Squarebody Restoration tips and tricks! The first upgrades you should do to your old truck!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- After building several Squarebodies over the years, these are the upgrades and repairs that I believe get you the most bang for you buck. Improve the steering, ride comfort, safety and reliability with a few simple parts.
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Link to the seat bracket mounts for late model GM third row for your Blazer!
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Subed. Had an 85 k10 years ago. Plowed with it. Frame cracked in half both front horns. Ps box pulled away from the frame. Pulled engine out. Made plates and welded the cracks up. Made my own ps plates and welded them one. Did not have time to order plates as this was during a blizzard. Stayed up all night to get it done. Back on the road and plowing the next day. Fun times. Cool channel you have.
Thanks for the run through, it sure makes tackling a blazer much simpler. Great recommendation on the Bilstein shocks.
What's a good TH-cam channel that gives good a hands on instruction on restoring one of these things
Best video that you’ve put out in awhile Merrick. Great information on the number one problem on these trucks , the steering. I hope to see a series on regular road trucks like this .
Yea I’m gonna be doing more basic stuff to help out those who aren’t looking to build rock crawlers. Driving this thing reminded me how cool stock blazers are
Yes, please! 👍
@@MerricksGarageGreat video. I have a 1989 square body suburban and I would like to lift it. Which lift kit would be the best for handling the weight?!
When I was 14 in the early '90s, I picked up a 73 K10 as a project vehicle to work on when I was in auto shop. I loved that truck, upgraded it with a 4-in suspension 35s, redid the exterior & interior and the mechanicals. 20 years later, I'm still kicking myself for selling it. Kind of been jonesing to get another one of these trucks, I feel like with the economy what it is probably investing in square bodies is a solid bet, Haha!
I had mine up for sale once. About twenty years ago. The kid that came to look at it was not worthy of it so I decided to not sell lol.
just bought an '88 K5. This is a huge help as I am facing all the problems as you had in beginning stages!
Another great video, Merrick! We appreciate all of the work you put in to spread the knowledge! 🤘🏽
These trucks come alive, with the ORD Kevlar bushings, ORD/Reid Crossover kit, ORD steering gear reinforcement kit, PSC steering gear and Jeep steering shaft. Best money ever spent! ✌🏽
Great video and very informative for k5 newbies
Thanks 👍
Thankyou this is great! Looking in buying my first square body 4x4. Grts from the Netherlands
just got a 1988 K5 ( V5 to be accurate) and i am watching this very carefully! we just did $4700 dollars worth of mechanical fixes including new wheels and tires. it is now much safer to drive! it is not going in for body and paint work! this video is awesome!
Terrific video man. Glad I found it! Love the Squarebody content. Keep it coming! I own a ‘84 K20 so I take in all the Squarebody content that I can. Looking forward to seeing more from you. 👍🏻👍🏻
Would love to see a before and after of how much it improved the steering.
That's what I mean when I say G.O.A.T review!!
Can't wait for videos on the upgrades.
What a great informative video! I can't wait for updates as you make the changes. I'm binging on TH-cam until I can find a square body suburban of my own. 86'
Don’t give up. There are tons of killer rigs out there. @bornforadventure on Instagram has several for sale right now. There is also one for sale in the comments of this video
@@MerricksGarage Thank you!
Love your videos on these old square bodies! They are very helpful and informative! I am working on my old 87 3/4ton. Hope to make all the same improvements you recommend! Starting with the suspension upgrades! So please keep the information flowing!
Just found this. Been in a place finally to have some money to play with as my family is in a good spot. My brother is rebuilding a bronco, my other brother is hunting a cherokee and I am a chevy man as thats what has fallen in my lap most of my life. So going with a K5 and hitting the market next year I am doing my planning now. Great channel so far so am subbing. Keep up the great work!
You are 100% right about the steering box. I bought a 1984 GMC Jimmy and when driving it home coming through San Bernardino taking a curve the steering box snapped away from the frame and almost wrecked it into a ditch. I had to kick it into reverse on the freeway to get into the emergency lane 😂
Just bought a 95 Blazes l
LS. I know its not the samw but its a lot of fun to drive. Installing new cold air intake tomorrow. 😅
Awesome video. My first car is 1984 K10 6.2L suburban. It runs well but there are some things that need to be fixed. This video helps me a lot. Thanks.
Thanks James, great video and perfect timing! 👍I just bought my K5 and it's pretty much terrifying to drive. It's all over the place at random times, look at it the wrong way and you're halfway down a ditch! 😂
Yea they take some getting used to. I always tell people that the steering wheel is only for suggestions. It will steer where it wants to go. Ha ha
Bump steer is part of that old fashion design; tight steering linkage is required. It will ride softer and more flex off road without the front sway bar. Yes steering box can rip and wreck the frame! :)
What a great channel for square body enthusiasts,;just became a subscriber.
The first two vehicles I ever owned were square bodies. My first was a 76 GMC Jimmy 2wd and then a 78 Chevy K10 Scottsdale 4x4 with a 3" body lift and 35" mudders.
Currently own a 2009 Chevy Tahoe SSV 4x4 and wanna start a project truck. Got my eyes on a 79 Blazer 2wd from Oklahoma complete minus engine and tranny or a 77 K10 4x4 short box from Arizona mostly complete needs more work and double the price but is a 4x4 short box.
Decisions, decisions! Keep the content coming, great channel, beautiful work on the vehicles you work on!
I have a 1984 Blazer in AZ that I'm getting ready to sell..... Although the more I make it better the harder it is to let go!
Informative video 👍 would love to see more videos of this or other full size drivers from 70s,80s and maybe even 88 to 98 k series trucks?
Thank god for controversy free content.
Just stumbled upon your channel and am really enjoying the content. It’s very entertaining, informative and accessible. I’ve got a couple of ‘76 K10s that are keeping me busy and I’m already getting some good tips and ideas.
I have a 1976 I parked behind garage at least 15 years ago. .
One day I will get to it
Thinks are different now than they were 15 or 20 years ago. When you start driving it again, be ready to answer a lot of questions and tell people that it’s not for sale.
A Borgeson steering shaft (or budget friendly Jeep XJ steering shaft) swap would definitely be a worth while upgrade. Those rag joints don't exactly add to steering responsiveness. LoL The short wheelbase of a K5 coupled with worn steering/suspension parts can certainly make for an interesting experience! Kinda like driving a tractor at 60mph! LoL I also agree 100% about those everybody's brand "white" shocks...better than no shocks, but not much and not for long.
I don’t get why everyone goes with the cheap junker shocks. I have yet to remove one that wasn’t completely shot. My Bilstein’s on the other hand have been on multiple builds and still going strong.
@@MerricksGarage I've seen a few 5100 failure's muck gets stuck in the boot shaft rusts and snaps
Love bilstiens. Looks at the steering shaft too, I put a cherokee shaft in mine dumping the rag joint.
You are king of squarebody 🤴
74 K20 about to get started updating it. Had it for 30 years and it still needs a Trans dam turbo 350
Really nice video. Learned some good stuff
Hey Meric, I have a 1983 GMC Blazer. Pretty clean, I've had it for over 22 years. I want to modernize it, but not at the expense of the old school spirit. Can you do an episode on this please?
I’m sorry but this will be long because every build is gonna be 100% different. Your version to my version of modern comforts are gonna differ but I am happy to share my thoughts and if you use them, AWESOME. If not, STILL AWEsome. Without further ado: ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
I would recommend fuel injection(aftermarket or LS),
a good 4speed or the newer 6l80e for better acceleration and better fuel economy and keeps rpm’s down while cruising our 75+mph highways
The factory steering is good and easy for a daily driver but off-road sucks. If it does off-road, recommendation to crossover steering is a must.
Install sound/heat deadening material to the whole interior and reseal all the cracks and corners.
Install a set of Dakota digital gauges.(vhx is my favorite). This will give you nice simple gauges that are electronic, real time, with selections for different trips and customizable with colors.
Upgrade the AC compressor with a newer unit from a vortec 350 or keep the factory LS compressor if that is your path of engine choice.(vintage air is a nice setup but cost a lot of money in my opinion)
Pull out your HVAC box under the dash and clean and reseal with a rubber or foam padding. This will keep all the air coming out the vents and nowhere else.
Lubricate all the hvac linkages and replace all the vacuum hoses.
Instal a nice Bluetooth radio because a screen for apple car play is virtually useless when trying to drive…..
Reseal all the doors, glass and tailgate. Also put a piece of PVC pipe on the door striker to keep the doors great and with the sound deadening, the door will **thud** when you close the door and keep a nice seal.
Also, upgrade to LED lighting. LED uses less amps to be on and have a decent lifespan. This will keep a lot of load off of light switches and fuse panel and alternator.
With that, also install a relay window harness, otherwise known as “heavy duty window harness”. This reroutes power to the motors from the switch, to the relays. This means, the motors get its power straight from the battery, not the switch. Therefore taking the load off the switches, saving switches and the motor.
Upgrade the seats from a newer suburban. Takes a bit of welding BUT you’re also not spending $1,500 on just front seats, saving roughly $1,300 and having a really nice seat.I personally love my factory captains chairs but considering newer seats as you cannot really repair or buy the factory ones anymore……
That is my personal opinion and stuff I want to do or have done with my trucks…… I own a 1991 suburban Silverado 4x4 and I’ve driven it to NY from KS last year and going to pick it up after my job in EU is done in the next few weeks. My plan is edelbrock pro flow fuel injection, nv4500/6l80e trans, Dakota digital dash, upgrade AC, and redo my interior for awesome heating/cooling and a nice cruiser. It has one tone axles with 410’s so it’s not fast but it gets where it needs to with a trailer.
🤘Thanks Merrick❕it's the simple things, exactly what you said. I would love to see that Blazer with the same stance, only with new shocks and steering upgrades you spoke of. Some Deaver front and rear springs, hence the stance! Only without the 2" blocks, yes to crossover steering.
A few minor engine mods, but it will cost a couple of $ bucks, performance upgrades like electronic injection, ??? h.e.i. distributor? Performance Brand, or some ported heads, hand done, light gasket match, cam upgrade? Compression hike? With aluminum heads and headers and duels. Nothing of the extreme, keep it quiet with some what of a lumpy cam.
Thanks Merrick✌🏻.
👍👌🏻🙋♂️ 🌤 🇨🇦 👨🦽 😎🤘.
I like that a lot. I think building a “sleeper” blazer would be dope. Keep it basic but all the upgrades and amenities done to keep it modern driving. The Holley sniper setup is rad for this too
I really really wish you weren’t out in California. I really really want a square body, but I basicly want to start with a frame, cab, and title. I can work on a vehicle, but don’t have the space to work on one. I’m all the way over in Pittsburgh.
It’s easy enough to ship something back and forth.
that sure looks like like a dana44 front to me 😁
Just like one! Ha ha
@@MerricksGarage How reliable or fixable is a TBI 350 squarebody K5 Blazer vs a single wire HEI distributor carburetor 350 squarebody K5 Blazer, would be getting a stage 1 automatic transmission rebuild from Monster Transmision for either one. Will be puting front/rear lockers, 35x12.5r15 tires and a 3 inch lift(+550lbs capacity), front winch bumper, spare tire carrier bumper, 4.10 diffs, move the front axle forward .5 inch and rear axle rearward 1.5 inches with the 31 gallon fuel tank with custom springs, stage 1 cam, tubular headers into a single 3 inch exhaust system, Eldelbrock performer intake manifold, K&N intake air filter, increased coolant capacity radiator, synthetic oil throughout with ZDPP for the engine, roll cage, 550lbs of stuff in the back, .25 steel sliders and skid plates, and crossover steering.
You might want to do a complete inspection before you jump in and take a joyride. Just in case the next vehicle is missing a few steering box bolts. Im just throwing it out there. That is a sweet blazer. Someone definitely put in some work to get it to the shape it's in
Nah that’s part of the adventure. I had already gone through it. That’s the magic of editing!!
He’s so far along in the build that he should consider those things .. thats one clean K5
Dont forget the u joints on the front half shafts. It is scary when they freeze up.
I’ve been considering a blazer since I sold my 79 k15. Maybe off topic of video, more on topic of your vid title- seems like 89 is the Goldilocks year. When looking for a rig, fuel injection is important up in the northern states. Furthermore, a manual trans with overdrive is kinda a must for something you would like to drive long distances regularly. The classic ‘watch out for rust’ and ‘make sure it’s complete’ are important. Even if it’s only rusted in the corner, it’s basically a full repaint ($$$).
I need to get a blazer 😩
Meh the rust thing is kinda pay to play with a truck this old. 89 is a sweet spot for sure but depends on what you are looking for.
I run a 06 Dodge Ram 1500. Bilsteins were the best money I ever spent on my truck.
Thank you for the info
One huge issue you’ve overlooked are tires . When you install tires with more side wall height you get tire wondering. Installing a tire with stiffer side walls like a E rated tire will give you a huge improvement.
On my 1984 chevy 5/4 ton the suspension got 6" leaf springs , always thought was different the rear u bolts nuts point downward instead of upward like civilian square body chevys, I like the rear shocks bolted to inside frame brackets instead of. civilian square body frame holes that can crack
With a simple 2 u-joint shaft and 4" of lift they wear faster, FYI!
Have checked the cable in the cable housing to see if it's snapped into.,or unsquared end unrevealed inside of it to.
I strongly recommend everyone that is going to do anything off-road square body to invest in cross over steering and even on a one ton frame reinforcements frame plate on steering box area .
Did you watch my video?
@@MerricksGarage yes I got hung up taking my dogs out
@@MerricksGarage I went back and smashed the like because I normally do it at the end .but my big beast of a dog tells me he had to go outside
It shouldn't wander if the steering geometry is tight. I have the same problem with my 78 Chevy K10 with 4 inch lift kit. Can't get distracted and hanging tight on the steering wheel. The shop attributed it to the narrow 33 inch tires on 15x8 wheels. It has a dropped pitman arm but still. It turns better after installing the dropped pitman arm. I would drive up on the sidewalk with the stock one.
That was a great review
Need to get the steering box frame patch for my k5 but I need a company willing to ship to the uk I'm in the middle of an engine swap and during a little extra cleanup I found the fame cracked on the top left and bottom right bolt holes (looking from drivers wheel well)
Off-road design won’t ship? If they won’t I’ll send you one
@@MerricksGarage unfortunately not merrick I was gonna try and email them direct I've heard nothing but good things about them too 👍
I have a 77 c20 that I would love to somehow convert to a 3/4 ton blazer. I’ve seen forums that say it’s too much work but that’s about all they say. “Too much body work” but I’ve seen a guy chop his roof on his square body dually and that’s pretty much the same concept I’m looking for with a back seat and a roll cage. They always recommended just buying a blazer or burb but I want to be able to keep my pickup and use it as a pickup when I need and be able to throw a back seat with my kids and have the top off on those nice summer days. Any thoughts?
You can buy a blazer and have it be a pickup as well
First I'd like to say thanks for the video, very helpful! Secondly would you recommend a 4 core rad? Honestly my '80 is in very similar shape, down to the 2 inch lift with ranchos and basically non functioning dash cluster. Needs to be regeared because the previous owner put 33's on it but I'm thinking about just going to 35's and throwing a Dana 60 (if I can find one for a reasonable price) and a one ton out back. I'd like to stroke it but discovered my motors actually a reman that's been sleeved so I'm thinking maybe just find another that I'll feel comfortable stroking. Keep up the awesome content!
Stick with a smaller rad. Four core can limit flow.
I bought a 1975 Chevy Cheyenne K10, and I can't tell if it is lifted, and no one else can either, at some of the shops around here, it has 3 inch blocks on the rear axle , I want to put it back to stock, but those blocks look like they been there since 75
How does the drag link angle look on your stock steering? Is there a drop pitman arm?
@@MerricksGarage let me check it out and I'll let you know, I don't know what a stock one looks like thou??
@@MerricksGarage is it supposed to be flat or with a slight bend in it?
I see your subscribers creeping up. You deserve it!
I have Bilstein 5125 's on my 1989 Suburban and they are great , I sometimes see them mounted upside down , does it matter on the orientation ?
nope, another benefit. I like to keep them with the stanchion down so that I don't get dirt buildup on the wiper seal.
Crossover steering not needed for small lift and tires. Nor is drop pitman arm. Fix the bushings and replace all rod ends then give her an alignment
Many people say the Jeep steering shaft upgrade is well worth it as well.
It is. It gets rid of the rag joint. It’s the Cherokee’s shaft you want.
@@MerricksGarage what yrs?
thanks for the run down , i have a 78 k5 blazer cant find out why the steering wont turn while just idling.. drives and steers when going down the road , ok just doesn't steer while idling, i have 36 '' tires and a four inch lift can you let me know what is the problem
My 78 K5 runs fantastic but I would like to convert it to 2 wheel drive like mortsky did his and lower it. Mine does have good air conditioning and heat with power steering power brakes.
Convert to 2wd? Huh? 🤔
I've seen a couple 4wd K5s converted to 2wd, it's a pretty straightforward project. The factory 2wd K5s are extremely rare in general, so up here in the Northeast they're basically nonexistent. Unique squarebody for sure...just not my style. I'd say go for it, it's your rig! But keep the original parts for when you change your mind and go back to 4wd. LoL
I already notice something you didn't notice.those are military wrapped leafs unlike traditional leaf spring lifts
Yea I noticed.
Thanks for the recommendation on the shocks. Is there a steering stabilizer shock you recommend that works too?
Is a K30's frame thicker then a 1/2 ton? And its interesting to see the bushings on those front springs not being the right size. I have run into this with the cheaper lift springs more than once.
yea, the one ton are thicker. Go watch my last video. I measured on there. Can't remember the numbers off the top of my head, but thicker and taller
Thanks James
A real dad says things like that I'm a disabled mechanic that loves 4x4 jeep chevy and ford is what I drive
Picked up my first burb well sort of… it arrives soon. Says she rides good but not smooth over bumps. What shocks would you recommend to help ride quality? It has 35x12.50x20s on it also.. not sure on the lift brand etc
Could you give a rough estimate on cost for each of these improvements? Thank you!!!!!!!!
The hand held light. It’s pretty bright. Who’s is it?
It’s a Milwaukee true color detailing and paint light. It’s rad
@@MerricksGarage Txs
Where can I find correct bushings for square body trucks? I have ‘80 K5. Thanks.
LMC truck or off-road design
U-joints will alway wear fast with lifted truck!
thats not true. All my trucks are lifted and don't wear through U-Joints. It has to do with proper pinion angle and correct driveline selection. Basically call Tom Woods..... @tomwoodsdriveshafts
Grate video
I have a 91 burben and want to put cross over steering but I don't have a flat top right side knuckle is there a way to do it or do I have to get a flat top knuckle
You've got the money there are a few different manufacturers like ORD that make it easier to convert to crossover steering. If you are able to do some of the work yourself or know someone who can, you could save a little money. When I did a SAS on my 92 2500 with crossover steering back in mid 2000's,
I used a pass side flat top steering knuckle off of a Ford Dana 44 & bolted on a custom steering arm taper drilled for my stock steering joints.
I used a shortened and sleeved and rewelded adjustable center tie rod link, to make a drag link to attach my Pittman arm to my steering knuckle arm. you may run into tight clearance issues depending on the suspension & axle you are using. It worked great for me, everyday driving as my work truck & a weekend 4x4 toy for another 15+ years before I sold it!
@@darylmathis7125 the is not a problem I'll look in to that thanks
Can u post a link for the family roll cage u mentioned
that is a lot of milwaukee packout stuff lol omg
Looks like a d44 in the front
👍
i have a 82 gmc c1500. im just a about to be senior and im struggling on my project truck, theres a lot of hoses and lines i got no clue what to do. its a 305 and theres not many things about it. i can’t really afford to get a 350 cause engine hoist are pricey and engine itself too. the radiator is corroded ahd bad so are the hoses. i got a new radiator, upper and lower hoses and thermostat, i should get a waterpump as well right? and what exactly can i di about the whole cooling system, like it doesn’t run so i can’t really put radiator flush
You don’t need the 350 over the 305. Plus you can rent hoists if you ever need one. I would recommend pulling the rad and hoses and flushing your block. Just put a hose on the water pump pipe. You may want to replace the water pump too right now. It’s good cheap insurance. Take your time, keep working and label things when you take them off etc
@@MerricksGarage ohh okay, i’ll keep that noted. is putting the hose on water pump pipe a good thing to do? and does it have to be my regular garden hose?
@@MerricksGarage haha i am, im also rebuilding carb for it and its going well👍
My 1974 k5 needs help!!!!
What’s the part number for the new shocks
Hello, I have the same problem with the play on the steering, but im no to good to order parts online can you help me with a steering box brand and a rag link I already have a double steering stabilizer.
I be appreciated thank you
I have a 1983 gmc jimmy
I was wondering if you would be interested in a gmc 83 6.2 suburban in Illinois for 3,000
I would, but that's a long way away
Ok. Juts checking.
Thank you for not swapping an ls
I have to ask, how did you get your truck to pass smog in California? If I recall you burb was a 350, did the smog referee have any issues? Especially with gas to diesel swap?
It was originally a 1983 with a diesel
@@MerricksGarage That makes sense
Speed not working, AC not working, gas gauge not working, oil pressure not working, lights/?/...dude , Im driving during a day time who cares about the lights, You bud did work on a truck so hard and even did paint it....wow, I hope he did paint better than all the rest he did or not. TH
Can you please help I need a rearend for 90 Chevrolet suburban 2wd
What's your location, mate?
That's a beautiful Blazer god$#@😎🦾🇺🇸
it has some issues and rough edges but overall it is very very clean
Spring U-bolts always come lose, retorque.
yup, go watch my Death Valley video and see what the worst case scenario looks like...
That k5 has a Dana 44 not the corporate 10bolt…….
Lots … lots of disconnect 🤣🤣🤦🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Sent email on blazer its cheap enough I was passing it on to you!
Steering rag joints will probably be worn out!
Those will not ride nice with overload springs, need to remove them for sure!
If it ain't broke, do not fix it!
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Agreed 100%. Bodywork should be the last thing to be addressed. Icing on the cake so to speak. I daily a 74 k10 and do my own wrenching. Dead reliable if you stay on top of things.
Don't you also need to get a 2wd steering box for the left to right not the 4x4 box push pull? That's atleast what we did to a buddy's k5 thing is one of the smoothest driving rigs of the group
Yea gonna go into all that in the steering upgrade video. Generally goes hand in hand with crossover due to the box generally being pretty old.