it's time for me to buy a new car for the summer season. I'm going to need a truck to haul parts around and also because trucks rule, and seeing as how I already own a modified s-10, I figured since I really like em I want another one. The only thing that bothers me is the IFS, surprised? Not only is it weaker, but more expensive to replace parts and it even seems to be bad for fuel economy. Since the CV shafts have to move along with the tire, it seems like that extra mass causes big drag on the truck.

So, what I have in mind is a SAS using a d30 out of a Jeep. I will leave the rear end stock, and I will not be lifting the truck much. The advantage MIGHT be better gas mileage, but definitely be stronger and more reliable. It will be my daily driver, so I think in the long run it'll be worth it. Any ideas? What front axle would be the perfect width?

D30 is fine for 33in or smaller tires. Scrap the 7.625in 10 bolt and get an explorer 8.8 and then you will have the same lug pattern front and rear. Many s10s (including mine) have 3.42 gears which are not available on a d30.

OR


Get a matched set of waggy 44s from one of the years where they had drivers side pumpkins.

My first build of the Bravada included a D30 and a D35. I still have them and they are both drilled to 5 on 4.75" s-10 bolt pattern. The 30 is a disconect axle so you'll still have most of your front drivetrain spinning. if you really looking for fiewer spinning parts go for a D44. You will not find a 5 on 4.75" bolt pattern one though.

Good luck!

The d44 is what i have planned on using, but I was wondering how long the rear 10 bolt would last with a big tire on it.

I personally don't think it would be worth the swap.

I personally don't think it would be worth the swap.

x2

those cv's are very efficient and I really have a hard time seeing this in the name of a daily driver and for MPG. you will be adding weight with the solid axle, going higher in the air (increased wind resistance) and having larger heavier tires to roll down the road. I just don't see how the swap would have any advantages to your needs, especially since you already have your offroad rig. Maybe a 2wd and lower it?

Not gonna lift it and will run stock size tires. It's basically gonna look like a stock S-10 except with a d30 front just for extra strength, reliability, and simplicity. Remember it'll be a daily driver. I'm lookin for an S-10 right now and my friend is ripping his jeep Cherokee axles out and I can get that 30 front for free. I've also got an extra set of stock wrangler leafs so it would be a cheap swap. I gotta look into how much a lock out hub conversion would be for the 30, so i'm all go for the project if I can only track down an S-10 for a good price. I forgot to mention that I plan on keeping the truck for a long time so I think in the long run it will be worth it. I'll update on the project as much as possible once it's started.

Any ideas on what I should do before I start?

I'll also swap the rear axle from the cherokee since the WMS's are closest, might as well while i'm at it. I'm not sure but a d35 might also be stronger than a 10 bolt.

Stay away from the d35!! They are one of the weakest axles ever to appear on an american 4x4. A friend of mine destroyed his spider gears on his 4cylinder TJ runnig 31in tires.

I got 2 35 rears I'll sell ya cheap for spares....also a 30 front housing.... still don't see the point of this for a pavement pounder but hey to each his own....

You did say you needed a truck to haul parts around...
So added a front axle doesn't help payload or anything.
And if you don't lift the S10, you'll never have CV problems up front, so you're kind of missing your own point in my opinion.

If I can get the parts for cheap then I'll definitely do it. But you know how it goes, something comes up and I won't have time. Especially if my other S-10 isn't finished yet. I'll update if I ever even start, just wanted opinions and I guess it really won't pay off, if anything i'll just do it for fun.

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't bashing you man. Just trying to help give a different point of view for you to consider.

Your just wasting your time! If it is going to be stock looking then why bother? Unless you are going to really abuse it and mod it then just drive it as is.:D

If you think that you are going to swap a solid axle in under that S-10 without lifting it, you are wrong.
Just by the nature and geometry of solid axles and the way they are installed, you are going to end up "lifting" your truck, whether by choice or not.
Ever notice that 1/2 ton 2wd IFS trucks sit a little lower than their 1/2 ton 4x4 counter parts?
And the weight of IFS compared to a solid axle is much, much different.
An upper and lower control arm, spindle and coil spring and CV shaft assembly is not "extra mass causing big drag on the truck."
All those components weight very little, especially compared to a solid axle.

I appreciate all the input so far, it just seems like my point of view on the trucks use isn't getting across. My other S-10 isn't legal to drive on the street, especially once I swap on bigger tires. It would be impractical to bring it out just for mild wheeling times around the neighborhood. I plan on keeping the new truck for years, and I most likely WILL off road it on spur of the moment kind of situations. I wouldn't mind putting a heavier duty trans in and even using it as a tow rig. Maybe even a 350/4l80E/14 bolt swap. Remember that this is still just brainstorming. My overall vision of what I want out of this is a light, small, but still heavy duty 4x4 with towing and mild trail capabilities. Maybe a diesel engine swap even.. This is something that would never be offered from the factory, such a thing doesn't exist yet so that is why I would just want to put it together.

I am serious about the project, and I will update on it once it begins.


I haven't noticed that 2wd trucks sit lower than their 4x4 counterparts. But after doing one SAS I know that it is possible to make it sit fairly close to stock. This is a custom truck that can be built any way imaginable.