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Techline
Four Wheeler
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New Diesel Power
Question: I have been searching for help with the installation of a Cummins diesel ('94-'98) in my 1993 Ford F-250 4x4. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated.
Nick Canelis
Via the Internet
Answer: I have seen the Cummins diesel in both Fords and Chevys, and I know of at least two companies that do the Cummins conversions. Try Tri Star Truck(602/641-4911) or Gulf Coast Diesel (512/573-3033).
Solid Axle for an S-10
Question: I currently own a '97 Chevy S-10 pickup. I am looking to perform a frontend solid-axle swap and am trying to find an axle to use. Will an axle from an older S-10 work, and if so, where can I find one?
Jason Eads
Via the Internet
Answer: First off, S-10s never came with a solid front axle, so you're out of luck there. Any conversion you perform will have to be completely custom-built. I will assume that your current truck is a four-wheel-driver.
Your first decision involves choosing the type of suspension you want to use: coil, coilover shock, or leaf. Naturally leaf springs will be the easiest to use and design mounts for. Even that will take a lot of work, as you'll have to build the spring mounts at the right height, fabricate new shock mounts, arrive at the correct pinion angle while maintaining the correct caster angle, and you'll have to engineer the steering to work properly.
Coils or a coilover shock setup will take even more work and might just be out of the question for the do-it-your-selfer. Keep in mind you have to match the front axle input to the transfer case output and provide clearance for driveshaft movement, something that didn't need to be addressed with the solid-mounted differential on the original IFS.
Jeep YJ and TJ axles are about the right width for your truck and perhaps you could even design a new suspension around components from the TJ if you wanted to use coil springs. This will be a major undertaking so be sure you have all the parts, a plan, and a total understanding of what you're going to do before you get the cutting torch out.
