Regular-cab mini-pickups are great wheeling machines. The small wheelbase makes them great hillclimbers, the bed is perfect for hauling gear, and the single cab offers comfort, simplicity, and excellent visibility. While the rugged little truck platforms seem to be used more for parts-store runners than anything else, a few wheeling enthusiasts see the 4x potential of the light-duty pickups.
Powering the S-10 is a tried and true 4.3L. Since the V-6's power output is respectable fr
One such enthusiast is Tim Stevens, who transformed his '98 Chevy S-10 into an ultraclean trail-ready crawler. Starting with the factory ZR2 package, the road to wheeling perfection required a bit of fabrication skills and creative parts matching. Using the rugged Colorado backdrop as his testing grounds, Tim removed the weak links from his Chevy one part at a time. The result is a well-built S-10 that's tough enough for the trail but tame enough for the long drive home.
Tech Specs
1998 Chevy S-10
Drivetrain
Engine: 4.3L V-6
Transmission: 4L60E automatic
Transfer case: NP231C
Front Axle: High-pinion Dana 44, Lock-Right, 4.88 gears
Rear Axle: Ford 9-inch housing, Currie high-pinion third member, ARB Air Locker, 4.88 gears
Suspension
Springs & Such: Metalshop Motorsports 6-inch straight-axle conversion kit, BDS shocks
Tires & Wheels: 37x12.50 BFG KM2s on 17-inch Raceline Monster wheels
Steering: High steer with PSC hydraulic assist
Other Stuff: Custom traction bar and sliders, Metalshop Motorsports rear bumper, Softopper bed cover
-
Replacing the light-duty IFS is a Metalshop Motorsports straight-axle conversion that nets
-
With the ability to haul a week's worth of gear and supplies, Tim's wheeling journeys can
-
Out back sits a Ford 9-inch that's stuffed with a Currie high-pinion third member and an A