my tow rig when it was done. Solution, buy a brand new diesel megacab Dodge 4x4 Duelly and have a long bed conversion done on it. Oh I want one of those. Diesel for towing is the only way to go. I have the plan complete, what do you think?? :D

I think.... DO IT! hahaha

oh and PM sent...

I have that black crew cab saved on computer. I realy wish I knew who makes the fenders and bedsides on that one cuz I havent been able to find them.

why is the engine bay blurred out? is it one of those super secret, supercharged, twin turbo, high compression, diesel, nitrous, racing engines?

Probably... that doesn't look like your average shop project and they probably didn't want to show what they're runnin' under the hood :deal:

I have that black crew cab saved on computer. I realy wish I knew who makes the fenders and bedsides on that one cuz I havent been able to find them.


they look like the ones here http://autofab.com/blazer.htm

I have that black crew cab saved on computer. I realy wish I knew who makes the fenders and bedsides on that one cuz I havent been able to find them.
i found the info on that crew cab over on race-dezert.com

'74 Chevy 3+3 CrewCab, GM Performance Parts 572 (620 Hp), Culhane Th400, Speedway 9" FF, Modified equal length I-beams and spindles off a '69 E300 Van, Four Link, Sway-A-Way 3" Bypass and Coilovers and Bumpstops, 4 MasterCraft 3G Seats, Custom SS Headers and exhaust by RPM in Vista, Custom interior by El Cajon Auto Trim, Vintage Air, AutoMeter, Wiring By Wire Fab, 65 Gallon custom Fuel Cell by Complete Fabrication/Jim Harmon, 6" Autofab Fiberglass, 37" BFG Projects on American Racing Wheels, Owned by James Hable, Built by Glen Straightiff at Complete Fabrication in El Cajon who affectionately calls it El Chorizo Grande or the Big Sausage.

Thats awesome! Nice find!

they look like the ones here http://autofab.com/blazer.htm

sweet thank you. I have searched on several serch engines for "fiberglass fenders" and that site has never come up for me. I always get hanneman and glasswerks, and a bunch that dont offer chevy stuff.

By the way Avery, notice how quick this thread is climbing the reply # list?
Lets get some more tech and pictures!

Yeah sorry bro I've been slacking on my somewhat daily updates :) Finals aren't fun :(

On another note the boss said he is willing to think the idea of a desert/sand/pre-runner type sub-forum over... so when he makes a decision either way I'll let you all know...

OK heres a tech oriented question. I have looked at alot of these trucks, they are awesome and I wish I had oodles of money to build one.
I however would rather have it more dual purpose and 4wd.

Now the question is why do they always build the rear trailing arms with this bulge downward? Couldnt it be pointed up for more clearance? I can understand the structure of it makes it strong, but why always down?

heres a pic for refrence

My guess is because there is a spring there. If you look closely in the 2nd picture with the suspension dropped you can see it.

Yes, and because when the suspension is compressed if that was angled "up" you'd be ramming it into stuff and lose some of your up-travel...

Oh and trucks at this level don't serve a dual purpose ;)
They're built for one thing and one thing only...and thats to haul ass over dirt and sand :)

My guess is if you built it straight trailing arm you would have to place the shocks higher up in the chassis which probably is just not practical or doable. Since most all trailing arm setups have shocks mounted mid trailing arm its just good geometry to have the trailing arms built with a elbow at the shock mounting point. Not to mention there might be clearence issues with straight arms.

They do it that way for strength, and also when you mount your shocks on the link like that you need to have the shock bolt below the centerline of the two link mounts if you arent running a bushing on the front or rear lower link mount. By building it that way it allows for the link to have high misalignment, and also have enough strength to be able to keep up with the abuse of the high speed desert stuff.

Oh yeah, here's another bad ass truck I see out at glamis all the time.

Pretty unique setup...

So we see its linked and coiled but do you know what he runs engine/tranny/TC/axle wise?

here is ont that petersons featured a few years back
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/featuredvehicles/1991_gmc_truck/index.html

If any body is seriously thinking of building a prerunner and want cheap and Chevy I would start with a 68-72 2wd cuz then you basically have the rear trailing arms to start with.

Yeah but I don't have a 4x4 to tow it with...
1985 K10 (http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2290441)
350/700R4/208/14ff/10b/4.10's/8"/38.5" MT Baja Claws
2000 C2500
BB454/14ff/3.73's/4L80E

:confused::confused::confused::confused:

I say it`s time to lower the K10 to 4", throw some 33s under it, and make that the DD/towrig. With 33s, you`re already at a great gear setup for towing :deal:

The reason they build the angled arms is due to shock geometry. I did the same thing with my Blazer originally. Then decided a 4 seater was a must. I moved the shocks over the rear axle. Made them hard to tune. Also, putting the shocks forward on the arms can give 24 inches of travel out of 18 inch shocks and so on. The leverage can work in your favor for tuning.

In Moab, everybody was telling me I was going to hang up on the arms. Once I figured out I could hit things faster than most people, the arms became rock sliders that lifted the rear wheels onto the ledges. Who knew? I only had to back up twice to get over something.

1985 K10 (http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2290441)
350/700R4/208/14ff/10b/4.10's/8"/38.5" MT Baja Claws
2000 C2500
BB454/14ff/3.73's/4L80E

:confused::confused::confused::confused:

I say it`s time to lower the K10 to 4", throw some 33s under it, and make that the DD/towrig. With 33s, you`re already at a great gear setup for towing :deal:

Yeah but I don't want to tow w/ a 22 year old truck thats a 1/2 ton standard cab short bed... I couldn't even imagine trying to tow with that short of a wheelbase even if it did have the power... plus I don't think that 700r4 would like towing 10k :D
There are some BIG hills that we have to climb to get over to the coast and even with the BB/4L80e/3.73 and stock height tire combo it gives me a run for my money so I know my k10 just doesn't have the cajonies...
I'm sort of on pause right now b/c I don't know whats going to happen to the '00 crew cab. My dad has a truck, I have my '85, my mom has a new Santa Fe' (and absolutely no desire to ever drive