Project: S10 Front Suspension Redux [Archive]

HectorM52

11-18-2007, 05:20 PM

Well, this project may take a few months. But hopefully not too much longer than that!

I've been wanting to upgrade the front suspension of my truck in order to possibly do some road racing or maybe just some good old fashioned "spirited driving." Who knows... So I started sniffing around this site which has some AWESOME information in addition to some very knowledgeable people. You can read my "research" thread here (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34858). I would like to thank Marcus @ SC&C ahead of time for all his insight.

I'll probably be doing most of this over the winter. I've been saving for all these parts and I'm almost there. I've already starting making some purchases so I'm excited!

So here's the plan:

American Touring Specialties AFX Spindles
American Touring Specialties AFX Billet Steering Arms
SPC Adjustable Upper Control Arms
Precision Series Upper Ball Joints
C5 Vette Calipers
Drilled & Slotted Rotors
Hotchkis G-Body 1" Springs

I think that's it for "phase 1." I'll have to add some stuff after that like LCA's and coil-overs but that's later.

I'll try to keep you updated with pics and what not as the parts start flowing in and start to be installed.

Crafty One

11-19-2007, 06:20 AM

Have you thought about running a set of the "B" body spindles.... I had a set of Caprice 2" drop spindles and 2" BT springs along with ART UCA's on my 92 blazer.... Made a huge difference on the handling.... Drove the blazer almost 2 years like that.

jerome

11-19-2007, 07:26 AM

the AFX spindle is superior to the B body in everything but price.

hector, i've seen your thread on s-seriesforum, that thing has really come together well.

I've got a similar combo up front: AFX, C5 brakes w/ regular rotors, Howe ball joints, SPC uppers, stock lowers w/ del-a-lum, speedway spring adjusters, 700lb springs, bilstein s10 shocks

I'm putting it together over thanksgiving, i'll post some pics to hold you over until your parts come

Jerome

Crafty One

11-19-2007, 07:57 AM

the AFX spindle is superior to the B body in everything but price.

Jerome

I'm in no way saying that the B body spindles are better than AFX....

Just throwing out some info on a past personal setup.... I built it on a budget and had exceptional results....

HectorM52

11-19-2007, 10:57 AM

I'm in no way saying that the B body spindles are better than AFX....

Just throwing out some info on a past personal setup.... I built it on a budget and had exceptional results....
Yes. I know about them and I know they are the budget "alternate" to the AFX spindles.

I appreciate the info!!! I definitely don't want someone to NOT post up some info that might help me in this journey! So feel free to post it up even if you think it's redundant or not. You never know what is going to help SOMEONE out in the future.

As for me, I've relented to the fact that I have to spend some money and I'm okay with that. Hopefully the results will be worth the extra cash. I've heard that they will.

HectorM52

11-19-2007, 12:20 PM

the AFX spindle is superior to the B body in everything but price.

hector, i've seen your thread on s-seriesforum, that thing has really come together well.

Thanks! I've put a lot of money and even more time into it. Hopefully it will be track-worthy sometime soon!

I've got a similar combo up front: AFX, C5 brakes w/ regular rotors, Howe ball joints, SPC uppers, stock lowers w/ del-a-lum, speedway spring adjusters, 700lb springs, bilstein s10 shocks

I'm putting it together over thanksgiving, i'll post some pics to hold you over until your parts come

Jerome

YES, please post them up! I'm excited about getting some parts in here and even more excited about getting them installed!!!

jerome

11-22-2007, 05:04 PM

don't mean to take over your project thread, but here they are

Just put it together today. Noticed that the steering stop on the stock control arm hits the steering arm on the spindle. (3rd pic) So that will have to be trimmed probably.

just some info on my project, very very similar to yours. I was even planning on silver too

stock LCA w/ del-a-lums, SPC uppers, howe ball joints, AFX spindle, C5 brakes
speedway trucoil 700lb springs and threaded hidden adjusters, bilstein S10 shocks
splined swaybar and adjustable links if I can find the right swaybar arms
383 sbc hopefully about 450-500 hp flywheel
performance rebuilt LS1 T56
ford 8.8 rear w/ offset 3-link & varishock coilovers and Johnny Joints built by me (hopefully done by end of winter)
C5 thinspokes 17x8.5 18x9.5 wheels, sumitomo HTRZ tires

let me know if you need any help deciding on what to get. I love spending other peoples money

Jerome

HectorM52

11-22-2007, 09:33 PM

SWEET!

I didn't think about del-a-lum LCA bushings. That's a good idea.

And are those screw-in type upper ball joints?

Looks awesome. I'm jealous and also I'm looking forward to getting mine done!!

PS - love the painted frame. Nice n clean!

syborg tt

11-23-2007, 06:35 AM

Wow very nice st up - would love to see more pictures

don't mean to take over your project thread, but here they are

Just put it together today. Noticed that the steering stop on the stock control arm hits the steering arm on the spindle. (3rd pic) So that will have to be trimmed probably.

just some info on my project, very very similar to yours. I was even planning on silver too

stock LCA w/ del-a-lums, SPC uppers, howe ball joints, AFX spindle, C5 brakes
speedway trucoil 700lb springs and threaded hidden adjusters, bilstein S10 shocks
splined swaybar and adjustable links if I can find the right swaybar arms
383 sbc hopefully about 450-500 hp flywheel
performance rebuilt LS1 T56
ford 8.8 rear w/ offset 3-link & varishock coilovers and Johnny Joints built by me (hopefully done by end of winter)
C5 thinspokes 17x8.5 18x9.5 wheels, sumitomo HTRZ tires

let me know if you need any help deciding on what to get. I love spending other peoples money

Jerome

HectorM52

11-26-2007, 05:05 PM

Well, some of my toys started to show up...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/11/IMG_1871sized-1.jpg

jerome

11-27-2007, 08:06 AM

Where'd you get that right side caliper? Everywhere I call its backordered.

HectorM52

11-27-2007, 11:10 AM

Where'd you get that right side caliper? Everywhere I call its backordered.
They're used. I bought them off a guy on a Corvette forum.

HectorM52

12-03-2007, 06:49 PM

Well, I got some nice rotors. Man, these things are heavy as crap!!! And massive!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/12/IMG_1910sized-1.jpg

Bad94

12-03-2007, 06:52 PM

Ebay ones?

HectorM52

12-26-2007, 05:31 PM

Ebay ones?
Yes. I contacted one of the companies off Ebay and made them an offer.

HectorM52

12-26-2007, 05:35 PM

Well, I finally got one part of the puzzle...

Some Hotchkis #1902F springs.

I'm hoping to order some more parts this week. But I'm having a hard time talking myself into it. Because my dang dog ate some stuff last Friday and we had to take him to an emergency Vet. And that wasn't cheap...

...Sooo, I've got to see if I've still got the budget to make the big purchase.

HectorM52

12-27-2007, 01:25 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/12/IMG_2030sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/12/IMG_2031sized-1.jpg

jerome

12-27-2007, 02:02 PM

make sure you use new spring rubbers if yours are looking nasty. I can get you the part numbers if you need em.

HectorM52

12-27-2007, 03:59 PM

From Post #1 - Here's my list...

American Touring Specialties AFX Spindles
American Touring Specialties AFX Billet Steering Arms
SPC Adjustable Upper Control Arms
Precision Series Upper Ball Joints
SPC Lower Control Arms
Precision Series Lower Ball Joints
C5 Vette Calipers - PURCHASED
Drilled & Slotted Rotors - PURCHASED
Hotchkis G-Body 1" Springs - PURCHASED

HectorM52

12-27-2007, 04:07 PM

make sure you use new spring rubbers if yours are looking nasty. I can get you the part numbers if you need em.
Actually, yes. Do you have the part numbers?

jerome

12-27-2007, 05:06 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/12/610186107-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=86107)
black one is 15989709, regular rubber
blue one is 15737908, either hard rubber or poly

black goes on bottom, blue goes on top

Jerome

HectorM52

12-28-2007, 03:07 PM

black one is 15989709, regular rubber
blue one is 15737908, either hard rubber or poly

black goes on bottom, blue goes on top

THANKS!

But I just bought a poly upper bushing from SC&C along with the LCA's which Mark said comes with an isolator already.

HectorM52

12-28-2007, 03:24 PM

Updated...

ATS AFX Spindles - PURCHASED
- G-Body Tall Spindles

ATS AFX Billet Steering Arms - PURCHASED

SPC Adjustable Upper Control Arms - PURCHASED
- Upgraded to Hex Sleeves
- Greaseable Steel Bushings
- Screw-In NASCAR Bushings

Precision Series Upper Ball Joints - PURCHASED

SPC Lower Control Arms - PURCHASED
- Greaseable Delrin Bushings
- 1/2" Shims for Height Adjustment
- GM Jounce Bumpers

Precision Series Lower Ball Joints - PURCHASED

Poly Upper Spring Isolators - PURCHASED

Braided Brake Lines - STILL NEED

C5 Vette Calipers - PURCHASED & IN HAND

Drilled & Slotted Rotors - PURCHASED & IN HAND

Hotchkis G-Body 1" Springs - PURCHASED & IN HAND

Bad94

12-28-2007, 05:18 PM

HectorM52

12-28-2007, 05:33 PM

Send is all my way. Well keep the coils, rotors, and calipers i have those.
Riiiight! ;)

I may have to move in with you guys once my wife finds out how much I spent!!

jerome

12-28-2007, 08:58 PM

Hey, no fair, that's MY front suspension. haha

except for the lower arms. I'm using stock w/ del-a-lums.
Do you mean spohn lower arms? I didn't think SPC made lower arms.

Jerome

HectorM52

12-28-2007, 09:27 PM

Hey, no fair, that's MY front suspension. haha

except for the lower arms. I'm using stock w/ del-a-lums.
Do you mean spohn lower arms? I didn't think SPC made lower arms.

Jerome
Yup, they're from SPC, its a new product, apparently. I'm excited to get them on and kick it around.

Unfortunately I've still got a CRAP steering system. I need to get it sent off to Lee to make it right. But I just blew my wad as you can see from the list above!

Jerome, did you get a fast-ratio box and send it to Lee?

GM_muscle

12-29-2007, 11:19 AM

why you go with the 1" g-body springs and not a belltech or other s10 drop spring?

GM_muscle

12-29-2007, 11:21 AM

i have 1" belltech springs in my 97 s10 and they are stiff. i got the springs for a v6 but i have a v8

HectorM52

12-29-2007, 04:58 PM

Good question. I guess its a matter of opinion. I wanted the Hotchkis brand and was willing to spend a few bucks on something that's been engineered for a certain vehicle for a certain weight. In my limited research I've been able to find out that a G-body is similar to a V8 S10 so I'm betting that they'll ride well.

If they're too stiff I'll try some other springs, maybe Belltech.

Bad94

12-30-2007, 09:31 AM

why you go with the 1" g-body springs and not a belltech or other s10 drop spring?

Because the Belltech coils suck ass to the Hotchkis

s10cyncrvr

12-31-2007, 07:45 AM

Yup, they're from SPC, its a new product, apparently. I'm excited to get them on and kick it around.

Do you have any pictures? I've been anxious to see what they are like.

HectorM52

12-31-2007, 12:21 PM

Do you have any pictures? I've been anxious to see what they are like.
I'll snap a bunch of pics and post them up once I get them here. Maybe late this week or early next week. I ordered a bunch of stuff and Mark didn't have all of it in his stock. So I'm not sure when it will all arrive.

I too am interested in seeing them.

Mark told me they look similar to a Stealth Bomber - kind of that triangle shape...

jerome

12-31-2007, 08:55 PM

I'm eager to see those arms.
I'm not sure what to do with the steering box. I would love to send it off to Lee, but from what I hear, its alot of money. I just have the stock box (not ZQ8 fast ratio) bolted up right now.

Problem is, the ATS spindles are a different shape, and the steering stops on the stock arms that I'm using don't work. They scrape the side of the steering arm. I'm gonna grind them off. But then the only thing limiting steering is the front of the steering arm hitting the bumpstop. Not a good steering stop either. I'm still trying to figure out how to weld something onto the lower arm or adjust the internal box stops. Hopefully those SPC arms will have an easy solution for a steering stop.

HectorM52

01-04-2008, 03:02 PM

Problem is, the ATS spindles are a different shape, and the steering stops on the stock arms that I'm using don't work. They scrape the side of the steering arm. I'm gonna grind them off. But then the only thing limiting steering is the front of the steering arm hitting the bumpstop. Not a good steering stop either. I'm still trying to figure out how to weld something onto the lower arm or adjust the internal box stops. Hopefully those SPC arms will have an easy solution for a steering stop.

That is one of the reasons I decided to go with the SPC arms.

I'm looking forward to seeing them in action. I'd have to assume that the steering stops were engineered to work with the spindles. Hopefully we shall see this coming week!!

syborg tt

01-05-2008, 05:26 AM

But then the only thing limiting steering is the front of the steering arm hitting the bumpstop. Not a good steering stop either. I'm still trying to figure out how to weld something onto the lower arm or adjust the internal box stops. Hopefully those SPC arms will have an easy solution for a steering stop.

here ya go - this is what we did

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

HectorM52

01-22-2008, 04:00 PM

Updated...

ATS AFX Spindles - PURCHASED
- G-Body Tall Spindles

ATS AFX Billet Steering Arms - PURCHASED

SPC Adjustable Upper Control Arms - PURCHASED & IN HAND
- Upgraded to Hex Sleeves
- Greaseable Steel Bushings
- Screw-In NASCAR Bushings

Precision Series Upper Ball Joints - PURCHASED & IN HAND

SPC Lower Control Arms - PURCHASED & IN HAND
- Greaseable Delrin Bushings
- 1/2" Shims for Height Adjustment
- GM Jounce Bumpers

Precision Series Lower Ball Joints - PURCHASED & IN HAND

Poly Upper Spring Isolators - PURCHASED & IN HAND

C5 Vette Calipers - PURCHASED & IN HAND

Drilled & Slotted Rotors - PURCHASED & IN HAND

Hotchkis G-Body 1" Springs - PURCHASED & IN HAND

Braided Brake Lines - STILL NEED

HectorM52

01-22-2008, 04:05 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/IMG_2161sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/IMG_2162sized-1.jpg

HectorM52

01-22-2008, 04:06 PM

PS - does anyone know what Delrin bushings are supposed to look like? I was thinking they were supposed to be blue???

Bad94

01-22-2008, 04:07 PM

You have my addy, send them NOW:Alchy:

HectorM52

01-22-2008, 04:30 PM

I'll sell it all to you for $2500.

HectorM52

01-22-2008, 05:24 PM

PS - does anyone know what Delrin bushings are supposed to look like? I was thinking they were supposed to be blue???
Nevermind. I've been researching waaaaay too many parts. I had Del-A-Lum's on the brain. I still want to get those too!!!!

lower90xcab

01-22-2008, 07:27 PM

looks good...cannt wait to see it finished...we need to have a pro-touring s-series meet..

HectorM52

01-23-2008, 07:20 PM

Yeah, you need to head down for Year One Experience. I plan on making it out there (as long as my spindles aren't still backordered!!)...

Dan (bad94) is coming down. And I'm trying to get Hotwire coming down too. Maybe in the Jimmy?

And we'll have to get FireFighter up from Tampa too...

lower90xcab

01-23-2008, 08:08 PM

there is no way i can make it down for the year one experience this year....i was thinking maybe run thru the hills this fall and year one next year (spring 09)...

HectorM52

01-24-2008, 05:00 AM

Yeah, I'm gonna try to hit RTTH too. We'll see. Money is gonna be tight this year thanks to the new kiddie!!

HectorM52

02-02-2008, 07:53 PM

Umm... Not much of an update, but...

I got my Howe ball joints pressed in today. The guys were impressed at how buttery-smooth those things are. I can't wait to get my spindles and get it all on there to feel my new front setup!!! I'm sure it will be nice, but, really, anything will be better than the setup I had before with those 4-cyl Eibach springs!!!!

Eric Howell

02-05-2008, 07:05 AM

You still don't have the spindles? What's going on with them?

HectorM52

02-05-2008, 11:31 AM

Not yet. They are backordered fron ATS - apparently something with the lower ball joint tapers needing to be plated. I'd rather wait to have nicely plated parts than get them early and have a poor finish.

It really does suck, but what can I do?

Marcus has already "heard it" from me several times so he knows I'm wanting them ASAP.

Plus, I've got to get the front bushing sleeve drilled out from .500" to .551" (standard size to metric size) which appears to be the difference between G-Body LCA's & S-Series LCA's. I have confirmed the rumors!!! I hate being the gineau-pig, but it's worth it in the end.

Eric Howell

02-06-2008, 06:59 AM

HectorM52

02-06-2008, 06:53 PM

Well at least you can't bolt the arms on yet. I want you to get this frontend done almost as bad as you do!

BTW, do you want a project forum on PTS10? PM me over there if you do. I think it would be a great addition.
Honestly, it's been tough enough posting here AND on SSF. I love to read through both forums, but posting 2 times has been a pain. I know Marty is a PRO at doing it, but I'm not the best.

Thank you for the offer. And if I change my mind I'll let you know!!

I'm going out Friday afternoon and I'm not coming home till those bushings are drilled out!!!

HectorM52

02-08-2008, 02:17 PM

Am I a man of my word, or what??????

Got the bushings drilled out. Went out and bought two 14mm drill bits. Asked the store if they knew anyone that could drill them out. Luckily, there was a metal shop about 1/2 mile from the hardware store. And they said they'd do it!!

So, for $24 in drill bits and $25 in labor, I'm good to go.

Here are the pics!! Ummm, maybe some spindles will show up so I can get this wrapped up!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2747sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2748sized-1.jpg

HectorM52

02-13-2008, 12:55 PM

UH OH!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2839sized-1.jpg

syborg tt

02-13-2008, 01:36 PM

wow - that's nice

HectorM52

02-13-2008, 02:31 PM

Why do these things have to come on a Wednesday when I won't be home until after 9:00????

HectorM52

02-13-2008, 06:48 PM

Well, I was able to do a VERY quick mock-up and try to put one side together. I had a hard time screwing my UBJ into my UCA and that really slowed down my progress...

So anyway, here she is. 5% complete!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2840sized-1.jpg

dusterbd13

02-14-2008, 05:56 AM

i didnt realize that the tall upper ball joints and SPC arms were threaded like the chrysler stuff.....

that makes me go back to the drawing board on my plans.
keep up the good work, hector. im loving watching the trucks go together. what are you planning for the rear? also, how much weight do you figure is over the front end?

Michael

HectorM52

02-14-2008, 06:08 AM

i didnt realize that the tall upper ball joints and SPC arms were threaded like the chrysler stuff.....

that makes me go back to the drawing board on my plans.
They're not necessarily threaded. I UPGRADED to the threaded type because I thought it would be easier to install and maintain. You can also get the "stock" type.

keep up the good work, hector. im loving watching the trucks go together. what are you planning for the rear?
I have a LONG TERM plan to 4-link the rear. But for now, I'm going to put on some custom made adjustable traction bars and call it a day.

also, how much weight do you figure is over the front end?

Michael
I honestly don't know. It's a decent amount as my motor is not pushed back as far as it could be but I think I've eliminated a little bit of weight by getting rid of the A/C and relocating the battery to the bed.

lower90xcab

02-15-2008, 09:02 AM

looks good hector...cannt wait to see it finished...

HectorM52

02-15-2008, 09:34 AM

Too bad I'm going to the Daytona 500 and not going home to finish this up!!!

HectorM52

02-18-2008, 06:31 PM

Well, my first attempt at getting these things fully installed was a failure. Apparently finding a wrench for a Chrysler ball joint is more difficult than I thought. Orielly's struck out. Auto Zone guys couldn't speak English. Advance had the tool for rental. Only $125 deposit!!! But they didn't have the 1/2" to 3/4" adapter that was necessary for use.

And by then I just gave up.

I'll just go to NAPA tomorrow and buy both tools. Hopefully won't break the bank too much.

And maybe I can continue this tomorrow... :sigh:

Crafty One

02-18-2008, 07:21 PM

Are you just talking about a standard 1/2"to 3/4" socket adapter.... If so I picked one up at sears for about 8 bucks.....

Looking real good.... can't wait to see it on the ground...

HectorM52

02-19-2008, 04:40 AM

Are you just talking about a standard 1/2"to 3/4" socket adapter.... If so I picked one up at sears for about 8 bucks.....

Looking real good.... can't wait to see it on the ground...
Yeah, I need the adapter to make fit the back of the ball-joint-tool.

I'm gonna head to Sears at lunch; good idea!

HectorM52

02-28-2008, 05:31 PM

Update from last week...

Well, one side is nearly complete. I bought a spring compressor and the 1/2" to 3/4" adapter & then rented the ball joint tool. I never made it to NAPA to buy the ball joint tool - I wonder if they sell one at a reasonable price. Might be nice to have...

Anyway, the UCA & UBJ looked really BINDED when I didn't have a jack under the spring pocket. But I jacked it up and it looked better.

I can't wait till I get the other side done!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2928sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2929sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2930sized-1.jpg

HectorM52

02-28-2008, 05:34 PM

Another from last week....

I thought you guys might want to see some of these!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2933sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2938sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2941sized-1.jpg

HectorM52

02-28-2008, 05:35 PM

Another...

I decided to throw a wheel on there to see what it would look like with the big rotors...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2951sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2952sized-1.jpg

HectorM52

02-28-2008, 05:37 PM

Another....

Got out there and searched for my welding mask for 30 minutes. Then welded for 3 minutes. I love how it works out like that...

Anyway, got some UGLY tack welds on there - did 5 each side. I was going for 4 but apparently I can't space them evenly so I got 5.

Decided to go with two coats of paint on the calipers - maybe some day in the future I'll yank them and powder coat them. They look pretty darn good - even with the worst painter in the world (me) working on them.

Also got the passenger side pretty much ready to go out driving. I forgot that I couldn't do both sides because I was missing one of the clips for the brake pads and they are waiting for me to pick them up at NAPA. Maybe early tomorrow morning I'll go grab them and maybe be on the road this weekend!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2959sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2960sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2961sized-1.jpg

HectorM52

02-28-2008, 05:39 PM

Getting closer...

Oh, and flipped the rotors around too. Apparently they're handed!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2962sized-1.jpg

HectorM52

02-28-2008, 05:40 PM

And she's back on the ground.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2963sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2964sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2965sized-1.jpg

HectorM52

02-28-2008, 05:41 PM

Oh yeah - the steering wheel is mostly straight in both these shots.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2966sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2967sized-1.jpg

lower90xcab

02-28-2008, 07:05 PM

looks great hector......glad one of us is making some headway....

dusterbd13

02-28-2008, 07:05 PM

stupid question: what did you tack weld?

looking good, man. looking real good. id readjust the toe before i test drove it though, and after the initial drive get it aligned by a professional. the initial drive should be enough to settle the front end pretty good, and if youre using the hotchkis springs, they wont settle any more after the initial test drive so youre specs will stay mostly constant. at least the hotckis springs in my dakota behaved like that. and the elky...

anyway, let us know how it works, and if it was honestly worth the money. also, some before and after pictures of ride height, and maybe an overall of the truck.

congrats.
Michael

syborg tt

02-28-2008, 08:03 PM

looks really nice - can't wait to here how it drives

HectorM52

02-29-2008, 04:01 AM

stupid question: what did you tack weld?
The lower ball joints to the lower control arms. You'd have to read my thread in the "suspension" forum to know why.

looking good, man. looking real good. id readjust the toe before i test drove it though, and after the initial drive get it aligned by a professional. the initial drive should be enough to settle the front end pretty good, and if youre using the hotchkis springs, they wont settle any more after the initial test drive so youre specs will stay mostly constant. at least the hotckis springs in my dakota behaved like that. and the elky...
Yeah, I hope the passenger side settles 1/2" and the driver's side 1/4" because that would put it at where I was before. Or maybe 1/4" more than that would be nice. Oh, and I'll definitely get the toe worked out better than that before the initial run.

anyway, let us know how it works, and if it was honestly worth the money. also, some before and after pictures of ride height, and maybe an overall of the truck.
Definitely - I'll let everyone know what I think. My one reference (ZZ4Blazer) is telling me I'll love them so that's what I'm expecting...

HectorM52

02-29-2008, 04:02 AM

looks great hector......glad one of us is making some headway....
Thanks! You just need to finish yours too!

looks really nice - can't wait to here how it drives
Thanks again! Can't wait to see yours in paint!!

lower90xcab

02-29-2008, 04:17 PM

Thanks! You just need to finish yours too!

i got some work done today....have you drove the truck yet?

HectorM52

02-29-2008, 06:17 PM

Nope, need to bleed the brakes and then get it aligned. Just haven't had time nor a buddy to help me with it.

HectorM52

03-02-2008, 02:25 PM

Well, finally got my buddy to come up and help me bleed the brakes. I also bought a new grease gun and filled the suspension with some grease. And it fired up on the first try!!

We went up to the gas station (which will probably be the first stop on MOST of my trips) and then cruised around the neighborhood. On a big DIP the tire scrubbed the CRAP out of my inner fender. I think it has something to do with the bad camber. Seems to be leaning IN a bit. So that would put the top of the tire in closer to the inner fender, no? Gotta get that thing aligned soon.

Well, on to the pics...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/IMG_2969sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/IMG_2970sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/IMG_2972sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/IMG_2976sized-1.jpg

syborg tt

03-03-2008, 10:20 AM

It looks like your truck is just a little to low.

I had the same problem on my other sonoma gt project. I swapped out the front suspension stops - and no longer had the problem.

ps - for once my wife was right, that extra 1/2" would really make a difference.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

HectorM52

03-03-2008, 10:52 AM

I think you might be right IF...

...I don't get 1/4" or so of height back out of it when I get it aligned...

The tires are sucked waaay in at the top, so they are closer to the inner fender. When I get it properly aligned, I think it will push the tops of the tires out a bit and in turn give me that extra 1/4 or 3/8 or maybe even 1/2 your wife is talking about. ;)

HectorM52

03-03-2008, 10:53 AM

PS - you did see my fancy bumpstops, right?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_2928sized-1.jpg

Eric Howell

03-04-2008, 03:37 AM

Hmmm, silver truck = blue calipers. Guess on my future blue truck I need silver calipers eh.

What is your brake setup? Std. C5, C5 ZO6....

HectorM52

03-04-2008, 04:49 AM

Hmmm, silver truck = blue calipers. Guess on my future blue truck I need silver calipers eh.

What is your brake setup? Std. C5, C5 ZO6....
I'd say you should still go with Blue.

And mine were just C5 straight up. I got on ebay and found some cheap rotors for under $100 shipped. Hopefully they'll last!

WTRacing

03-04-2008, 02:33 PM

lookin good, love those wheels on first gens!

99 BUCKET

03-04-2008, 05:13 PM

very cool, I should be heading down this road in about 2 months.

HectorM52

03-04-2008, 05:47 PM

lookin good, love those wheels on first gens!

Yeah, I love 'em too. But my FIRST choice was the older SS wheels -the five-spoke ones that also came on Vette's. I just want the 17x11's out back!!!

I'm excited - just need to get this thing aligned then I'm gonna be out there terrorizing the streets of Atlanta!!!

HectorM52

03-04-2008, 05:49 PM

very cool, I should be heading down this road in about 2 months.
Cool - definitely post up a thread once you get started!

avewhtboy

03-12-2008, 05:30 PM

Hmmm, silver truck = blue calipers. Guess on my future blue truck I need silver calipers eh.

What is your brake setup? Std. C5, C5 ZO6....

Thats duralast blue...they sponsor his truck

j/k

snidely

03-14-2008, 06:21 AM

This is a great thread. Thanks HectorM52, for sharing with us!

You're definitely inspiring me to do something similar with my own truck.

I have a request though... once you're done with the front and have some miles under your belt, can you post some info about anything you would have done differently... assuming you were going to do it all over again?

I think this would be very helpful for future s-truck owners. Although your build has gone fairly smoothly, it seems there are maybe a few hiccups so far... things that maybe you would do a bit different the 2nd time around.

Thanks! Can't wait for more of your driving feedback!

WTRacing

05-25-2008, 12:31 AM

Looks great, well done

(had to post so I can have it subscribed so I can reference back ;) )

2ToeRacing

07-24-2010, 03:49 PM

Great build......I would love to see more S-10's on this forum.

ArtosDracon

07-25-2010, 12:34 AM

Lol, I don't know if anyone has heard from Hector for a while, was a killer build though.

dusterbd13

07-25-2010, 06:34 AM

adams still around. hes currently making the truck nice. he's over o s-seriesforum.

and if you search s10 on here, theres a few of us running them.

HectorM52

07-26-2010, 07:10 AM

Oh, I'm still around. Just more driving and less building. That's the way it should be, right?!?!

I think lack of money has helped with the lack of further progress. Or hindered, depending on how you look at it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/IMG_0432sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/DPP_1199sized-1.jpg

syborg tt

07-26-2010, 07:31 AM

Hector the truck looks awesome.

Makes me want to build another Sonoma GT

HectorM52

07-26-2010, 07:52 AM

syborg tt

07-26-2010, 08:07 AM

Thanks, Marty. Your truck has inspired me in so many ways. I'm glad I've been able to watch it for the past few years. But you still have to spill the beans on that mesh you guys used for the grille. I need that mesh!!

Thank you very much

As for the Grille I am shipping the bucks over to Tommy and he is going to try to make them. The mesh is actually from a giant coffee grinder machine. We kinda borrowed it.

ArtosDracon

07-26-2010, 11:19 PM

Hey Hector, glad to see the truck is being abused, I've read your build a couple of times while planning mine, truck still looks great!

PonchoJohn

07-28-2010, 05:07 AM

HectorM52

07-28-2010, 05:58 AM

Thanks guys. I've enjoyed working on it and now I'm enjoying driving it!!!

Though I'm currently not happy with the hood or the grille. Those will be under the paint gun again soon...

85GMCS15

07-29-2010, 10:12 AM

HectorM52

07-29-2010, 12:11 PM

Adam,
Your truck is looking even better than the last time I was on here. What size wheels did you end up getting? I'm building a blue version of your truck. :fingersx:

One other question...how easy is it to update the grill from an '85 to the 90's look? I definitely don't want my lights to be off centered or looking crappy.

Thanks.

Reggie
Thanks man! Glad to hear from you again!

Wheels are 18x8 and 18x10. 4.125" BS on the front and 5.5" out back. Custom made - not off the shelf.

There are two viable options to get the newer grille that I know of. Just get the grille then buy headlight bucket relocators from Godfather Customs (I think that's who makes them). OR pick up a radiator support from a '91-'93 truck or '91-'94 blazer/jimmy and swap it over. Of course that's a lot more work, but MANY guys have complained about the headlight relocators as being JUNK. I swapped core supports - it was cheap and not too difficult. Also put a Vette radiator in the "forward position" at the time of the swap.

Hope that helps! And let's see some pics of this blue twin truck!!!

dusterbd13

07-29-2010, 06:18 PM

you can also make relocators pretty easy. google it.

85GMCS15

08-01-2010, 03:45 PM

Thanks man! Glad to hear from you again!

Wheels are 18x8 and 18x10. 4.125" BS on the front and 5.5" out back. Custom made - not off the shelf.

There are two viable options to get the newer grille that I know of. Just get the grille then buy headlight bucket relocators from Godfather Customs (I think that's who makes them). OR pick up a radiator support from a '91-'93 truck or '91-'94 blazer/jimmy and swap it over. Of course that's a lot more work, but MANY guys have complained about the headlight relocators as being JUNK. I swapped core supports - it was cheap and not too difficult. Also put a Vette radiator in the "forward position" at the time of the swap.

Hope that helps! And let's see some pics of this blue twin truck!!!

LOL, mine is nowhere near the blue twin of yours yet, but that's the goal. I'll post some pics next week so you can see my project as it goes thru the stages.

85GMCS15

08-01-2010, 04:07 PM

you can also make relocators pretty easy. google it.

thanks Duster. nice budget build....your project is probably more in line with how I'm doing mine....on a limited budget with plans to drive it daily.

dusterbd13

08-01-2010, 06:22 PM

wanna buy mine? cheaper than building your own....

i need a four door truck.

85GMCS15

08-01-2010, 07:19 PM

Thanks Duster, but I absolutely have to keep my truck. I'm building it in memory of my father. When I was 18, he tried to "give" me a '57 pickup truck and I passed because I was going in the Air Force and was into the mini-truck scene in the 80s. Well, I kicked myself for passing on that a few years later after he sold it. This time, when I acquired his S-15 after he died, I knew I had to do something we would have done together. So...thanks but I'll keep my extra cab project. :)

However....I might be interested in those IROCs you have. LOL
Msg me if you're selling them.

danvan

09-14-2010, 09:09 AM

monteboy84

09-14-2010, 09:52 AM

Awesome build man! I'm doing alot of the same stuff to my 86 s10. Ive been looking for a set of adjustable control arms. What was the part number on the SPC upper control arms? and do they have greaseable bushings? Thanks

Any adjustable upper for a 1981-88 G-body will fit your dime truck, you can run the SPC's which are very nice, but there are a number of options available that'd fit.

-matt

bluegrandbetsy

10-15-2010, 10:16 AM

hey can you list the parts and the website where you got on the suspension stuff cuz i was thinking on doing something the same on my s-10

HectorM52

10-15-2010, 07:13 PM

ArtosDracon

10-15-2010, 11:45 PM

Hey, thanks for bumping this, I wanted to look back over an LT1 build for S&Gs. I don't know why, I really like LT1s.

acegto

10-20-2011, 09:10 PM

I know this thread is old but how is this suspension holding up? Could you daily something like this without much maintanence? Building my extracab "SuperTruck" as we speak and i could really use some more handling prowess.

HectorM52

10-21-2011, 01:37 PM

Holding up? Couldn't be better!! Of course you could daily this stuff. I've driven it HARD for 3 years now and it's been nothing but smiles.

Actually, I'm moving "up" in the world to a '67 Nova so this stuff is for sale. PM me if interested.

85coupe50

11-09-2011, 02:15 PM

Cool S10 build. reminds me of the old syclone.

HectorM52

11-09-2011, 06:25 PM

Here is the suspension at work!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_0940sized-1.jpg

MonzaRacer

11-25-2011, 10:06 PM

Another thought for people building S10s are tall ball joints(one guys looking at budget stuff in beginning) SPC arms of course(ease of adjustment),and the 98-up S10/Blazer spindles and Kore 3 caliper adapters, Ridetech non/single/double/triple adjustable coil overs with their lower arms.
In rear might look at certain parts Ridetech sells for mounting lower control arms, a simple cross member and if they still make the rearend bracket from the RoadGrater system anymore and the use a Fays2 Watts link and Coil overs from Ridetech.
Just thinking outside of box!