Copperhead14
Observer
Can’t wait to see your finished product.
1986 GMC S-15
- Thread starter Andrew_S
- Start date
Andrew_S
Observer
Thanks for the good words guys. Bit of a daunting project, cutting up a perfectly good truck and all...
The dana 30 isn't a huge strength gain over the ifs diff, almost exactly the same ring gear, etc. Having the t-bars turned up in the front was killing cv's and steering components all of the time. Now I can through some better shocks under it, coils, bigger sidewalls, etc.
Talking it through, it's kind of a passion project more then anything. I've been reading about solid axle swapped s-10's for 15 years and have always wanted to do one. The truck in it's previous form met the requirement 99.9999% of the time. I can only think of 2 occasions where we had to turn around and this new set up would have made it. More then anything, it's a good excuse to do some work to the truck, hopefully make it a bit better and build my skills.
Not a huge amount of progress yesterday but one step at a time.
Found a couple more rims, needed a 5th for a spare.
This took like 4 hours...
Scuffing, wire wheeling, sanding, prepping, multiple coats. These TJ wheels weren't on my radar at all but the price was right ($80 for all 5), the fit is perfect and they are growing on me.
Got the final steering link cut down to size. Need to pick up a sleeve or solid bar to strengthen up the joint this week.
Made a couple of trips to the wreckers to sort out some misc parts.
I needed to get a visual on a few rear sway bar set ups, brake lines and trans mounts.
Picked up the rear bar off an explorer and trans mount off a ZJ (?)
I wasn't going to run a rear bar originally. Given this is not a dedicated wheeler, road manners definitely take priority. The camper adds a lot of weight up high as well. The bar fits perfect, just need to fab up some upper mounts. blast it & paint it.
Not typically one to sneak photos of other people but this woman's footwear in the junkyard was something I had to capture.
This guy posted up next to the wife's rig, slight lift w/ tall skinny tires, nice looking set up.
Hitting hard again today. more updates tomorrow.
Killing a couple of bird with one stone here; lockers, bigger tires, re-gear, stronger components, better suspension.
The dana 30 isn't a huge strength gain over the ifs diff, almost exactly the same ring gear, etc. Having the t-bars turned up in the front was killing cv's and steering components all of the time. Now I can through some better shocks under it, coils, bigger sidewalls, etc.
Talking it through, it's kind of a passion project more then anything. I've been reading about solid axle swapped s-10's for 15 years and have always wanted to do one. The truck in it's previous form met the requirement 99.9999% of the time. I can only think of 2 occasions where we had to turn around and this new set up would have made it. More then anything, it's a good excuse to do some work to the truck, hopefully make it a bit better and build my skills.
Not a huge amount of progress yesterday but one step at a time.
Found a couple more rims, needed a 5th for a spare.
This took like 4 hours...
Scuffing, wire wheeling, sanding, prepping, multiple coats. These TJ wheels weren't on my radar at all but the price was right ($80 for all 5), the fit is perfect and they are growing on me.
Got the final steering link cut down to size. Need to pick up a sleeve or solid bar to strengthen up the joint this week.
Made a couple of trips to the wreckers to sort out some misc parts.
I needed to get a visual on a few rear sway bar set ups, brake lines and trans mounts.
Picked up the rear bar off an explorer and trans mount off a ZJ (?)
I wasn't going to run a rear bar originally. Given this is not a dedicated wheeler, road manners definitely take priority. The camper adds a lot of weight up high as well. The bar fits perfect, just need to fab up some upper mounts. blast it & paint it.
Not typically one to sneak photos of other people but this woman's footwear in the junkyard was something I had to capture.
This guy posted up next to the wife's rig, slight lift w/ tall skinny tires, nice looking set up.
Hitting hard again today. more updates tomorrow.
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Andrew_S
Observer
^thanks, it's either aluminum or black in my world for wheels.
I have a 4 link kit sitting on the shelf for this 8.8, but I really don't mind leafs in the rear. They are super easy to add or remove a leaf. The only reason why I didn't go leafs in the front is I wanted the flexibility/adjustability for caster and front to rear alignment.
The amount of dirt that's fallen off this truck in the last 4 days, it's definitely going to be lighter, even after inheriting a couple of bigger axles & tires.
I spent a solid 8 hours working on it yesterday but it doesn't look like much changed.
Quite a bit more room now
I learned a couple of valuable lessons yesterday. 1, I need a bigger oxygen tank for my torch set. 2, you get what you pay for when it comes to abrasives and cutting discs.
Here it is with the coil buckets. I think* I'm going to cut these down and sit them a fair bit lower on the frame.
I have a 4 link kit sitting on the shelf for this 8.8, but I really don't mind leafs in the rear. They are super easy to add or remove a leaf. The only reason why I didn't go leafs in the front is I wanted the flexibility/adjustability for caster and front to rear alignment.
The amount of dirt that's fallen off this truck in the last 4 days, it's definitely going to be lighter, even after inheriting a couple of bigger axles & tires.
I spent a solid 8 hours working on it yesterday but it doesn't look like much changed.
Quite a bit more room now
I learned a couple of valuable lessons yesterday. 1, I need a bigger oxygen tank for my torch set. 2, you get what you pay for when it comes to abrasives and cutting discs.
Here it is with the coil buckets. I think* I'm going to cut these down and sit them a fair bit lower on the frame.
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Kingsize24
Well-known member
Looking SOOOOO good!
Andrew_S
Observer
^Thanks, all I see is a very disabled truck at the moment.
Started yesterday by trying to wrap my head around how to make this bracketry work for the cross member.
I quickly determined I needed some parts and supplies, wasted half of the day running around collecting these items. Valve stems, leaf spring bushings & center pins, torch tips and fittings, etc.
Picked up some stock to sleeve the last steering link, drag or tie rod link? not really sure what the solid axle jargon is. Edit* googled it, definitely the drag link
One thing I'm pretty good at it is using the wrong tools to get the job done. Don't have a valve stem installation tool? Arb deflator works in a pinch to pull a new valve stem through a rim.
Picked up my 2 new tires as well, substantial height difference over the 235/75's, glad to see the width is almost identical.
This build is not cheap by any means, but I'm doing everything I can to save money. Buying "new to me" parts from abandoned projects, etc. I picked up those 4 tires last week for $350, hoping to resell the rims and drop that to $250. Comparatively, these two tires just cost almost $900... The quote I received for 5 brand new tires was $2400 (no rims)... Now I have 5 tires w/ rims for $1230. Theme of this build is save where I can because nothing in life is cheap these days.
New O2 tank, tips, fittings for my regulator, and I'm ready to heat up some steel again.
It was an expensive day with very little physical progress. I ended it on a high note...
Luckily his suspicion of my intoxication was false and we chatted for a moment about his '56 on a s10 chassis. So the day did not get anymore expensive.
Hoping to make some substantial progress today, back to work tomorrow.
Some pretty good rain but I don't think it's comparable to what happened a year ago. Thanks, you & I both. I hate having this thing not running. May long is coming in a hurry and we have a trip planned for that weekend.
Started yesterday by trying to wrap my head around how to make this bracketry work for the cross member.
I quickly determined I needed some parts and supplies, wasted half of the day running around collecting these items. Valve stems, leaf spring bushings & center pins, torch tips and fittings, etc.
Picked up some stock to sleeve the last steering link, drag or tie rod link? not really sure what the solid axle jargon is. Edit* googled it, definitely the drag link
One thing I'm pretty good at it is using the wrong tools to get the job done. Don't have a valve stem installation tool? Arb deflator works in a pinch to pull a new valve stem through a rim.
Picked up my 2 new tires as well, substantial height difference over the 235/75's, glad to see the width is almost identical.
This build is not cheap by any means, but I'm doing everything I can to save money. Buying "new to me" parts from abandoned projects, etc. I picked up those 4 tires last week for $350, hoping to resell the rims and drop that to $250. Comparatively, these two tires just cost almost $900... The quote I received for 5 brand new tires was $2400 (no rims)... Now I have 5 tires w/ rims for $1230. Theme of this build is save where I can because nothing in life is cheap these days.
New O2 tank, tips, fittings for my regulator, and I'm ready to heat up some steel again.
It was an expensive day with very little physical progress. I ended it on a high note...
Luckily his suspicion of my intoxication was false and we chatted for a moment about his '56 on a s10 chassis. So the day did not get anymore expensive.
Hoping to make some substantial progress today, back to work tomorrow.
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Todd780
OverCamper
Did he say why he suspected you were intoxicated? Has years of driving off road made you drive like this on pavement?^Thanks, all I see is a very disabled truck at the moment.
Some pretty good rain but I don't think it's comparable to what happened a year ago. Thanks, you & I both. I hate having this thing not running. May long is coming in a hurry and we have a trip planned for that weekend.
Started yesterday by trying to wrap my head around how to make this bracketry work for the cross member.
I quickly determined I needed some parts and supplies, wasted half of the day running around collecting these items. Valve stems, leaf spring bushings & center pins, torch tips and fittings, etc.
Picked up some stock to sleeve the last steering link, drag or tie rod link? not really sure what the solid axle jargon is. Edit* googled it, definitely the drag link
One thing I'm pretty good at it is using the wrong tools to get the job done. Don't have a valve stem installation tool? Arb deflator works in a pinch to pull a new valve stem through a rim.
Picked up my 2 new tires as well, substantial height difference over the 235/75's, glad to see the width is almost identical.
This build is not cheap by any means, but I'm doing everything I can to save money. Buying "new to me" parts from abandoned projects, etc. I picked up those 4 tires last week for $350, hoping to resell the rims and drop that to $250. Comparatively, these two tires just cost almost $900... The quote I received for 5 brand new tires was $2400 (no rims)... Now I have 5 tires w/ rims for $1230. Theme of this build is save where I can because nothing in life is cheap these days.
New O2 tank, tips, fittings for my regulator, and I'm ready to heat up some steel again.
It was an expensive day with very little physical progress. I ended it on a high note...
Luckily his suspicion of my intoxication was false and we chatted for a moment about his '56 on a s10 chassis. So the day did not get anymore expensive.
Hoping to make some substantial progress today, back to work tomorrow.
ITTOG
Well-known member
^Thanks, all I see is a very disabled truck at the moment.
Some pretty good rain but I don't think it's comparable to what happened a year ago. Thanks, you & I both. I hate having this thing not running. May long is coming in a hurry and we have a trip planned for that weekend.
Started yesterday by trying to wrap my head around how to make this bracketry work for the cross member.
I quickly determined I needed some parts and supplies, wasted half of the day running around collecting these items. Valve stems, leaf spring bushings & center pins, torch tips and fittings, etc.
Picked up some stock to sleeve the last steering link, drag or tie rod link? not really sure what the solid axle jargon is. Edit* googled it, definitely the drag link
One thing I'm pretty good at it is using the wrong tools to get the job done. Don't have a valve stem installation tool? Arb deflator works in a pinch to pull a new valve stem through a rim.
Picked up my 2 new tires as well, substantial height difference over the 235/75's, glad to see the width is almost identical.
This build is not cheap by any means, but I'm doing everything I can to save money. Buying "new to me" parts from abandoned projects, etc. I picked up those 4 tires last week for $350, hoping to resell the rims and drop that to $250. Comparatively, these two tires just cost almost $900... The quote I received for 5 brand new tires was $2400 (no rims)... Now I have 5 tires w/ rims for $1230. Theme of this build is save where I can because nothing in life is cheap these days.
New O2 tank, tips, fittings for my regulator, and I'm ready to heat up some steel again.
It was an expensive day with very little physical progress. I ended it on a high note...
Luckily his suspicion of my intoxication was false and we chatted for a moment about his '56 on a s10 chassis. So the day did not get anymore expensive.
Hoping to make some substantial progress today, back to work tomorrow.
He should have asked about your love for mushrooms and which ones you have been eating.
zgfiredude
Active member
Well good thing he thought you were drunk, as there is NO WAY you were speeding in the Toyota!!
Andrew_S
Observer
He should have asked about your love for mushrooms and which ones you have been eating.
lol, Admittedly I ran a yellow, got lost trying to find the Indian restaurant, turned right 3 times, and then left 3 times. I would have definitely thought I was drunk as well.Well good thing he thought you were drunk, as there is NO WAY you were speeding in the Toyota!!
After staring at the explorer rear sway bar and trying to sort out packaging the shocks, pan hard and brake lines I've decided to change the plans. You can see here the explorer shocks are mounted more in board.
S10 shocks are mounted more outboard.
So I picked up a blazer rear sway bar. Now I don't have to mess with the stock upper shock mount. Should make for a nicer overall package. Also picked up an explorer front sway bar, it's a direct bolt on and beeeefy, 1 3/8" solid bar.
Rebushing the leaf springs was the task today,
This was one of better bushings
This little press is sure coming in handy
Pulled out one of the leafs from the pack. Not 100% if I'm going to keep it out, but I'll try it for now.
Not a fun job, but it's done now. Hoping to get the rear end completely buttoned up this week.
colierar
Observer
Is it still going to fit in the garage with the new axles and tires?? Looks like it might be close! Awesome write-up man, I am a hardcore Chevy fan. I had a 01 ZR2 and now drive an 06 Colorado Z71 daily. I just like the smaller Chevy trucks. I've also had a couple square bodies and a suburban.
Thank you for posting and updating, this is by far my favorite thread on the site, I dont get out much at all anymore, but I love your updates!
Awesome write-up man, I am a hardcore Chevy fan. I had a 01 ZR2 and now drive an 06 Colorado Z71 daily. I just like the smaller Chevy trucks. I've also had a couple square bodies and a suburban.Thank you for posting and updating, this is by far my favorite thread on the site, I dont get out much at all anymore, but I love your updates!
goldtooth
Member
We were up in Port Renfrew back in mid February. Weather was pretty decent for the winter. The roads up to Nitinat Lake were ROUGH from all of the rains. Some had landslides and were washed out. Love that part of the island.
Truck progress is awesome. I did an 8.8 swap in my Jeep Comanche as well as one of my Jeep Grand Cherokees. Good deal on a tough axle with disc brakes.
nate
Truck progress is awesome. I did an 8.8 swap in my Jeep Comanche as well as one of my Jeep Grand Cherokees. Good deal on a tough axle with disc brakes.
nate