61K10 build

[TJ's Chevy]

One Sharp looking truck there.

[61K10]

Thanks TJ--yours will be there soon. As you know they are a never ending project lol!

[aotte1]

Kimble,

Thanks for looking up the front brake hose information.

Would you mind sharing your decision to buy the Toyo tires, their benefits as tires for a driver vs other tires.

Les

[61K10]

Les--I liked the tread design and nothing on the side walls. Kinda old school-stock looking to me. The 10ply is a little much for me but probably won't bother the ride, as the tk rides like a old covered wagon anyway lol. For my 16x6" rims i wanted the 215x85's as they fit the rims perfect. Also my rims are from a trailer parts comp. they are black power coated at $65 a piece and free shipping. They have a DOT stamp on them also. The lug stud holes are for 1/2" studs so for 7/16" you need heavy duty lug nuts (shown earlier in my build). wheels are like smoothies, no side vent slots.

Just some info--------

Kimble

[61K10]

Well i bought some new disc brake parts as my e-bay stuff was not up to my standards. a little rusty--seal surface worn and nicks on the spindles. you get the idea, ok parts but not the best. Rockauto had some new big bearing hubs (only six) for $32.95 ea. with lug studs. I couldn't pass them up as thery are tuff to find new. Made in the big C of course. well i then needed new big bearing spindles (g2) and of course new Big China rotors from summit. bearings and caliper holders as mine from e-bay were pretty rusty. I assembled everything and will put them away for now. I just like new stuff. some pics----

[argonaut]

Oooooo pretty!

[aotte1]

Kimble,

Getting the frame together, and starting to check the ride height of the frame.

The way it sits now the ride height measures from the bottom of the front and rear cab mounts ( where the top of the bottom cushion mounts).

Front is 27 3/4" to floor; and
Rear is 32.1" to floor.


How does this compare to yours, not sure how different the '61 to '64 measurements are.

Do you know if the factory frame specifications have numbers for the ride height from the frame. Have seen some copies here, however, could not read the numbers. Going to check out the GM Heretige Center.

Thanks,
Les

[aotte1]

Kimble,

Just checked the GM Heritage Center, vehicle kits.
Looked up '64 K10 and found some information.

Will get to check it out tomorrow on the frame, and see where my ride height may be compared to stock. Have some temporary rear springs in now. The rear is higher then the front as it looks now.

Also got my set of Toyo tires too.

Les

[61K10]

Les---my rear springs have 2 more leafs that adds about 3/4". Did you go with 235/85? My 215's are a little over 30" tall (funny they are about the same as my 31-10.50-15's) my 215's are on 6" rims and the 31's are on 8" rims. So tire height will change ride to some extent. will measure mine just for info to compare to.

[aotte1]

Kimble,

Yes, went with 235x85x16s, They will be good for now, and they are the same size as on '03 GMC, which will need new tires in the future. They are a little wider then the 215's which look more original. The 235 are 32" inches tall.

How level does your set? Not familiar with these 4x4s when they were new. Certain photos of original 4x4 trucks look like the rear is higher, not sure if this is correct.

How is the front axle upgrade coming?


Les

[61K10]

Les--I might of measured mine different than you did. from the floor to the top of the frame mount. 22" front and 28" rear. my tk does sit higher in the rear. (remember i have 2 more leafs). the ride height will come down with the tk together with all the weight. we can compare when yours is together. will try and take a side pic today for ya.

my ft axle is all done, just finished with the new p/brake pedal rod set up. going to mess with my clutch adj set-up today. clutch is grabbing right off the floor. (hyd clutch)

kimble

[TJ's Chevy]

Those are some nice disc brakes. Outta stop real nice.

[61K10]

I hope so TJ, will find out soon. I like your Demon carb. I ran one on my 56 Nomad for years with no trouble.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by 61K10

I hope so TJ, will find out soon. I like your Demon carb. I ran one on my 56 Nomad for years with no trouble.

Thanks, Summit charged me enough for it. lol

[aotte1]

Kimble,

Thanks for the measurements. Photos of the '64 cab mounts are below. Photos with IPhone not positioned correctly lol. Interested to see your '61s and if the same?


Les

[aotte1]

Rear cab body mount

[61K10]

les--my ft mount is different, but the back looks the same.

[aotte1]

Your front and rear cab mounts positions, vertical location, relative to your frame look similar, if not the same, as the '64. What do you think?

Thanks for post your photo. Do you think your ride height, front is pretty much stock, with rear up a little? I am getting some origional rear springs from Chris, as mine were mostly rebuilt ones, with lots of different leafs added.

Next will do some more measurements on the '64 frame/ cab on roll around stand to see where the ride height may end up.

Thanks,
Les.

[61K10]

Les--Yes, they look like the top of the frame mounts of both yrs are close to the middle of the frame in the front. (where the cushion sits) Back looks the same. I also have the org springs in the ft and the back (plus 2 leafs in the back as i have stated). Isn't there a reg and a heavy duty spring? 5leaf and a 6 leaf?

[61K10]

Finally got my clutch adj. where i like it. (as long as it stay's adj.there) PART of the problem was the dumb-A$$ doing the adjustment. Not going to say who lol!

[aotte1]

What do you think was the issue, besides the mechanic!
Air in system?

[aotte1]

Kimble,

Checked the GM Heritage Center, vehicle kits for '61, '64. and '66, about how many leafs the front and rear springs have, if my review is complete.

Front- all years have 5 leafs.

Rear- '61 K10 has 6 leafs: K20 has 8 leafs; '64 and '66 have 6 leafs for both
K10 and K20, with multiple different spring ratings.

I would say this is close but not absolute, would need to review the vehicle kits in more detail. Their are a lot of different models and options. They due list standard and HD spring ratings for the rear, all 6 leafs,'64 and '66. Also optional rear HD shocks too, did not see any optional front HD shock. Different models had different shocks.

Would say this is general information, with different models and options things may be different.

[61K10]

Les --no air in the system. read the book wrong awhile ago. never looked at it this time around) my return spring on the clutch t/o bearing arm was pretty week. added a 2nd spring) the manual says 5/32" clearance between the arm and the slave push rod with the t/o bearing just touching the p/plate fingers) i had way more. I adj. like the manual said and it works great, and what a difference between my old brake set-up and the power-disc set-up.

[61K10]

Finally got the tk back on the road. The new disc brakes are night and day from the power/drums set-up i had. It was worth the $$$ and time spent adding them to the closed knuckle axle. Now about the steering with the 4deg shims added to the ft axle. It has much more feel and not wanting to wander as it did before. Another plus! Need to drive it some more of course. also need to run it in 4h to get the ft ring & pinion broke in some. I actually used it as a tk, went to ACE and got some dirt/potting soil for my garden. It still makes a nice gear wine going down the road under power and deceleration, but free wheeling it's quiet. old sm420 and a 221 i guess!

A pic for you TJ---a working tk lol.

[argonaut]

Awesome Kimble! I'm glad your hard work paid off. And that your putting it to work like you should be!