is it true about zq8 spindles on S10

[86_442_kID]

Hey guys, I have been reading about how some g-body guys have been swapping the old g-body spindles for a set of s10 zq8 spindles. Now from what I was reading the guys said that the spindles had to come off of a s10 xtreme between 99-01 or something like that but I just talked to a guy with a 98 s10 and he said that the zq8 spindles were the stock spindles on the s10 from 97-01 and that the springs and other little items were sqapped out for sportier suspension on the xtreme. Does anybody know for sure if this is true in any way?

[86Cutlass383SR]

Samckitt has this in his sig on his Monte Carlo SS ''13" C5 front calipers & rotors, on S10 ZQ8 knuckles,''

I'm sure he could answer any questions on this swap. If he doesn't reply then I'd send him a PM. Others hay have done this swap as well.

[JohnUlaszek]

GMC's could also be had with the ZQ8 option.

[67bird]

ZQ8 was just a suspension package avalible on any S10. Just comfirm option with the RPO codes on the sticker. I think the Xtreme was just emblems/ground effects and wheels.

[driftinblzr]

The spindles for ZQ8 and normal 2wd S-series trucks/Blazers are all the same except for 98+ 2WD 2dr Blazers which have divorced hubs, hat rotors, and DP calipers.

The ZQ8 suspension package includes different coil springs and leaves and 16x8" rims. The trucks also got a quicker steering box and a chassis brace and hop shock on the V6/5-speed.

Later, Doug

[Apogee]

Just to add to what Doug said above, the S-10 applications with 2-piston PBR front calipers have the same knuckles as the 98-03 2WD, 2-DR, S-Blazer applications. The S-10's with single-piston front calipers have the old school spindles like the G-bodies.

Tobin
KORE3

[86_442_kID]

Thanks for all the in put fellas. I think I will go with that set up cause the brakes have to do a way better just then my stock brakes.

[astroracer]

Don't think you are getting anything special with this spindle. There is no drop to be had. It won't lower your car. The stock S10 brakes won't be any better then what you already have...
You would be farther ahead to just get drop spindles for your car and upgrade the stock brakes. Spend the money on known improvements.
Mark

[HILROD]

The dual piston Blazer brakes are quite an upgrade from the old set up. Having owned and driven both, (even on the same vehicle), I'd say if you can get this set up and not pay thru the nose do it.

[fabhammer]

i think the reason behind using the spindles is for brake up grade.. they use pbr iron calip, should be easy to use pbr alum. ls1 or vette stuf on calipers not sure any one now for sure????????????

now a question what about late 4wd s 10 sdame set up?????????????

[exwestracer]

Other than track width (in the crossmember), the S10 suspension geometry is identical to a G body. I've swapped LCA and spindle sets many times building asphalt street stock race cars.

Personally, I think GM just took the G body parts off the shelf to build those pickups.

[Apogee]

Don't think you are getting anything special with this spindle. There is no drop to be had. It won't lower your car. The stock S10 brakes won't be any better then what you already have...
You would be farther ahead to just get drop spindles for your car and upgrade the stock brakes. Spend the money on known improvements.
Mark

Drop spindles are an option, however they're not the best choice from a handling stand point. Given that the Blazer spindles swap with the G-body and 1st gen S-truck spindles directly, you can run a tall upper/lower ball joint kit from someone like SC&C (http://www.scandc.com/) in order to get a small amount of drop and improved bumpsteer and negative camber gain numbers. An ATS AFX spindle will give slightly better numbers overall...but you can find the Blazer spindles in a wrecking yard. Good luck finding AFX spindles there.

The OE 2-piston Blazer brakes are decent PBR units. The swap to C5/C6 brakes is just a conversion bracket kit away and since they use unitized hubs, no aftermarket hubs are required, further reducing the cost to convert over to performance brakes.

Tobin
KORE3

[86_442_kID]

Cool about the C5/C6 brake up grade! I wasn't getting the S10 spindles to drop my car a couple of inchs. Its already dropped an inch cause I used some shorter moog springs for the T/A. I just want better brakes for a cheaper price! Thanks Tobin and the rest of you guys. This forum is great.

[nullshine]

Removed.

[85GPLEf41]

I am in the process of doing the ZQ8 spindle swap with C5 calipers for my Grand Prix. I purchased the brackets from WhiteSS who got them from Jason ?. In order for them to fit right i had to to a little clearance grinding.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/1206092156-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/1206092145a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/1206092144-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/1206092145-1.jpg
I had to grind a bit down for the bracket to sit flush with the spindle ears. I also had to notch out a area for the allen head bolt. Anybody else have this issue with these brackets? Are the spindles any less safe??

[Samckitt]

So did you have any luck finding these knuckles?

[Apogee]

...I had to grind a bit down for the bracket to sit flush with the spindle ears. I also had to notch out a area for the allen head bolt. Anybody else have this issue with these brackets? Are the spindles any less safe??

Yes, a little bit of grinding is necessary and no, it doesn't pose any safety issues so long as you only do what required. Our brackets require similar grinding to clear the head of the socket head cap screw, however our brackets are relieved to sit flush on the existing caliper mounting ears.

Tobin
KORE3

[85GPLEf41]

I kept it to a minimum with a little grinding off of the casting flash. Just was wondering if it was required or not. I took off the bearings and found water and some surface rust behind the bearing which i cleaned up. I know that isn't normal? I was tempted to skim a coat of rtv to keep the water out....good idea or not?

[86_442_kID]

So did you have any luck finding these knuckles?

I found the knockles and everything off of a S10 at this yard called crazy rays out in baltimore md.