Going to the boneyard

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stm3784

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hey all.

Not sure if this thread belongs here or somewhere else, but here goes. A buddy was telling me about a 77 k20 at junkyard by me. I called out there. Im going to check it out. The question is what should I look for? I already know the sheet metal is bad. But they claim the frame is good. So as far the frame goes, what should I be looking for?

Any answers, good or bad are appreciated thanks!
 

mavtricks71

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hey all.

Not sure if this thread belongs here or somewhere else, but here goes. A buddy was telling me about a 77 k20 at junkyard by me. I called out there. Im going to check it out. The question is what should I look for? I already know the sheet metal is bad. But they claim the frame is good. So as far the frame goes, what should I be looking for?

Any answers, good or bad are appreciated thanks!
Cracks in the frame is first thing, Look everywhere around shock mounts, by gear box ect.
 

HotRodPC

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Are you needing to buy a frame? Mav is correct. Check for cracks around and near the steering gear box. If it is, there is a repair kit for that since it's somewhat of a common issue, especially if big tires, lifted or heavy wheeler.
Then take a look around all the shock mounting points where they may be cracking or breaking out from some heavy duty wheeling or rock crawling and putting lots of strain on the shock mounts. Then maybe around the spring shackle mounts to the frame too.
 

idahovette

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Cracks are usually repairable, and you could use that as a bargaining chip to lower the price
 

stm3784

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Not just the frame, looking for another money pit, I mean project. I already knew about the area around the steering box. I’m going to check it out. Supposedly it’s pretty pitted but solid.
 

Blue Ox

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Do you need axles, or a spare steering box or any of the other stuff that's attached to the frame?
 

stm3784

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Yeah I do. I’m looking to do this as a project. Something I can put the kids around too. So I’d need the steering box, axles and the whole nine.
Do you need axles, or a spare steering box or any of the other stuff that's attached to the frame?
 

HotRodPC

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Assuming your in Pittsburgh, PA you might hit up @Honky Kong jr for some parts or at least see if he has anything you need or if he can get it.
 

78C10BigTen

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Never mind i didnt see someone already stated what i did
 

HotRodPC

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If its 4x4 look for frame cracks at the steering box
Even if it's not. That problem is in both 2 and 4wd models. Just more common in the 4x4's due to oversize tires so it happens quicker in many cases.
 

Blue Ox

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Yeah I do. I’m looking to do this as a project. Something I can put the kids around too. So I’d need the steering box, axles and the whole nine.

I don't know if it's your plan or if you have the real estate, but in the past I've bought entire vehicles from boneyards. They usually have a tow truck and can deliver and pick up the stripped carcass when you're done. That way you have the time and ability to pick it as clean as you want.
 

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