Offroad S10

[NS Gearhead]

Well I suppose they don't "Need" tons, but I do like to overbuild for peace of mind when I go out.

The V8 swap... well, let's just say I could have put a supercharger on the 4.0 and had the same results for the same price, with 1/10th the work. EVERYTHING had to be changed. Tranny, gauges, wireing, radiator, adapter for the t-case and so on, and on and on. Basicaly, it was too big of a project and that's why I got rid of it.

 

[fidowanttobe]

As an S10 fan myself, I get crap all the time about the "six banger" and when you gonna swap it. The 4.3 is an awesome motor that has a ton of potential in the right hands.

 

[NS Gearhead]

As an S10 fan myself, I get crap all the time about the "six banger" and when you gonna swap it. The 4.3 is an awesome motor that has a ton of potential in the right hands.

They are an awesome engine!

...and making 300hp out of it sounds relatively easy;
Chevy 4.3L 262ci V-6 - Engine Build - Overview - Tech - Hot Rod Magazine

 

[farm boy00]

Love it. First pic Almost looks like 2wd but I'm sure it's a 4x4 right

 

[AGRIMAN]

Well I suppose they don't "Need" tons, but I do like to overbuild for peace of mind when I go out.

The V8 swap... well, let's just say I could have put a supercharger on the 4.0 and had the same results for the same price, with 1/10th the work. EVERYTHING had to be changed. Tranny, gauges, wireing, radiator, adapter for the t-case and so on, and on and on. Basicaly, it was too big of a project and that's why I got rid of it.

It really comes down to what your plans are and the available budget. If you are not concerned about the weight, then the one tons would set it off for sure, but I would not be afraid of 1/2 tons with 36's. It's not cheap, but the 1/2 tons can upgraded to handle a lot of tire and hp.

Your are right, everything has to be changed and I can see how it may not be for everyone. Most of my builds center around a entire new drivetrain and suspension anyway, so I'm use to it I guess. I have a 97 ranger with a 557ci big block, C6, and 208 aluminum case. 9" in the rear and a 44 in the front. All built around the factory chassis (slightly modified).

There's nothing wrong with keeping the 4.3. I don't have much experience with them, but I heard they are good engines. Have you ever thought about putting two transfer cases in it? It's a neat set up and you can get some wild gear reduction with it.

I'm kicking around an idea now for a future build. It involves a 71 bronco, Dana 60's, 39.5 boggers, and a 7.3 power stroke

 

[NS Gearhead]

Love it. First pic Almost looks like 2wd but I'm sure it's a 4x4 right

Oh yes she's 4x4. 231 T-case. I've got to see about a slip yoke eliminator.

 

[NS Gearhead]

It really comes down to what your plans are and the available budget.

Yeah, my plan is just a fun buggy to take the wife and daughter in the trails behind my place. I MAY flat tow it for mild runs with buddies but they'd be "stocker friendly" (usually means a stock wrangler with 31" muds and open diffs can do it). Also, my stepdad's got MS, and my father-in-law's 70 with a bad knee so he's not much on taking walks in the woods anymore so I want to be able to take them out every now and then. Budget's shoe string for sure. I'd say keeping it under $3,000 over the next year. Saying that; tires I have with Jeep wheels (if I go with the 33s on 15" wheels), pipe I get free, I'll weld the rear spiders for free and keep the front open, I've got Jeep springs left for a front solid axle swap and if I decided to 4 link the rear.... so I'm starting with a decent head start, not to mention the truck was $750. I'll keep a running tally and post it here.

 

[NS Gearhead]

I have a 97 ranger with a 557ci big block, C6, and 208 aluminum case. 9" in the rear and a 44 in the front. All built around the factory chassis (slightly modified).

Sounds killer! Got any video of this beast!?!

 

[NS Gearhead]

All burned in and added some 1.5X3/8" flat bar I had in the steel inventory


In primer trying in the wind.




Fixed one fuel line and in the process the other sprung a leak. Lucky I had enough line and clamps left to fix it too.


Attempt #2 to adjust the shifter failed again. I tried sanding the rod, but still won't slide. My neighbor loves this yellow stuff ment to soak rusty parts. I might try that.

 

[NS Gearhead]

Took my father in law for little drive through the woods behind my place sat. Showed him where I had my deer blind last year, and the gravel pile. He seemed impressed with the truck and the trails. He said his days of walking through the woods are over, so I think he appreciated it. I feel for him. He's 70 and has a knee that bothers him.