Fred Williams
Brand Manager, Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off Road
S-10 truck owners have been writing in for ages trying to find ways to make their vehicles more off-road capable, and we've finally got a great answer for them. Diversified Creations in Brighton, Michigan, has a long history of messing with the S-10 pickups and Blazers (and GMC Sonomas and Jimmys) by building hot-rod street and trail trucks with big V-8s stuffed under the hood. The company has finally come out with a unique yet simple solid-axle swap for these mini 4x4s from GM. Since many S-10 owners are budget-minded, the Diversified crew decided that their first offering wouldn't come with high-zoot shocks or coilovers, but rather a simple coil and link suspension kit. Though it requires cutting, welding, and a new front axle, the kit should come in less than the cost of an IFS lift kit.
The secret behind the kit is that it uses a Jeep TJ Wrangler front axle. Though a Dana 30 will work, the best option is to use a Rubicon Dana 44 (available from 2003 to 2006) with low gears and a front selectable locker. Since many aftermarket companies are making axles that are bolt-in replacements for the TJ originals, you can even use Dana 60s and Ford 9-inch axles from select companies. By going to a solid axle, your S-10 will have a greater selection of traction aids, better gearing possibilities, and stronger, more reliable front suspension, steering, and axle components.
13. When compared to an S-10 with an 8-inch suspension lift and smaller tires, the new solid-axle truck looks much more aggressive. Your buddies who don't know anything about trucks will be enthralled by its massive demeanor, and your S-10 cronies will be envious of the solid front axle hiding under your front bumper.
Mopar For GM Guys?
The word on the street (and trail) is that Mopar has been doing a great business with its Jeep JK Wrangler axles, which come complete with selectable lockers and are sold for less than $2,000 each. Now whether you have a TJ in need of some better traction or an S-10 looking for some solid footing, Mopar is here to help. They will be releasing JK Wrangler axles with TJ suspension brackets so you can swap them in with little to no headache. We'll christen them the TJK axles, and we expect they'll be available around the end of the year from your local Dodge/Mopar dealer.
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