1986 GMC S-15

[Andrew_S]

^ Thanks, I'm really happy with how it came out, it only took me like 5 years to finish this little project haha.
Continuing on with the front-end upgrades, something I realized quickly that needed to change was the front coil springs. I originally drank the kool-aid and purchased a set of metal cloak dual rate 4.5" xj coils. After spending an extensive period of time on bush roads it was clear these were far too stiff for my application. I reached out to Metalcloak to confirm this but they refused to share their spring rates, to my surprise - they claimed proprietary secrets but anyone with a press and a scale could sort out the lb/in rate. Best I can figure without actually measuring is the MC coils are around 220-230 lb/in springs. I opted for a set of RE 165lb/in springs.

Before I got started I did some checks for full droop limits, here it is at ride height.

Full droop

Everything disconnected and old springs out,

All back together. The new coils are the same overall height, just a tighter wind for a lower spring rate. Rides amazing now vs previously. It used to rattle your teeth on a good bump before and now it soaks them up quite a bit better.

Decided to run the original steel cable vs a synthetic line on the winch. Mostly because I had one, and also because the synthetic options are not cheap at all. For how little winching I'm going to do this will be more than sufficient. Last project for the night:

This thing is officially done, and operational.

 

[Andrew_S]

and another one, I'm killing it on keeping this up to date lately.
Scored a full set of v-bar cam lock chains for this thing for $200 - brand new never used.

The fit couldn't be better. Can't wait to knock the paint off these this winter.

Time to finally finish up this air locker install. This was the missing piece.

I looked at a lot of different options, almost with the sole purpose of not going the ARB route. I have to say the luxury of a plug-and-play comprehensive package and not trying to piece-meal everything out is what won me over in the end. I also managed to score this for 20% off during a labour day sale - still not cheap though.

I did opt to build my own mount. Trying to build a nice flat pedestal off an inner fender that was anything but flat was a fun challenge.

Leftover 3/16" aluminum from a camper project.

Fit up

After an afternoon of messing around the mount is built and bolted on with homemade rubber isolators. Everything is placed and now it's onto plumbing and wiring.

The universal kit comes with some copious lengths of wire. Aiming for a cleanish install, couldn't bring myself to leave it as is.
Before

After,

I hope to get everything finished up this afternoon. I'm still missing one switch and both solenoids. Hopefully, they show in short order.

 

[Todd n Natalie]

Looks awesome! Bet you can't wait to get out there and try out all the new toys!

 

[Andrew_S]

^ Thanks, I'm really looking forward to trying the lockers out in the snow this season.

This thing killed another ignition module yesterday...

Wife putting in a shift flat towing me home,

Pretty well done, minus a few missing parts. Shortened all 3 harnesses to really clean up the install. Also yanked the old front diff actuator wires and repurposed the firewall grommet for the switch harness, made for a super clean install.

Switch install was quite simple, repurposed 2 existing holes for panels and the harness dropped in directly above this location.

Tested and everything works great so far. It will air up these 33's from 10psi in no time at all.
Just need the front locker switch and 2 solenoids to call this one done, backorder at the moment. Also need to sort out a hose, might install air chucks in both front fender wells to make it even easier to air up.

 

[N.Penley]

Are you plumbing air into the camper too? It may be handy to blow the dust out, inflate air beds or pillows, or use pneumatic tools indoors?


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[Andrew_S]

I don't plan to run air into the camper, there is no real need. The only thing I really need compressed air for is the lockers and airing up the tires. It might be handy to blow out the rad occasionally when it gets packed with debris from overgrown roads.

Went for a nice long grouse hunt yesterday, first 20km's was through the most recent burn, unreal damage.

Ended up coming home with dinner, missed a good chance at a couple of white tail.

Today's project, is an attempt to not give cvse or the RCMP an excuse to pull me over.

Need to get some mud on these things now, they look super out of place.

Next up, I modified the stock skid to work with the winch.

Doesn't look like much but this was easily 6 hours in the garage.

 

[pigsammy]

All of your projects seem to be progressing well !
Keep up the good work, we'll be waiting for baby pics!

 

[Buddha.]

I’ve got a couple aluminum skid plates for a newer S10 I’ve been trying to sell . I dont think they work on your early style though.

 

[Andrew_S]

^ I think they are interchangeable. The ones I have on this truck are off a 2000 S10

All of your projects seem to be progressing well !
Keep up the good work, we'll be waiting for baby pics!

Thanks, really trying to put a dent in the list right now. Hoping it's 100% for ice fishing season.


Quick one, It's here!

 

[Andrew_S]

It's been a minute!

Before the little guy arrived I had to figure out how to mount a rear-facing seat safely in my '84.

Took some doing, but this worked great

And then after almost 2 weeks overdue the day finally arrived!
36 years ago my parents brought me home in this truck and I couldn't have been happier to repeat tradition with our son.

After adjusting to this new norm for a couple of weeks, I got back to it.
Baby seat fits surprisingly great in the blue truck. This was a genuine concern for a while.

The parts finally arrived from ARB to finish the locker install. Put the little man to work holding my wiring diagram.

This thing officially has front and rear lockers, finally.

Went out for one last hunting trip to test them out,

This doesn't look like much in photos but loose cobble pushing 30-40% grade at times.

This was a perfect test of the lockers, sheer ice.

Built a nice little hose for airing up, so much more convenient now.

Another outing, random cabin.

Out for a hike in the burn area, going to be some great mushroom picking next year!

Pretty light year for snow so far, typically could never make it into this area this time of year.
This was a trail about 25km's long with decommissions/drainage ditches that the truck would disappear into. Pretty satisfying driving straight through the entire trail without issue. Previous to the axle/tire upgrades, this would have never been possible.

Managed to get out on the hard water for the first time this year.

Half a dozen fish, great day

Big garage upgrade for me. Picked up this 52" wide box to replace the old clapped-out Napa premium.

Not a snap-on but more than enough for me. So stoked to have some more tool space.

Lastly, I'm shopping for another truck. With another truck comes another camper.
A deal came up on some pieces I'll need for that 12v system I couldn't pass up.
So here's the first look at pieces for the next build.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Congratulations on the newborn!

 

[ThundahBeagle]

The blue GMC looks GREAT! The proportions of lift and tire size to the vehicle itself is rugged and purposeful. Something like the way 4x4 Tacomas are when new that GM never bought the into with thier smaller trucks. I'm sure if they made them the way you have outfitted yours (without the camper) they would have sold even better

 

[Mekcanix]

Congrats on the new addition to the family

 

[Copperhead14]

Congratulations on the little guy.

New ruck? Can’t wait to see your next project.

 

[ITTOG]

Congrats on the son. He will love growing up with you two as parents.

New truck probably netted you a lot of new fish to start reading your build posts.