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.
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