7. The Diversified Creations...
7. The Diversified Creations S-10 solid-axle kit uses a four-link with track-bar design rather than leaf springs because the front of the framerails is not very well suited for leaf mounts. The kit includes a crossmember that is bolted to the frame and mounts the four fore and aft running links. Two of the mounting holes line up with existing frame holes and the others are then drilled with the crossmember in place.
8. A front track-bar bracket...
8. A front track-bar bracket needs to be welded to the frame on the driver side as well. The track bar is included in the suspension kit and is mounted parallel to the steering drag link. Other benefits of the S-10 are that it comes with a standard steering box, not some goofy rack-and-pinion, and it already turns the correct direction for use with the solid axle.
9. With the axle in place,...
9. With the axle in place, the 6-inch lift springs are added. The kit is available with 6- or 8-inch springs, and we went with the 6-inch size to clear 35-inch tires. The kit reuses the stock sway bar (with added sway-bar disconnects) for control of body roll while on road and added articulation when off.
10. The tires clear the rear...
10. The tires clear the rear of the front wheelwells fine since the kit pushes the wheel centerline slightly forward. However, front bumper trimming or replacing with a different bumper that doesn't hang down as much will be needed before serious trail use.
11. For front driveshaft use,...
11. For front driveshaft use, a new transfer-case front-output flange is supplied. The flange installs easily and is held in place with a snap ring and set screw. This allows replacing the original CV-style driveshaft with a more robust and common unit that uses a standard flange-mounting CV. A new front driveshaft will need to be ordered as well.
12. Because the S-10 uses...
12. Because the S-10 uses a 5-on-4 3/4 wheel bolt pattern and the Jeep TJ is a 5-on-41/2, you either need to swap in a different rear axle, redrill the TJ front unit bearing and brake rotor to the S-10 pattern, or swap in the S-10 unit bearing and redrill the rotor. Using the S-10 piece requires this adapter ring, but it also keeps ABS and the proper speed-sensor components, keeping the PCM happy and the dash free of warning lights.
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.
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.