sunks K5 build

[sunk]

Not sure how to start a build thread, I am usually bad about posting updates and loading pictures...

It all started with the sloppy steering. I decided it was not worth upgrading the 10 bolt axles and I should just go to 1 tons. I have been collecting parts over the past year (or 2) and am about ready to put them under the truck.

I tore the Dana 60 front down to the ears and rebuilt just about the whole thing. New kingpins, u-joint, bearings and seals, hubs, rotors and calipers, crossover high steer kit, and some cool diff covers. I spent a lot of time just cleaning up all the parts, when I purchased the axle it was covered in an inch of oil, dirt and clay.

The rear 14 bolt had all new internals so all I did was throw a disc brake conversion on and clean and paint it.

[sunk]

I spent a ton of time dreaming about what tires I wanted to run, and finally made the leap and purchased 4 40x13.50r17 Nitto Trail Grappler MT's.

it has been awhile since I have seen a set of 40's next to the truck and it really made me question my decision not to go with a taller lift. I wanted to keep it low with my 4" lift and just cut out what I needed to.

[sunk]

I drove over to Skinny Fabs to get the boatsides started. We figured that it was a good place to start, but once I actually get the tires under the truck I will have to do some additional cutting.

We cut out all of the rocker panel and about 7" out of the door itself. That entailed converting the automatic windows to manual. Turns out the motor for the auto windows sits in the bottom of the door. Kinda sucks, it will take some getting used to.

We should have the rest of the steel today to finish up the boatsides.

[sunk]

Ive got a Magnum under drive box from ORD on the way. Ive been trying to source an NP205, hopefully I will have one this week so I can start the tear down on it.

Beyond that, I should just have to figure out the new cross member for the new transfer case setup, new drive shafts from Englewood Driveshafts (BILL ROCKS!) and some brake lines...hmm I feel like I am forgetting something....

[Chris]

Looking good Adam, 40's? Wow! I'm looking forward to the boatsides.

[Rick]

that is gonna be a fun toy when completed...

[Funrover]

Holy awesomeness man!

[KnuckleHead]

Axles look good man... ill be watching this

[AccordRanger]

This is gonna be awesome. Always loved pre 90's k series.

[xaza]

Lookin sweet. Those 40's are huge!

[Popsgarage]

Can't wait for this one to continue!

[sunk]

Been working on the truck a little after work every day. John does awesome work, it took him some time to weld up the sliders and not have them warp, each side is about 10' of weld.

Last night we were able to tack the drivers side slider in place. Turned out awesome, we had to do some temporary wheel well and fender cutting to give us access to the bottom of the A-pillar to finish the welding. We will have to finish the trimming later when the tires are mounted but it really opened up the wheel well and looks pretty cool

[Popsgarage]

I like it, it's lookin' good. Are you gonna extend the slider to the bottom of the frame rail, kinda a mini boatside???

[sunk]

If you look close at post #3, you can see the area cut out. There are 2 rectangles visible, they connect directly to the body mounts. We are modifying those mounts to connect to the "slider" so no, they do not connect to the frame, everything is attached to the body.

I suppose the difference between a slider and boatsides is that a slider mounts below the rocker panel and attaches directly to the frame. Boatsides, if there is a definition, replace the rocker panel and really are a part of the body. Right? John and I feel that there is enough structure where we are attaching to support the full weight of the vehicle.

The plan is to later build a roll cage, at that point the cage will attach to the frame and effectively attach the boatside to the frame

[xaza]

Can't say that I know the difference between a boatside and rock slider but when looking for my XJ sliders I did come across one that required cutting rocker panel to keep clearance high and it was still called a slider. Maybe the slope of the slider is what makes it a "boatside"

[sunk]

Hmm, I still say that mine are boasides

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/bo...ng-techniques/

[xaza]

After reading that article I would say a boatside is just a specific style of rock slider. It requires cutting into the rocker panel, connecting to the frame and a "V" shape to it. The slider I had found for my XJ didn't have a v shape to it but matches the other 2 criteria so not a boatside. Until you are connected to your frame I would call it a reinforced rocker panel. Another way to look at it, because of your plans, is a boatside in process. Irregardless of the terminology it looks sweet and will be awesome on trail.

[Java]

looks great! boatslider.

[Popsgarage]

sunk previously posted:

[Rick]

Popsgarage previously posted: