Offroad S10

[NS Gearhead]

Even before I got rid of my jeep, I've been a fan of S10s. Especially reg cabs. So, I picked one up.



First step was to take the box off (to try and get a couple bucks out of it), then test her out offroad!

You can see the line where I cut the frame off the next day






She did great! Already better then the Tracker was. Oh, she's 4.3TBI, 700R4, 231.

Not 100% sure what the plan is... going to kind of roll with whatever i can find for cheap. I've got a line on an Explorer 8.8 so fingers crossed for that. I also have a Dana 30 sitting behind the shed that would be a good fit for the front.

The short list;
-adjust shifter (doesn't quite go into park)
-replace leaking fuel line
-patch Y pipe
-pass door doesn't open from outside
-driver's window opens but falls sideways. LOL
-burn in 2X4X1/4" rear bumper/crossmember/hitch
-Build & install behind cab hoop with "X" and a pair of pipes from it to the rear most part of the frame
-build small deck/ basket on the rest of the frame

Of course I want dual solid axles, weld the rear spiders, and re-gear them. 33" tires is the goal. If I get brave I may dove the nose and go full exo cage.

 

[dstig1]

I loved your last thread on the tracker, so looking forward to this one!

 

[Green Power]

Looks like a fun project, and i too enjoyed the tracker build.

 

[Qapla]

I used to have an S10 . Mine was standard shift with the 4.3.

I always wanted to take the bed off and install an RV 5th wheel hitch and the "dually kit" they used to sell for these things. Wanted to get a trailer made to work out of that would make the whole rig look lie a mini-semi.

Never got around to it before the truck died and I moved on.

 

[NS Gearhead]

The tires I hope to run. Funny story; I got them free and tried selling them as spares. Sold one, and now I'm one shy of 4. Trying to find another. I guess worst case I'll buy a new one


They were too wore to pass inspection, but the good old groover gave them some new life




Worked last time with the Tracker, so why re-invent the wheel? The receiver and pin were $35, and 4' of 2x4x1/4" was $37




I could have welded it in, but it started raining and I didn't want to leave it bare steel outside, or prime and have it get rained on... so it'll get burned in another day. I may add some triangle gussets just in case I get a hard tug from an angle. I'm not worried about bending the 2x4.


Picked this up the other day for $50. Buddy threw in some front tow hooks for free because I didn't try to dicker him down on the box! I'll have to make an angle iron "tray" with some spacers off the frame, but it should be a nice thing to have, especially with it being a reg cab.


So that's it for today. I've got a line on an 8.8 rear axle for $125 missing the carrier, ring and pinion. Lucky for me, my buddy's got the carrier with 4.10s he'll sell me for $20. Nice setup for $145. I'd likely run a D30 or 44 in the front to match. I've also got a line on a pair of Landcruiser axles for $400. The front axle's the wrong side drop, but I'm not afraid to cut it up and switch sides. I need to learn more about them, but they sound equivalent to one tons, but narrow. Very attractive especially at that price.

 

[Buggs67]

:thumbsup:

Keep the story and pictures coming.

 

[AGRIMAN]

That's a nice project with a lot of protentual and endless options. My thing is build/raced mud trucks, throw in some street racing and I'm just a hot rod gear head myself. I have a thread started on my recent build "4x4 Truck Build" if you haven't seen it. I need to update it sometime soon.

The Dana 44 would be a good choice for the front. It would be nice if you could find a Ford 9" for the rear that fit your budget. Even stock, they will take a lot of a punishment. You could go all out with a set of Dana 60's or a set of 2 1/2 ton rockwell's ..... LOL

I would go ahead with the ex cage. One of my favorite parts of any build is building the roll cage. Any plans to upgrade to a V8? Maybe a stroker.

 

[dieselcrawler]

I like that body style s-10. I have an '88 ext cab, 2.8 v6, 5spd. It's been parked for a few years, needs a clutch.

 

[NS Gearhead]

That's a nice project with a lot of protentual and endless options. My thing is build/raced mud trucks, throw in some street racing and I'm just a hot rod gear head myself. I have a thread started on my recent build "4x4 Truck Build" if you haven't seen it. I need to update it sometime soon.

The Dana 44 would be a good choice for the front. It would be nice if you could find a Ford 9" for the rear that fit your budget. Even stock, they will take a lot of a punishment. You could go all out with a set of Dana 60's or a set of 2 1/2 ton rockwell's ..... LOL

I would go ahead with the ex cage. One of my favorite parts of any build is building the roll cage. Any plans to upgrade to a V8? Maybe a stroker.

LOL, yeah it would be easy to get carried away. I actually want to keep it small, because most of the trails I plan to use it on are atv trails. Biggest I would go for tires would be 36". I've got some Iroks. They'd probably give a nice smooth ride as they're nice n squishy... but they'd need one ton gear. The only thing I'd do to the engine would be a spicy rebuild. I went the V8 swap route with the jeep and I'm not a fan....

 

[AGRIMAN]

LOL, yeah it would be easy to get carried away. I actually want to keep it small, because most of the trails I plan to use it on are atv trails. Biggest I would go for tires would be 36". I've got some Iroks. They'd probably give a nice smooth ride as they're nice n squishy... but they'd need one ton gear. The only thing I'd do to the engine would be a spicy rebuild. I went the V8 swap route with the jeep and I'm not a fan....

Just wondering why you think 36" swampers need one ton axles? Or am I misunderstanding you.

Did you have problems with your V8 swap?

 

[NS Gearhead]

Well I suppose they don't "Need" tons, but I do like to overbuild for peace of mind when I go out.

The V8 swap... well, let's just say I could have put a supercharger on the 4.0 and had the same results for the same price, with 1/10th the work. EVERYTHING had to be changed. Tranny, gauges, wireing, radiator, adapter for the t-case and so on, and on and on. Basicaly, it was too big of a project and that's why I got rid of it.

 

[fidowanttobe]

As an S10 fan myself, I get crap all the time about the "six banger" and when you gonna swap it. The 4.3 is an awesome motor that has a ton of potential in the right hands.

 

[NS Gearhead]

As an S10 fan myself, I get crap all the time about the "six banger" and when you gonna swap it. The 4.3 is an awesome motor that has a ton of potential in the right hands.

They are an awesome engine!

...and making 300hp out of it sounds relatively easy;
Chevy 4.3L 262ci V-6 - Engine Build - Overview - Tech - Hot Rod Magazine

 

[farm boy00]

Love it. First pic Almost looks like 2wd but I'm sure it's a 4x4 right

 

[AGRIMAN]

Well I suppose they don't "Need" tons, but I do like to overbuild for peace of mind when I go out.

The V8 swap... well, let's just say I could have put a supercharger on the 4.0 and had the same results for the same price, with 1/10th the work. EVERYTHING had to be changed. Tranny, gauges, wireing, radiator, adapter for the t-case and so on, and on and on. Basicaly, it was too big of a project and that's why I got rid of it.

It really comes down to what your plans are and the available budget. If you are not concerned about the weight, then the one tons would set it off for sure, but I would not be afraid of 1/2 tons with 36's. It's not cheap, but the 1/2 tons can upgraded to handle a lot of tire and hp.

Your are right, everything has to be changed and I can see how it may not be for everyone. Most of my builds center around a entire new drivetrain and suspension anyway, so I'm use to it I guess. I have a 97 ranger with a 557ci big block, C6, and 208 aluminum case. 9" in the rear and a 44 in the front. All built around the factory chassis (slightly modified).

There's nothing wrong with keeping the 4.3. I don't have much experience with them, but I heard they are good engines. Have you ever thought about putting two transfer cases in it? It's a neat set up and you can get some wild gear reduction with it.

I'm kicking around an idea now for a future build. It involves a 71 bronco, Dana 60's, 39.5 boggers, and a 7.3 power stroke

 

[NS Gearhead]

Love it. First pic Almost looks like 2wd but I'm sure it's a 4x4 right

Oh yes she's 4x4. 231 T-case. I've got to see about a slip yoke eliminator.

 

[NS Gearhead]

It really comes down to what your plans are and the available budget.

Yeah, my plan is just a fun buggy to take the wife and daughter in the trails behind my place. I MAY flat tow it for mild runs with buddies but they'd be "stocker friendly" (usually means a stock wrangler with 31" muds and open diffs can do it). Also, my stepdad's got MS, and my father-in-law's 70 with a bad knee so he's not much on taking walks in the woods anymore so I want to be able to take them out every now and then. Budget's shoe string for sure. I'd say keeping it under $3,000 over the next year. Saying that; tires I have with Jeep wheels (if I go with the 33s on 15" wheels), pipe I get free, I'll weld the rear spiders for free and keep the front open, I've got Jeep springs left for a front solid axle swap and if I decided to 4 link the rear.... so I'm starting with a decent head start, not to mention the truck was $750. I'll keep a running tally and post it here.

 

[NS Gearhead]

I have a 97 ranger with a 557ci big block, C6, and 208 aluminum case. 9" in the rear and a 44 in the front. All built around the factory chassis (slightly modified).

Sounds killer! Got any video of this beast!?!

 

[NS Gearhead]

All burned in and added some 1.5X3/8" flat bar I had in the steel inventory


In primer trying in the wind.




Fixed one fuel line and in the process the other sprung a leak. Lucky I had enough line and clamps left to fix it too.


Attempt #2 to adjust the shifter failed again. I tried sanding the rod, but still won't slide. My neighbor loves this yellow stuff ment to soak rusty parts. I might try that.

 

[NS Gearhead]

Took my father in law for little drive through the woods behind my place sat. Showed him where I had my deer blind last year, and the gravel pile. He seemed impressed with the truck and the trails. He said his days of walking through the woods are over, so I think he appreciated it. I feel for him. He's 70 and has a knee that bothers him.