1949 KB2-R Build

[GoldiesGarage]

Very cool thread, Nice build. I'll be following this one for sure.

KB's are super narrow. the the front ends are very long. The LS series engines would fit in the engine bay but the frame shock towers got in the way. I plan to fab up new ones. I didn't realize KB 5+ fenders bolt on. With all the money spent already, I can't justify spending more on other fenders and they would not match the Patina that is currently on my truck. I don't know about serious rock thrashing. I just want to be capable. I'm tired of being the slow guy/going around obstacle or parking my truck. 2006 GMC 2500 Diesel 4x4 isn't not made for the fast and fun off road life. Towing suspension is "Like a Rock". I would love to see another KB build, post some pictures here or if you have a thread let me know. As you can see, mine is not complete either. I just keep adding one part at a time. One day, I'll be able to drive it. Good luck with your build.

 

[Lilnuts]

I don't have very many good pics. This shop is so small I'll have to tear the header out above the garage door to get the truck out for a pic lol





38" military Michelin's.

 

[GoldiesGarage]

I don't have very many good pics. This shop is so small I'll have to tear the header out above the garage door to get the truck out for a pic lol

I like it. Looking good.
You could get some smaller size tires so you can get it out easier. I personally want to get 40's not because they are 40's but because I don't want to re-gear from the 5.13s already installed. If I find a great deal or have money burning in my pocket. I have a set of 35 right now that should be able to keep me till I go to 40's.
KB5 fenders are wider then KB2? When you said KB5 I thought you were talking about/meant the bigger trucks KB6+
The frame Chevy frame had the same wheel base?
Looks almost drivable what is left to do?
I love how you say your shop is so small. * Cough* at least you have one *Cough* You could always work outside and brave the elements like I do.

 

[GoldiesGarage]

Surprising to me, the factory exhaust manifolds clear the frame. I don't like the angle they dump out but it could work.





I had a choice here fit the AC compressor or fit the Power steering pump reservoir container. I figured it would be easier to mod the power steering res then buy a whole front ACC Kit. I still don't know if I made the right decision. But If ever get some type of AC thing under the dash I think I could live with my decision.

A/C compressor , should be a win for future Eli.



These are my motor mounts frame side I made. Just some 1/4 inch plate cut them out and drilled a 5/8 hole in. I plan on adding a gusset on the inside. On the engine block I bought some mounts from Black Horse Racing off of amazon.

 

[Lilnuts]

The KB-5 is a 1-1/2 ton version of the same truck as the KB-1,2 &3's, just bigger wheel cut outs for the stock 20" stock truck tires. The KB-6's and bigger are a different truck. I have a couple pics of the difference of the 2 fenders (yours and the KB-5) . I do have a pair of KB-5 fenders that are the same green as your truck, just sayin. In the pics the Rd fenders are the KB-3 and the orange are the 5 fenders.

My KB-3 is a long bed so yes the frame length is almost perfect. I do have smaller wheels/rims but still have to cut the header out. The elements in Denver can be be mighty harsh for working on an old truck.
Lots of misc things to do to get her completed.

 

[GoldiesGarage]

The KB-5 is a 1-1/2 ton version of the same truck as the KB-1,2 &3's, just bigger wheel cut outs for the stock 20" stock truck tires. The KB-6's and bigger are a different truck. I have a couple pics of the difference of the 2 fenders (yours and the KB-5) . I do have a pair of KB-5 fenders that are the same green as your truck, just sayin. In the pics the Rd fenders are the KB-3 and the orange are the 5 fenders.

My KB-3 is a long bed so yes the frame length is almost perfect. I do have smaller wheels/rims but still have to cut the header out. The elements in Denver can be be mighty harsh for working on an old truck.
Lots of misc things to do to get her completed.

Oh, I see now. How interesting. I didn't realize the they made a 1-1/2 version. I would prefer not to cut up my rusty fenders for wheel clearance. You got me thinking.

 

[Lilnuts]

Maybe these KB-5 fenders would work for your build.

 

[GoldiesGarage]

With the help of ol' reliable my trusty credit card, I was able to get the parts to finish the front end rebuild.
RCV CV refinished. Met a gentleman named Dennis and he helped me get them cleaned & cadmium plated.
RCV races
RCV CV cover
RCV Axle tube seals - I had to trim the knuckle to make these work. ( I don't know if it was a waste of money or not.)
Teraflex Bump Stops
Front Calipers (New to me)
Front Rotors (New to me)
Front Fox shocks (New to me) My brothers take offs. *Side note* 2006 Ram 2500 6 inch lift front shocks bolted on to my 4 inch lift JK frame.

Getting these races out was SUCH A PAIN. The left one is full of trans fluid. I left it in there for 3 months. I don't think it helped. I just got a bigger hammer.



















No more fire damage.

 

[GoldiesGarage]

All of this wiring was in the Chevy. I'm going to do my best and trim it down to be able to start it. Problem is the are so many computers and fused boxes/junction boxes. I did some jerry rigging and got some of the lights to turn on but sure seems like a ton of wires and what nots to fit in my KB2. While it was on the floor I took out the air bag wires.





Did a test fit and tried to turn the engine over. The speedo was like ERROR this ERROR that. I tried to start it anyways. It didn't do anything. I know I didn't have the T-case installed but that shouldn't of stopped it from tuning the starter. While I was looking at the harness and looking at the trucks space. I knew there was no was to get all of this mess in my tiny truck. I broke down and did something I didn't want to do. I called on ol' reliable again and I ordered a stand alone harness from Speartech. I used them before with my brothers 1950 Dodge B2B LQ4 build. Great news too... My L96 computer E78 is not supported buy any harness in the aftermarket world. I think the E78 ECU communicates with the BCM to much. So I had to buy a new ECU (E36). Just most aftermarket support this ECU. Since I have the 6L90 transmission, I added the manual switch to my order, so I can manually change gears. All In all a very expensive learning experience. This new wire harness cost me almost 2k.




*LS engine side notes*
L96 equipped Chevy vans come with a E36 ECU. Which will save you money.