Project LS K5 Blazer Axle Swap 1 Tons - Knucklehead Garage

Project LSK5 is a 1978 K5 Blazer. The goal of this K5 Blazer budget build is something we can wheel and use as a daily driver K5 Blazer. Carter Astin (aka everyone's favorite Ginger Camera Man) has a history with this Chevy K5 Blazer and decided to build it into a capable off road vehicle while still having good road manners. As the name suggests, we'll be doing a full K5 Blazer LS swap on this rig, so stay tuned! On this episode, we'll be tackling the suspension and K5 Blazer axle swap. We're putting a set of 1 ton axles under the truck and suspending it with a 52/56" leaf spring swap. DIY4X helped out big time with the k5 1 ton axle swap, you should really check out their parts. Let us know what you think of our K5 Blazer Off Road Build in the comments below!
And don't forget to let us know what LS powertrain you would like to see in our K5 Blazer Off Road Build.
Here is part 2 of the build- • PROJECT LS K5 BLAZER R...
DIY4X - diy4x.com/
Official Busted Knuckle Merch - www.bustedknuckle.com
BKF Facebook - / bustedknucklefilms
INSTAGRAM / bustedknucklefilms
SNAPCHAT & TWITTER - @the_BKFilms
Big Thanks to our sponsors
www.FireAde.com
www.spyderoffroad.com
www.rcvperformance.com

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

WELL YOU ASKED FOR PART 2 AND HERE IT IS FINALLY! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3yTaZhsoLqoetU

[@Aint1S]

Then I'm right on time!

[@dillondvorovy4631]

Who makes that flip shackle for the rear springs on that K5 ?

[@Mike-xn1bh]

Part 3 in the works?

[@dakotawerner678]

Six months later... :( I found this on KZbin hoping I could binge this series as he describes so much in depth and really goes into why he does everything and I go searching and nothing... Rip fingers crossed for something soon

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

New episode is coming very soon!

[@jutde]

BustedKnuckleVideo You and my dad have a very similar definition of “soon” lol

[@alleykatt109]

@@jutde .... and MY definition on when I'm going to get '79 "project" going. FML.

[@angusmcguckian7314]

Nice work! Great presentation and really well explained. Loved watching it.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks! We hope to have episode 2 out soon!

[@modifiedmetalworks4892]

How soon is soon? I enjoyed it and found it thought out better then most shows on similar topics.

[@arthurneal2307]

I can deal with ads..I can't deal with being ear rapped to subscribe, comment, and like every 5 seconds. You got a new subscriber!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

awesome, glad to have you on board.

[@wavementv7107]

Really glad watch this have 88 been looking at lift kits but this literally build I wanna do thanks!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

If only he would finish this project 😬

[@ripmemes8962]

Knucklehead Garage!... Hooked on this already! Great vid.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Awesome, this show will be a little different, just us knuckleheads having fun in the shop

[@christesti8688]

awesome video, in the middle of doing 56 inch springs all around my 90 K5. keep up the project videos!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Will do, stay tuned!

[@moparnut91]

PART 2?????!!!! WAITING!! THAT THING IS BADASS!. yeah that part 2 would be sick!!. Do an 8.1 instead of the LS series or don't that's cool just BRING IT BACK!!!!!!!!!😵😵😵😵

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Part 2 is coming and spoiler alert we did not go with an LS 🙃

[@carlosbishig1]

Great project and hello from Puerto Rico

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks and welcome

[@boneheadpeterson]

earned my subscribe.. lol keep it up guys this is awesome

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks!

[@pcmcobra]

ls+square body=win

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Always loved them

[@pcmcobra]

@@BustedKnuckleVideo been waiting on the rest of this video series for a year...

[@lancehammon3368]

One of the best videos I've seen on the shackle flip and 52s front I've seen. Makes it a little less daunting to tackle. Thanks guys. Looking forward to the LS swap. I'm hoping to end up there soon

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Hopefully we will have an update video out very soon!

[@fulltilt6]

Great video, and very detailed ! I've been totally looking for one like this ! Thanks guys !

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

hopefully the next video is coming up soon!

[@bamamowersgarage8937]

love the new show

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Doug Sweener thanks we are pretty pumped about it

[@truedeadman]

Nice job with the swap. Whichever engine you go with, i'd strongly recommend spending the extra and getting a 4L80E if you go 4 speed auto. You can also go with a turbo 400, which will bolt up to the LS easily. The 4L60 you'd get with most junkyard pulled drivetrains won't last with the heavy axles and tires and probably the use you will be doing with the truck. Looking forward to seeing how this goes

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

We have a surprise for the Transmission in mind that a lot of you will appreciate.

[@cesandvik]

Great video. I wish this was out there when I completed my shackle flip as a reference. starting the component build for my one ton swap myself. I have a 2003 Suburban 2500 with a nicely top end rebuilt 6.0 that I want to put in the K5 one day, so I'll be watching with interest. Thanks guys! Kert, thanks for all the support and great products. DIY4X rocks!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Sounds like a good project rig. Stay tuned for more

[@goforth91]

Gave it a thumbs up for the Step Brothers quote.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

YESSIR!

[@jackstandracing7400]

Can't wait to see more! As for the engine and trans, I'd go with a 6.0L and NV4500/np205😎

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Chevy 427 a stick?

[@jackstandracing7400]

BustedKnuckleVideo Yes sir, 5 speed. Bulletproof

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

That would suck for wheeling!

[@jackstandracing7400]

BustedKnuckleVideo Maybe for you Lol. This is going to be a great build anyway, I love these Chevy Square bodies. Can't wait to see more!

[@dargonaxenhammer4057]

LSX all the way baby!!!!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Dargon Axenhammer that's right!

[@PMSTACKER3000]

This is the most informative KZbin auto vid I remember watching, and I'm not even finished watching yet. Thanks.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

too bad we havent made it to episode 2 yet....

[@PMSTACKER3000]

yeah. what is taking so long?

[@jeffadams218]

wish they was alot more people like this guy explaining stuff great job

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

more videos to come

[@jag67stang]

5.3/4.8 + 6L80 + budget turbo system. Would be sweet to see what a simple and stock as possible drivetrain would perform like in an older lifted ride.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Jared Gideon we love boost!

[@fatalfromabove8943]

WHERE THE HELL IS PART TWO??

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Ask Carter!

[@rickclement3500]

Wtf

[@BLACKHOLEBBQ]

Yeah, where's part 2....

[@den41400]

@@BustedKnuckleVideo lol

[@Ken19700]

I've been asking this for 6 months.

[@tedfisher1913]

Great in-depth how-to video, guys! Can't wait to see the drivetrain swap!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

People might be a little shocked when they see what we choose. It isn't going to be easy, but it will be worth it!

[@jamesparsons5212]

That is gonna be a badass trail rig when you are done keep up the good work can't wait for the next installment

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks, hopefully part 2 will be out soon!

[@jamesparsons5212]

BustedKnuckleVideo looking forward to it

[@MattsShop]

You got more balls than me getting under those jack stands.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

They were perfectly safe. It's not like we have a lift. What would you have done?

[@consaka1]

Looked good to me. :)

[@MattsShop]

BustedKnuckleVideo Borrow a buddies lift haha. Awesome vid btw

[@christieelizabeth3752]

chock the front wheels!! good job guys

[@Ken19700]

That's what jack stands are for. Supporting a vehicle so you can safely work under it is literally what they are designed to do.

[@87spike19]

8.1 vortec/ Allison

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

that would be a torqe monster

[@timothycarrasco8358]

really dug the information cool show...keep them coming....

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks we are pumped about this build

[@scottleggejr]

Absolutely awesome. Love this series. Keep up the good work.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks, hopefully the next episode will be removing the old drivetrain and showing off the new engine and trans

[@straighttimestirrups]

A series implies more than one video! This was a teaser!

[@1012Mrjesse]

What about a 6.0 or 6.2 LS with an Allison 1000 trans combo? That would be pretty bad ass, but maybe a pain in the ass to setup

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

yeah that would be a PITA

[@jamesadams8327]

Just finding those 6.0's in the northeast is hard. Yards are picked over for those things.

[@1988diesel]

An unusual transmission option would be the GM NV4500.

[@zachthatguy7391]

UPDATE!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3yTaZhsoLqoetU

[@Ryan-rm2qk]

Great video! I enjoyed watching this, great job guys

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks hopefully episode 2 is coming soon!

[@Nix_909]

Nice build guys, love it and definitely gonna follow.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

We are pumped about it. Now we just gotta spend the $$$ on the drivetrain

[@RussMcCoydrums]

awesome built I'd like to see a 5.3 swap

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Bigruss that is a good option but we think we might want a little more power to turn some 40+ inch tires on the interstate.

[@joe212]

Destroked 6.0 with 4.8 crank and rods. I'm currently working on 80 K-10 with a 454 in it. my end goal is a 6 inch lift

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Green goblin this is a great setup

[@hillbillyxjstyle161]

k5 is going to look wild thanks for sharing

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

If it ever gets done....

[@chrispartaka9164]

Subscribed! Keep all the good information coming. I'm excited to see what's next!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Awesome welcome Aboard!

[@weed34600]

6.0 is better for crawling 5.3 or the 4.8 are cheaper to buy 4l60 with the corvette servos or the 4l80 im doing a 5.3 with the flat top pistons basically the 4.8 piston since their the same bore size and I will be using a nv3500 from a 97 k1500. I cant find and t case adapters for a 203 205 combo. thats my only problem so far

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

I think we almost have it figured out, stay tuned!

[@izephire768]

try advanced adaptors that is where I got mine (208 to 4l60e)

[@chaleythom7806]

Killer video guys, thanks for the tips. I was already headed to Diy4X, but you all sold me on the bumper and hanger combo as well as the longer springs.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

it is a good combo if you want your suspension to perform

[@datsunmudder]

cant thank you enough for this video! i have a K5 blazer i cant wait to do these suspension mods on mine GREAT VID!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

This one will ride nice when we are done

[@datsunmudder]

mine currently has a 6 inch lift and does not ride nice, I cant wait for the Next video!

[@redrider736]

Hooked!! Any new updates to this series??

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Searching for the right drivetrain, next episode will be removing the old junk and showing off the new stuff

[@twayland6186]

BustedKnuckleVideo sweet. I love videos like this

[@LSXHumvee]

Where's the next video?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

searching for the right drivetrain

[@LSXHumvee]

Try searching for RetroLSX, i've gotten 2 from him both run great and both were CHEAP

[@shayns321]

Still no video?

[@TheOneHandedCooksman]

Probably a dead build

[@den41400]

Please make an update

[@jeffyoung2089]

Awesome!!! Really enjoyed the video!!!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks for the Feedback, we had a blast and they will only get better, now for some LS woopow!

[@camaro2341]

Just ran into this tonight! Just bought a '79 K5. Brand new to it all. Can't wait to see more videos!!!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

awesome, we hope to get episode 2 out soon!

[@michaelmorales6001]

Same here 79 k5 blazer in California so the body soild ,looking to do the same swap great video!

[@fixit4182]

Hit it with your purse. Lol

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

LOL

[@antonioosoriokory]

La serie K5 me parece de vehículos con cualidades sobresalientes y espero algún día poder tener una felicidades por toda la pasión y empeño puesto en este proyectos saludos desde México.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

ojala este proyecto termine eventualmente

[@stevenrathjen7590]

Awesome, subscribed, can't wait to see more and I'm taking notes.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Part 2 coming soon!

[@TheAweeone]

Awesome !! can't wait for more !

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

TheAweeone sounds like we have a hit!

[@dosbox907]

Awesome deal. Earned a sub. Been trying to learn about lifting as much as I can before I do it on my 1978 bronco.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

78 bronco is a good project

[@redhester5286]

Been wanting to do this swap, good job very informative

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Only way to go to get flex and good ride

[@jeffwooton7138]

So glad I stumbled across this. Got me an '84 Short Bed P/U, been wanting to do this. Great info. Can't wait for the next vid. I plan on staying with a carb'ed 383 for now. Staying with my SM465. Looking for the axles and an NV4500. We have smaller hills, and lots of mud in S.E. Texas, so I'm building it for that.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Jeff Wooton noice!

[@SenileGiraffe]

lq9 6.0 with a nild cam and 4l80e, awesome project!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

N Perry or a supercharged 6.0? 😬

[@grandprismatic]

396ci 6.5L with Brodix heads & intake, between 12.5:1 and 13.5:1 comp & around 700hp Altas T-case, Turbo 400, running the tried and true HUMVEE 8 lug 24 bolt bead locks with run flats on 40" Maxxis Creepy Crawlers, G2 Hub flanges, Randys Ring & Pinion. I had the same setup in my M1009 but running Deaver spring packs.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

we would pass everything but the gas station

[@hawkie333]

Nice build, that was a ton of work for a single video!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

If only he would buy an engine we could release EP 2

[@chevyforlife1000]

it is about the exact setup I want for my 86 short box Chevy got the 1 tons now I just need the flex the power and bigger tires will be staying tunned for this build

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Awesome, DIY4X really made the 1 ton swap easy for us. Can't wait to get the power plant in there

[@mickeykreg]

Love the square K5's. Looking forward to your road trip to Moab. I did a 2 month road trip down the Baja in my '77 K5 this past winter. Subscribed!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Baja sounds like a good time. Stay tuned. As soon as we find the right drivetrain the 2nd video will be released.

[@troyf374]

Great video helps take some of the guess work out for my build.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Hopefully episode 2 will be out sometime this year

[@trucksandheavymetal]

sweet rig, cant wait to see it in action

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

shooting for Sept 2018

[@davepsanchez]

Awesome video. My new favorite word is GREZZABLE!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Ginger words

[@Wylde1966]

awesome vid, looking forward to more

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

more coming soon!

[@willyrisco9618]

Awesome work guys I’m building a K5 myself dedicated to the special operators of operation redwings ( lone survivor movie ). I am definitely taking notes on your build!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

awesome!

[@zachthatguy7391]

so happy you guys are doing this series... great addition to what you guys do already! Might want to link over to ck5. I know the guys over there would enjoy this.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

CK5 is that a forum?

[@zachthatguy7391]

Correct. Good group on chevy guys there.

[@thedobermangang3503]

very good video my brother

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks!

[@70blazin]

ls with a np465 and a 205 case.Nice 1 ton swap im hooked cant wait for the next show

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

coming soon as we find the right drivetrain to swap in

[@jchevy33]

I put a 5.3 and 4L60e and NP208 in my 87 K10 Scottsdale and i love it, gotta couple videos of it, i wheel it lightly on 37 Goodyear MTR's and half tons, got some 3/4 axles to go in soon. Good luck on the project ! Awesome video

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

jchevy33 sounds awesome

[@leovaldez2104]

What did u use for speedometer sensor ?

[@oakheart572]

Really looking forward to the next video

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

hopefully it is coming soon!

[@RK-kj8di]

....I just subscribed. Thanks for the great video and look forward to the next step in this series.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Welcome to the channel! Part 2 coming soon!

[@bonesdc1]

Awesome work.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

thanks new episode coming soon

[@cmac956]

Also ,you did a good job on the lift and the upgrades of the diff's.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

C Mac thanks we try to build them right the first time

[@jayjayjetplane9634]

nice choice of ride for a project, I own a 79 k5 Cheyenne full time 4x4. can't go wrong with a k5 man.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

They make great trail rigs

[@shannonzittlow8462]

Love these trucks had old k20 4x4 farm trucks best looking body's ever

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

We dig them

[@okatexoffroad1813]

very cool y'all, reminded me of the old Gearz show on Saturday mornings.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

T sounds like we are heading in the right direction!

[@TucsonCPA]

cant wait for the LS vid! Moab is waiting.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

I hope he finishes it by 2019

[@JavierPadron]

Whats up from Skull Crusher Adventures, awesome build guys... Hopefully to see yall on the trails soon!!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Hey Javier! We are hoping for Sept 2018 to have it complete and wheeling

[@rogerbean6442]

Tell Carter Come On!! Get back to this project!! We all know how it is sometimes financially but don't give up. Hopefully he can find an engine to get this build back going!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Just wait until you see the bronco project video, we gave him hell about it a lot

[@jacobweeks2510]

Got my sub now awesome job

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

wooohooo!

[@dproudveteran7001]

thats awsome my dad bought 78 jmc jimmy back in 79 he put 38 inch ground hawgs on it and big suspension lift he said it would eat ujoints lol that set up looks good

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

dave proud veteran trying to do it the best way possible and on a budget

[@texfire75]

Subbed. I appreciate the detailed video as I'm doing a 60/14 swap on my '81 SWB K10 right now.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Sick! Stay tuned this LS swap is going to be SAWEET!

[@pra3t0rian]

Patiently waiting for part 2.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

coming soon!

[@armandocalderon2330]

6.0 ..4l80e .. that's what im working on right now....geat job on the axel swaps...also swapping axels...

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

awesome, stay tuned

[@Intergalactic_monkey]

Nearing the end of my build on 82 k5. Same plan though from Kentucky to Moab. Doing all the passes in Colorado we can and driving back. I went ORD custom springs 6”. Good kuck

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Sick

[@rogerbean6442]

Steven Scherrens planning the same this year from Alabama to Colorado, then Moab. How do you like the ORD custom springs? Been wanting to add those to my suburban but they're pricey$.

[@brytonburns5826]

doing the same thing,. keep us updated. , I'm running tb400 matted with a 6.0

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

400 is a strong choice

[@Michelle-dy4tu]

Can't wait to see next video

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

me neither

[@Michelle-dy4tu]

BustedKnuckleVideo Hope next video you will be remove all junk part and showing new great stuff. Thx

[@stevendallman8126]

Nice to see it all in one video as opposed to the 30 video "series" others do

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

This will be a series, the next video will be removing the old drivetrain and showing off the new

[@JARash2336]

I’m pretty sure at this point there’s enough interest that Carter could crowdsource the funding for the motor so we can get to the next episode.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

I am sure he would be up for that

[@grandprismatic]

I can dig it!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Gunna be a fun build!

[@jmax.6587]

love this , also looks like if you hit everything with a grinder it would be a brand new truck

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

I hope to pull the body off and wire wheel the frame. Get it painted up and looking primo!

[@jacknicholson5794]

BustedKnuckleVideo Well, since you already have to do the rest of the body mounts, may as well just pull the tub. Then you could address the frame. Would probably make it easier to get the drivetrane in as well.

[@MyTorino]

subscribed. Glad I found this channel.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Glad to have you on board!

[@genius-no5sl]

K5s are one of the coolest vehicles ever made . Why Chevy stopped making theses is beyond me man .

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

they are pretty awesome

[@BolteBuilt]

Great video

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

thanks episode 2 should be out soon

[@BolteBuilt]

BustedKnuckleVideo I’m in the middle of a square body build myself. Cummins swap, nv4500, np205. K35. No video on it yet unfortunately. I’ll be looking forward to your next video.

[@travisandmissydog]

Nice guys!!! I have a M1009 CUCV and love it!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

The axles work great from under those. Does it have the diesel?

[@travisandmissydog]

Yes, this is my 2nd 1009. I have also owed a 1031 as well. The 1009 didn't have the 5/4 ton axles (all the other CUCV's were 1.25 ton trucks) I can't remember which front axle it has but the rear axle just has the gov locker. It's a lot of fun. I always keep them stock 24 volt and love the 6.2 for being so damn dependable. Love your show! I just subscribed today. Thanks for what you guys do!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Awesome we are getting some LS power for this one

[@travisandmissydog]

I can't wait to see it happen too!

[@paulputera7099]

this got my gears turning for my first gen cummins and ram charger hybrid

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

sounds like a fun build

[@jmetcalf6350]

Good work

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks

[@mikeymcknight9524]

Amazing job on the video guys. I currently own a 85 m1009 I'm looking to upgrade. Your videos will help. Thanks

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

awesome thanks for watching

[@bulbchangingmonkey]

never really liked the square bodies way back when but I can appreciate them for what they are nowadays.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

bulbchangingmonkey we have seen some pretty slick builds using these. Can't wait to get this one done and test it out in Moab!

[@SplitRiot]

That's a great build I just finished my 85 k5 with the exact same thing only I'm running an lt1 383full roller motor attached to a thm400 . On a side note you didn't state that another main reason for changing the front shackle hanger is because factory front springs are 3inchs wide and the rear springs are 2.5 inches wide the new shackle hanger corrects that great job guys keep it up

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Good point. Thanks part 2 coming soon!

[@randalltune9563]

Great video hooked

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

now if we could just get episode 2 done

[@randalltune9563]

BustedKnuckleVideo, yea another episode would be cool. Keep up the great knucklehead work

[@Tanks-Link]

I had a awsome 👍 75 K5 Blazer

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

They are fun to build

[@eroommit69]

Excellent video. You showed me everywhere I went wrong with installing an off the shelf lift kit. My 85 crew 1 ton will rattle your teeth out. I think the 8.1l backed with the Allison tranny would make a fun rig and plenty of power. Might be harder to find but would be worth it in the long run.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Yes the off the shelf lift kits make for a bumpy ride on these. Not a bad setup at all with the 8.1, It's just a massive engine and transmission.

[@phillipchronister7035]

Great, thanks!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

everyone might just be surprised at what we went with