81 K30 Flat Bed
 

This is what it looked like at the POs place. Not very pretty. He was asking $1350 for a long time and I got tired of seeing it so I offered $850. Took it to the closest gas station fueled it, aired up the tires, and drove it home. It has a 454, TH400, NP205, 3:73s, Try Y headers, Edelbrock performer low, and a Holley.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

So what's the plans for this rig?

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Plans are to go through it from top to bottom for use as an all season parts and firewood hauler.
So far...
I bought an 87 3/4 with cab lights for body parts.
Cleaned most of the P O out of the truck.
Rebuilt the transfer case using the 205 overhaul in the 4x4 section(big help).
Rebuilt the rear driveline.
And I cut the old exhaust off and had a new system installed.

Next project will be new VCGs (what a mess), install a PCV system and throw away the breather filters.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Cool truck. It looks ready to work.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Nice truck, you work fast! Any issues with the 205 rebuild?

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

The only hickup was the Tcase to adapter gasket. Mine had a larger ID than the one supplied with the kit. $4 bucks later it was back together. I was a little apprehensive at first but it goes together just like it comes apart. I would not have attempted it without the jbclassix writeup.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

A promised, no more valve cover leaks or cheesy air cleaner. It still needs hours of tidying up under there. At least I dont smell of burnt oil when I arrive at my destination.

Next, its getting a tune up, a carb fine tune, oil change, and an electric choke if I can remember what I did with it.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Picked up a really nice Warn bumper on CL today. I have a 9000i to go in it.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

I removed the Dana 60 for a little lovin.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Further disassembly and cleaning.

Removed the open carrier.

Rebuilt a Powr-Lok limited slip out of an old International and installed the ring gear today.

Next....set up the r&p.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

R&P set up and U Joints installed.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

looks like one tough truck!

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Finally assembled.

All new bearing and seals, rotors and calipers, king pins, U joints, Powr-Lok and polished stainless cover.

Now to find time to get it installed.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

That's pretty! I'll be curious to see how you like the limited slip in the front.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Yes it will be interesting to see how it feels. I have never had a non selectable traction aid in the front before.
The Powr-Lok can be set up loose, several ways or tight. I set this one up loose as Spicer recomends for a front application.

Finally got around to installing it with new springs and new shocks.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Dropped the rear end for service and cleaning.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

These lower U bolt cradles hold a lot of garbage. I drilled some drain holes to let the water out and make it easier to keep clean.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Outstanding work!

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

x2^ Great attention to detail.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Thanks Guys.

New Shoes, Hdw, Wheel Cyls installed and drums turned. I had NAPA turn my drums and I dont know what they did but they are cross hatched. I was just expecting a turn job.

And a pic of the 3:73 Gov Lock.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Finished the rear end and powerwashed the rear underside.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

How did you clean your axle housing before you painted it? What kind of paint did you use? Looking great!

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

nice build! Glad its getting redone rather than parted out. Good job on the detail.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

Thanks 86.

NAPA Super Clean is the purple stuff everyone sells. Purple Power ect... It is slightly acidic so it removes rust as well as grease. It also takes the gloss off anything shiny it is sprayed on at full strength. It also dulls shiny aluminum and is very nasty to the eyes and respratory system. I get it in the 2.5 gal bottles and spray it full strength from a bug sprayer. A 4000 psi pressure washer with the pencil tip takes everything off after soaking.

Rustoleum Pro.

New springs arrived, new U Bolts, cleaned and painted my overloads. When all that is dry I will reassemble the spring packs with the overloads and the BFG Velvet Rides.

Re: 81 K30 Flat Bed
 

I like it.