S10 Jimmy Buildup

[kowe69]

So on our last trip to Moab my wife complained of the uncomfortable interior to the K5 Blazer (No carpet, broken/torn seat ect...). I had just considered cleaning up the interior. But I have also grown tired of the size of the rig in general. I like the full size drivetrain but the body is too wide for many tight places.
I considered finding an older Toy 4runner. But these where all out of my price range. Till I found this '97 Jimmy on KSL. It was listed for $1500 and the ad stated that the trans was bad. I called and she said "oh..the transmission is fine, the engine is seized." I went to look at it and her husband said "the engine turns over it just wont start." I could not verify any of this at the time because the battery was dead. I offered them $1000 and loaded it on the trailer. After jump starting it, I found it starts and runs fine. Other than a few minor problems this thing is in great shape.

So this has become my new project. I have done some searching on the net and found a few inspirations. But it is hard to find people who have built an S10. Not sure why exactly....with the full boxed frame, 4.3L Vortec, it seems to be a good starting point.

I plan on doing a SAS since I have a D60 and a 14B that were destined for the K5. I will also swap the 700R4 from the K5 and will be installing a doubler transfer case. This will likely be a slow process since funds and time are limited but I will post my progress as I go and welcome any comments, suggestions or even criticism. This is the most in depth build I have taken on so far and would like some tips from anyone willing to offer them.

 

[Rot Box]

WOW! that's a deal

Sounds like a cool build. Mr B (Brett) is doing something similar using a 91 Blazer running radius arms/coils/ drivers side drop D44 out of a Ford for the front, and a 14bolt rear....

I could be wrong, but the only problem I could see is replacing the factory 4L60E with the 700R4. The computer probably won't accept it, but there are ways to make it work. Also would switching the output to the passinger side plus the length of the doubler conflict with the fuel tank & system?

On the cheap side: A HP D30 (driver side drop) from a J$#p, and a spring over rear is always an option too... Just some thoughts,

Andrew

 

[kowe69]

WOW! that's a deal

Sounds like a cool build. Mr B (Brett) is doing something similar using a 91 Blazer running radius arms/coils/ drivers side drop D44 out of a Ford for the front, and a 14bolt rear....

I could be wrong, but the only problem I could see is replacing the factory 4L60E with the 700R4. The computer probably won't accept it, but there are ways to make it work. Also would switching the output to the passenger side plus the length of the doubler conflict with the fuel tank & system?

On the cheap side: A HP D30 (driver side drop) from a J$#p, and a spring over rear is always an option too... Just some thoughts,

Andrew

All good points. True the 203/205 doubler and the Chev D60 are pass side drop. So far the only conflict I foresee is the exhaust getting in the way of the front driveline. The exhaust will have to be moved to the driver side but the fuel tank is on the driver side also. I think I may get a fuel cell and install it in the rear where the spare tire goes and get rid on the factory fuel tank.

The 700r4 is mechanically controlled vs. the 4l60E is electronic. The PCM will still control the engine with the transmission harness disconnected and the 700R4 installed. If it does create any problems I can have it re-flashed with programming for a model with the manual trans and take all the auto trans programming out of it. The 700R4 was built for drag racing and is very stout. That is why I want to keep using it. Although it does shift VERY hard. I plan on installing the TCI full manual reverse valve body soon. This will give me full control of what gear it's in and also engine braking and converter lock-up available in ALL gears. It also has the rear output shaft needed for the NP203 installed so I can soon convert it to the 203/205 doubler.

I have considered doing a 3 or 4 link system and coil overs. But 2 things have been steering me away from that setup. Expense and clearance. I know people who have suffered sever damaged to their links on the rocks. I think (at least for now) I will use leaf springs front and rear. The rear will be easy since they are already there. Just cut and move the perches to fit the width of the S10 and do a spring over. I may use different springs though, Maybe the ones from the K5. I'll just have to see how it comes together. The front, it's just a matter of cutting out all the IFS sh*t and fabricating a new cross member, spring mounts and hangers. Then crossover steering and eventually full hydraulic steering since I'm shooting for 37"-40" tires. I don't think the dinky little gear box in it now will turn tires that big.

Soon I will be removing the body so I can access the frame better. I will box the rear 4 feet of the frame that the factory left open, remove some cross-members and make some new ones as well as all the suspension work. It will all be easier with the body out of the way.

 

[mbryson]

Curious to see how this turns out for you.

My $.02.

I'd just buck up and do the Atlas. By the time you redo the exhaust and the fuel tank, I think you've spent any savings you had on the doubler. Source a F*rd axle for the front and go from there.

I'm also curious how the SAS will go. It seems pretty commonly done on Toyotas.

 

[kowe69]

Here are a few pics of the axle build....so far I have torn down the 14 bolt, had it sand blasted, repainted it, installed 3/4 ton disc brakes, installed a full Detroit locker and 5.13 gears. The 60 is next...

 

[kowe69]

Curious to see how this turns out for you.

My $.02.

I'd just buck up and do the Atlas. By the time you redo the exhaust and the fuel tank, I think you've spent any savings you had on the doubler. Source a F*rd axle for the front and go from there.

I'm also curious how the SAS will go. It seems pretty commonly done on Toyotas.

I have put alot of thought into getting a 4 speed atlas and have not made decision yet.

You do have a good point......may have to put some thought into a Ford 60 as well. I just intended on using the Chev 60 since I already bought it for the K5. Maybe I can find someone with a HP Ford 60 that will want to trade???

I am curious about the SAS also since I've never done it. And it's hard to find anything done with the S10 on the net with any detail. Plenty of Toy stuff though. I will come up with a solid plan and go from there.

 

[I Lean]

The 4.3 is a good motor, but as long as you're swapping parts from the K5, the V8 that is probably in there might make you happier long-term.

 

[kowe69]

The 4.3 is a good motor, but as long as you're swapping parts from the K5, the V8 that is probably in there might make you happier long-term.

That was an option but the 350 tbi is worn out and burns oil badly. If I swapped it, it would require an overhaul first. Besides, based on my past experiences on the trail and personal driving preferences, I now prefer less motor and more gear reduction.

 

[Greg]

Looks like a fun, different build! There's little aftermarket support out there for these, so you have to be creative!

I know you're talking about 203/205 Doublers, have you thought about a using the 231 for a reduction unit & running a Dana 300 behind it? There's a few kits out there, search POR's vendor section. IMO, that would be a better match to a mid-size with a 4.3. The 203/205 combo is a huge, heavy SOB!

Also that would allow you to keep the 4L60E in place & use part of the t-case that the Blazer came with. Less work & probably less money.

 

[Rot Box]

Greg brings a very good point

Also the 231 has a few upgrades as well if I'm not mistaken. You can upgrade to a 5 pinion planetary setup with 4:1 gears and a SYE.... Again thinking outloud

 

[xjshorty21]

i have done a sas on a 95 s10 blazer we used a jeep dana 30 in the front it works great he is just running stock yj springs in the front and sprung over in the rear with aal and shackles easy could run 35 if you choice to run a 30 which i highly doubt you do wanting to run 38 i could give you some tips other then that have fun and make sure to square everything up

 

[Zombie]

I've got a very good friend that built a ZR2 pickup, and I know a few guys with Solid axle blaazers/jimmys...etc.

http://www.houseofloy.net/smsmith/
This is my friend. He's currently working on a 60/14ff combo to replace the 44 and nine.

http://www.zr2usa.com
This another resource. A couple of great builds on there, some linked, some leaved. Check out the forum, scroll down, and lok at the dedicated solid axle section. Theres a guy running a leaf sprung rig on 42s who is a welding engineer. Everything he built was cad designed and really well put together. This might give you some additional ideas.

I look forward to watching this build.

 

[kowe69]

I've got a very good friend that built a ZR2 pickup, and I know a few guys with Solid axle blaazers/jimmys...etc.

http://www.houseofloy.net/smsmith/
This is my friend. He's currently working on a 60/14ff combo to replace the 44 and nine.

http://www.zr2usa.com
This another resource. A couple of great builds on there, some linked, some leaved. Check out the forum, scroll down, and lok at the dedicated solid axle section. Theres a guy running a leaf sprung rig on 42s who is a welding engineer. Everything he built was cad designed and really well put together. This might give you some additional ideas.

I look forward to watching this build.

Cool! Thanks!

 

[Zombie]

I had a couple more thoughts on your build.

http://www.shop.synergyoffroad.com/category.sc?categoryId=4
This guy is a friend of mine. He specialises in S10 performance and offroad parts. If there is an aftermarket product for an S10, he can find it. Or, it could be a resource to find part numbers and descriptions and buy locally.

Also:
http://www.diversifiedcreations.com/dcDefault.asp
The owner of this shop is a design engineer for GM. He built a ZR2 pickup with a LS6 427, and made it look factory (well, he built it on the assembly line...)
Anyway, he was a participant in Petersens Ultimate adventure a while back in his ZR2 S10. He does custom computer flashes etc... Might be worth talking to.

 

[uglyblazer]

Swap 60's maybe.

t I have a 86 Ford F350, quad cab with front d60. Truck should run with starter. May be interested in trading entire truck for you Chev d60. The truck was given to me and I believe the axles to be completely stock.

 

[waynehartwig]

Looks like a sweet deal! Looking forward to progress pics

 

[kowe69]

t I have a 86 Ford F350, quad cab with front d60. Truck should run with starter. May be interested in trading entire truck for you Chev d60. The truck was given to me and I believe the axles to be completely stock.

Hmm......I have to get back to you on that! The only problem with using a Ford 60 is that it will force me to find a driver side drop t-case. The stock S10 case just doesn't cut it for me. And I don't have the $ for the Atlas 4spd right now. Meanwhile, can you PM me some pics of the truck and of the front axle?

 

[kowe69]

Looks like a sweet deal! Looking forward to progress pics

More to come as soon I get the front axle complete. Then I'll be diving head first into the fun stuff!

 

[uglyblazer]

Trucks stored in Layton and I am in N. Ogden, t don't get out there that much. I will get picks when I can, but probably won't be too soon.

 

[SICK99TJ]

this sounds like it will be sweet when it is all done. i do agree with going to a driver side drop axle i think imo that there is more choices to use, just my thoughts though i drive a jeep so i like the driver drop i am used to it.