drhoward1988 - Giving new life.

drhoward1988 · February 15, 2015

So some of you may have seen my other threads but here is a dedicated one. I recently purchased a 1994 GMC K3500 crew cab w/ 5.7L 5 speed. It has alot of minor issues and a few major. Got it dirt cheap though and I enjoy tinkering with trucks anyways. So far on things I've done is as follows:

Replaced transfer case.

Removed a ton of random wiring.

New tires- kenda klever 285/75/16s.

Rewired PO'S garbage speaker/radio install. Complete hack job.

Fixed issue with ignition. Truck would start but wouldn't shut off. Also it would stick in run. Replaced the lock cylinder and found that the teeth where worn on the end of the ignition selector rod. Pulled it out and tack a piece of metal on the back to keep it from popping up. All works fine now.

Cleaned interior and exterior. I have a good idea now of all the exterior prep work needed to paint. Need a front clip, front and rear bumpers, tailgate and possibly a new bed. I've already got the paint and primer. Waiting for better temps.

Changed the oil, flushed the brakes and power steering.

Still have to do a tune up. with time.

Here is some pics so far:

don't mind all the tools. For work

GPGuy · February 15, 2015

Looks like a solid truck and quite good even inside, especially for the year. Looking forward to seeing the progress. You should start a build thread of it.

drhoward1988 · February 16, 2015

I thought that's what I was doing here lol is there a specific place build threads go?

drhoward1988 · February 21, 2015

Well a little more work today. Changed plugs wires and got rid of the stock air cleaner assembly. Did the little bent bolt deal. Gonna redo it later. Not very sturdy. Also Rewired the rear lights as the where intermittent at best. Pulled the front skid plate to clean a little and decided to paint it. Pics of that tomorrow. I've got alot of worn front suspension parts I need to deal with now.

drhoward1988 · February 21, 2015

Squirrely · February 22, 2015

Amazing how ditching the stock intake cleans up the engine.

I did the same years ago.

drhoward1988 · February 23, 2015

Yes it does. I'm gonna be changing the plugs again soon. I went with NGK 2771s and I'm getting some ping above 3k RPM. Probably just get some AC delco like what was in it. I rarely get into the upper RPM range though. Just trying for better fuel mileage. Shooting for 11-13. Only getting 7-9 right now. I'm pretty easy on the throttle. The 4.10s probably aren't helping. At 55mph I'm sitting at 2k rpm. I did get the skid plate on today but no pics. It's been raining hard here since late last night. I've got some shorty headers to install as well. Gotta find the factory plug for the O2 sensor as PO removed it. I'd like to put some cats on as well. No Smog here but I hate this loud exhaust. True duels with some wimpy Glass packs.

GPGuy · February 23, 2015

I thought that's what I was doing here lol is there a specific place build threads go?

There is http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/forum/171-vehicle-builds/

If you want I'm sure one of the mods would gladly move what you've already started over there, so you don't have to repost a thing.

drhoward1988 · February 23, 2015

There is http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/forum/171-vehicle-builds/

If you want I'm sure one of the mods would gladly move what you've already started over there, so you don't have to repost a thing.

Thanks. That'd be great if they did

drhoward1988 · March 1, 2015

So a little work this weekend. Replaced the front sway bar end links. One was broke and the other was missing all the bushings. Also temporarily dealt with the rust on the roof. Was pretty bad. I just hit it with a wire wheel and some 120 and 400 grit sand paper. Hit the rust spots with some rust inhibitor and then some primer. I'll knock it down to bare metal when I paint it.