K5 blazer 5 best upgrades for lifted daily driving and interstate driving.

5 best upgrades I have done on my k5 blazer for daily driving. Upgraded headlights with led swap. Redhead gearbox for steering. 4.56 Yukon gears with Eaton truetrac carrier. Off-road design custom springs. Tom woods double cardan driveshaft with slip yoke eliminator.

[@LyleMyers]

Sweet rig! I just got an 80 K25 exact same colors as your K5. Beautiful. Thanks for the upgrade ideas, I’m subscribing.

[@205_bowties]

Thank you 👌🏻and I love this color combo on any squarebody

[@deandreslaughter]

That is absolutely a beautiful K5

[@205_bowties]

Thank you 👌🏻

[@gerardolozano2185]

Beautiful truck I have an 89 that I'm about to finish body work on and paint soon, I have pretty much the same goodies as you 4 inch tuff country soft ride springs ord steering brace, welded frame brace, bilstein 5100 all 4 corners and steering stabilizers, ord bushings, greasable bolts, ORD tie rod, all new ball joints bearings and everything but the kitchen sink, can't wait to paint it and get it on the road

[@205_bowties]

Thank you, That’s awesome man, crap gets expensive I know 🤣

[@FHPELTON]

Super clean man!

[@205_bowties]

Thank you 👌🏻

[@albertrivera5443]

Beautiful K5! 👍🏼

[@205_bowties]

Thank you

[@CH0PSV1LLE]

Dude… The crossover steering is so worth it!! I went with ORD and a PSC steering box… Still have to finish the hydro assist, it’s a bit of a fight with 37s and a locked Dana 60.

[@texasghostrider9486]

Beautiful Blazer

[@205_bowties]

Thank you

[@goleafs8662]

Picked up an 85 in December and have just been enjoying it so far but your truck is the end goal no matter how long it takes haha

[@205_bowties]

Thank you, definitely enjoy it. I fell in love with mine. And my son loves it as much as I do.

[@tankandblue]

Great vid

[@205_bowties]

Thank you

[@19teresa55]

Do the crossover steering, you won’t regret it. I’ve done it on two trucks. What a difference!

[@205_bowties]

I just got done with it a few weeks ago. Waiting on my panhard bar now. Getting bump steer now.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

Would like seen the sequential signal anyway, also would like see some silver pin stripe between the blue and grey would really set it off, but freaking love this truck, brought back memories

[@205_bowties]

Thank you, and I have definitely thought about some pinstripes. I’m about to do an update video on it soon. Just did crossover steering with a panhard bar.

[@user-qc3ln6up5e]

Very nice 👌 k5

[@205_bowties]

Thank you

[@bowtiebuilding]

Such a beautiful piece of America! Picked an 84 SC that I’ve swapped the 6.0/4L80E mated to a 208 and I’m going to look into the SYE. Never owned a square body so I’m learning as I go. Plan on doing the crossover steer and glad to see you went the custom ORD. Thinking about doing the same.

[@205_bowties]

That’s one thing I wish I did from the start the crossover steering. And thank you ORD made the ride so much better. I bet that 6.0 and 4l80 is sweet. I would love to do a ls swap in the future.

[@bowtiebuilding]

@@205_bowties as the saying goes, make it hurt once so I’ll probably do ORD up front for now. This truck was drove hard and put up wet. I’ve probably removed 100 pounds of dirt and mud already and rebuilding basically everything. About 1/4 done haha, hope to have it done by next August. I watch videos like yours for inspiration haha

[@205_bowties]

@@bowtiebuilding glad your bringing it back to life. I know they are not cheap to fix up nowadays. Keep on blazing

[@bowtiebuilding]

@@205_bowties not cheap but a whole lot of fun!

[@205_bowties]

@@bowtiebuilding your right about that. I have started a ls swap with a 4l80 on a c30 4 door dually now. It’s been a fun ride.

[@cyclonekevin6199]

Nice rig.

[@205_bowties]

Thank you!

[@emanuelloza3468]

Hermosa!!

[@michaelhutin5451]

What a beautiful 4x4.

[@205_bowties]

Thank you!!

[@WorldwideDispatch]

What kind of shocks and size

[@WorldwideDispatch]

How could I get ahold of you? To ask you a few questions .

[@205_bowties]

@@WorldwideDispatch front bilstein are 12” long travel. The rears are 5125. Bilstein all the way around. You can send me an email.

[@toddnotnilc1829]

She looks great

[@205_bowties]

Thank you

[@toddnotnilc1829]

@@205_bowties 👍 I need to get that tomwoods set up for mine and i wanna get those shackles flips too

[@205_bowties]

@@toddnotnilc1829 worth every penny if you drive it a lot. I was driving mine daily and loved it

[@Geoff240ti]

Appreciate the feedback on steering! I have ORD custom 4" springs and haven't spent a penny on steering. Trying to decide between crossover or stock steering with a good steering gear. I think I'll head down the crossover path now.

[@205_bowties]

Im currently in the process of finishing crossover on the blazer. The steering link is all done. Currently waiting on my panhard bar from RuffStuff specialties. I have everything videoed. Plan to do a video on it

[@205_bowties]

Thank you

[@Geoff240ti]

@205_bowties no way!! Well I'll wait for the video, looking forward to it. Curious to see the parts from RuffStuff. I wasn't sure where to order from other than ORD.

[@205_bowties]

@@Geoff240ti I got a mix of parts. Redhead gear box, off-road design knuckle with dom tube and tie rods. Panhard/track bar are from RuffStuff specialty

[@chrisgardner1431]

Have a 91 w/ 6” lift and looking at a sye. Need a driveshaft anyway. Just been putting it off because the prices have gone through the roof

[@205_bowties]

The pries did jump right after I got mine. I think I paid 700-800 for my driveshaft and sye kit

[@ratsrodsgarage461]

Nice K5. On my third gen I swapped places with the blinkers and headlights. Getting them lower to the ground made a huge difference. If you have not put the steering box frame support plates on I highly recommend it. Side mount steering boxes will crack frame over time with big tires big I mean over 33". I had no warning I got to work and when leaving it would not turn right for crap got all the way home and when I looked I could not believe what I was looking at. Only about of inch of frame holding box on. The steering box frame kit is good price and will save your ass along with others.

[@205_bowties]

Thanks, I have the support bracket from off-road design. But not the frame plate. I plan to do crossover steering in the future. I will definitely do the frame plate then. Need to finish my ls swap c30.

[@thedobermangang3503]

Nice-looking blazer my brother.. do you have a special steering gear box because you have them 35s on your truck.. a 1990 K5 and I have 35x12 15 on my truck and I been having problems with my steering have any little play in my in my steering wheel I went through 4 different gear boxes.. I have a redhead gearbox on there now this is the second red-head gear box they sent me .. and I still got the same problem.

[@205_bowties]

Thank you, I just have the factory replacement redhead box. With the ORD steering brace. have you checked all tie rods and ball joints for play. If no play then you might have some frame flex. Have you verified that you don’t have any frame cracks where the box bolts to the frame. Last thing would be cross over steering. I think I’m going to bite the bullet and do crossover myself. You will have to replace your 4x4 steering gear box with a 2wd box.

[@suzuki06g]

Nice truck!, but how did you correct the speedo display with different tries and possible gearing changes?

[@205_bowties]

Currently it’s off 15mph and that was self inflicted. I did the math wrong and ordered the wrong gear for the tail housings. It was only 8 mph off before I did the math wrong. I plan to fix it when I do crossover steering.

[@esteved1812]

Beautiful K5's fun to ride but hard to drive! Its getting harder to find parts and decent mechanics to work on these old rigs .And Emissions refs are not liking these modified K5's here in Colorado!

[@205_bowties]

It is getting hard to find parts. I have had the best luck with rockauto. And in Alabama they don’t have emissions or inspections.

[@CavanalK5]

I’d be interested in the Red Top if you go crossover to help chip away at eating 4 bills.

[@205_bowties]

I will keep that in mind for sure.

[@cabelb90]

​@@205_bowtieswhat do you need to do crossover and what brand would you use?

[@205_bowties]

@@cabelb90 I would go back with a redhead 2wd gear box. And off-road design sells a full crossover kit. It’s pretty expensive. I have seen other people piece them together from part stores.

[@ravenrivera1950]

@@205_bowtiesruff stuff specialties has a kit as well for less cost and beefy!

[@armygreenfj3924]

I love your k5!!! Did you sell the hard top?

[@205_bowties]

Thank you, I still have it sitting on saw tables in the back yard

[@armygreenfj3924]

@@205_bowties let me know if you wanna trade K5s lol. I have mine posted on my page as well.

[@205_bowties]

@@armygreenfj3924 you would be crazy to trade that beautiful k5

[@armygreenfj3924]

@@205_bowtiesI know lol…yours is nice too!

[@claytonprescott6154]

What kit did you use f0r your 208? I did double Carden setup with a slip flange .but want to get a sye for my 208

[@205_bowties]

I have a 241, but I would contact Tom woods drive shaft. Shawn was very helpful. And he can tell you exactly what you will need.

[@CarlosPerez-ps8wc]

how you doing, i have a question since im trying to go budget friendly. i have a 1990 k5 that i want to put 4.56's, there is a kit for front and back with install parts. can i just install that? and use the original carriers? mine has the 41-11 which is a 3.7272 and its supposed to fit. What would you recommend? Since i just repaired my 700 transmission and dont want to burn it. I use it daily and do little off road. Max speed around 70-75

[@205_bowties]

You can use the factory carrier. Lot of people say the factory g80 will blow its self up. I personally haven’t had any issues with it in the past. But I didn’t off road at all. I had 3.42 and went to 4.56 with my 700r4 and cruise fine on the interstate. No excessive rpm

[@metheoneandonlyme]

what degree shims did you use when you put the SYE kit in for the rear axle

[@205_bowties]

No shims in the rear. With the off-road design shackle flip they are designed to point the pinion at the transfer case.

[@CarlosPerez-ps8wc]

On the gears, what difference did it make? I have a 1990 k5 and looking to change gears since i got 35's and just fixed my trans. Its running 10 mph over. Do you have a stock engine?

[@205_bowties]

I do have the stock motor. But when I did my slip yoke eliminator. I went with the correct gear for the speedometer. I can’t remember the color. But in its correct reading now. I have 4.56 gears with 35” tires

[@thedobermangang3503]

Go with 410 gears

[@user-tt7re7su3e]

what size headlights are those need some help finding a LED comversion

[@205_bowties]

They housing came from lmc truck. They are not like factory sealed beams. They are custom and can change the bulb in them. I then ordered aux beam led bulbs to swap. They are a little costly from lmc. But you can’t find them anywhere else.

[@ravenrivera1950]

What’s trans you have 700r4? I have a 90 but swapped with a th400 . Just wondering how you like 456 gears with im assuming 700r4. I have 410s rn on one ton rear n 3/4 ton front

[@205_bowties]

I do have a 700r4 and it does a great job with the gears. At 70 on the interstate it holds overdrive with ease. I don’t have a tach but if I had to guess my rpm at 70 I would think 2100-2200. I’m very happy with the 4.56 gears with the 700r4

[@ravenrivera1950]

@@205_bowties appreciate your response! Yeah when I had the 700r with my 410s I was able to cruise 80 in overdrive no problems but now with no overdrive she’s screaming reconfirm anything passed 65 I kinda want the 456 for more power but will have to cruise slower speeds on the freeways I kinda don’t mind though since it’s mostly for off-road use

[@205_bowties]

@@ravenrivera1950 I understand that. Mine is pavement princess. Good luck boss

[@sylvesterpartida5145]

Would you mind sharing the part number or any info on your bilstein long travel?

[@205_bowties]

I can get you the part numbers. Be a day or 2 before I can get them. Sorry

[@sylvesterpartida5145]

@@205_bowtiesthank you

[@SPEEDYBEANIE22]

What rims are those I’m looking to get the same for my 1984 k5

[@205_bowties]

They are Mickey Thompson wheels. I can’t remember the actual name of them. But I have heard they are discontinued. They are 15x12 -72mm or -76mm I do with a had polished chrome

[@user-GETTINGITDONE]

Needs a ( 205 ) !¡!¡ Luvinioldtrx ¡!¡! I'm joking , Blazer's are my ALL TIME favorite. I've found out the 79 bronco rode a lot nicer , but my 1973 is SOWEET great content , beautiful K5 BROTHER !¡!¡

[@205_bowties]

Thank you, and yes the coil over springs are way better than any leaf spring. Got a buddy with a 77 bronco that’s rides amazing.

[@tylerboone7668]

Where did you get the rollup top from?

[@205_bowties]

It’s a softtopper from softtopper.com. Very nice and quality soft tops for the blazers and bronco.

[@thatsmylawn9782]

What kinda speeds do you cruise at on the highway?

[@205_bowties]

65-70 on the interstate. Holds overdrive with ease

[@4004SPD]

Can you confirm leaf spring lift height from ORD to run 35"s? Thanks

[@205_bowties]

I cant, when I ordered mine I had a 4” rough country lift installed already. I called ORD and they asked for a few measurements. From the ground to the body line. They suggested I order a 5 1/2 kit from them. They said it would sit the same hight. They were correct. I would simply order a 6” from them. Worth every penny for a comfy ride. I haven’t had any rub but I don’t off-road at all.

[@1944welderman]

Are you running a 15x12 wheel? I'm guessing 35x13.50 Toyo?

[@205_bowties]

Yes 15x12 -76mm with 35/13.50/15

[@1944welderman]

@@205_bowties no rubbing at all? I'm building a 89 suburban and thinking about running the 35x13.50 or 37x14.50 with the same lift but 6in

[@205_bowties]

@@1944welderman no rubbing at all. But I don’t off-road mine at all. I’m sure if you flex it out it will rub

[@armygreenfj3924]

Hey you don’t rub on 35’s with a 4” lift?

[@205_bowties]

If I was to off road it I’m pretty positive it would rub. But it’s a pavement princess and have never rubbed anything.

[@armygreenfj3924]

@@205_bowties that’s good to know. I don’t think I’ll be off roading my k5 anytime soon.

[@armygreenfj3924]

Does it require of replacing the steering box to do the crossover? I already have a new steering box.

[@205_bowties]

It does, have to use a 2wd gearbox. Wish I knew more about it when I did my redhead gearbox

[@armygreenfj3924]

@@205_bowties damn that sucks lol

[@205_bowties]

@@armygreenfj3924 it does

[@armygreenfj3924]

@@205_bowties is there any cutting required if i run 35’s on a 4” lift? Currently on 33’s 4” lift. Not planning to wheel it that hard. Maybe just fire roads and camping trips.

[@205_bowties]

@@armygreenfj3924 you should not have any problems. Depends on your lift brand. I know rough country sits as high as 6” of lift. But no you should be fine

[@brandontroyer1407]

What transmission do you have in the k5?

[@205_bowties]

700r4

[@brandontroyer1407]

How heavy a load can you pull?

[@205_bowties]

@@brandontroyer1407 I have pulled my atv on a 12 foot utility trailer with no issues. Even on the interstate at 65-70

[@txsalan8935]

Headlight bulbs brand i wanna get sum

[@205_bowties]

I got the housing from lmc with the upgraded wiring harness. Then order auxbeam led bulbs from eBay for the led swap. You have to have the lmc housing in order to swap the LEDs

[@metheoneandonlyme]

Any vibration at 8o mph?

[@205_bowties]

No vibration at all at any speeds. No grinding noise when letting off the gas.

[@sebastien1clerc132]

What is the grinding noise when letting off the gas?

[@205_bowties]

@@sebastien1clerc132 from what I have read up on. It’s from the transfer case chain with slack in from the slip yoke being pulled out so far. Mine always did it above 50mph

[@baggedhemi]

Is that a 208 or 241 transfer case?

[@205_bowties]

It’s a 241 transfer case

[@baggedhemi]

I’ve got the 208 and no easy way to get a slip yoke eliminator on there. Looking at buying a 241 but $$$ might as well look at an atlas

[@205_bowties]

@@baggedhemi call Shawn at Tom woods driveshaft and tell him what you have and what you want. He can point you in the right direction. They were so helpful

[@baggedhemi]

@@205_bowties I appreciate that buddy! Thanks!

[@205_bowties]

@@baggedhemi not a problem boss