1996 Chevy S10 Blazer - Project Truck - Suspension

If you've been reading the last few issues of OFF-ROAD, you have probably noticed that we've made a few mentions of our S-10 project, although we haven't published too many photos of it. That's because it took a fair amount of work just to get it to move under its own power-a new fuel-injection system was installed, along with a variety of other repair parts. We're happy to announce that the '96 Blazer is now running strong and ready for some action. So, without further delay, we ordered up a suspension lift, tires, and wheels to officially start the project build.

For some time, we hadn't known of many shops that specialized in S-10-based mods, but after some online research, we came across Metul Munky Fabrication, an outfit run by a bona-fide S-10 nut who simply goes by the name Jeffro. We ordered up a BDS 5.5-inch suspension lift, a set of 33x12.50 Hankook Dynapro MT tires, and some Type-D Black Rock wheels and had everything delivered to the Metul Munky headquarters, where the crew got right to work.

1. Here's the Almighty Dime in its stock form, just after we had remedied the fuel injection problems. The 4.3L V-6 actually provides a fair amount of pop, but the Blazer sat so low to the ground that we constantly ran into clearance problems.

1. Here's the Almighty Dime in its stock form, just after we had remedied the fuel injecti

The BDS kit uses a pretty tried-and-true, design for torsion bar IFS setups. Basically, it lowers the mounting points of all suspension hardware (A-arms, cross-bar, etc.) and depends on torsion bar adjustment to further angle the A-arms downward, for greater height. This kind of lift kit doesn't increase front wheel travel, but it's about the simplest way to raise this kind of truck, and will greatly help approach and departure angles, which had been one of our primary concerns-the Blazer, in its stock form, seemed to be only a few inches higher than some sort of street-truck lowrider.

In the rear, the BDS kit modifies the mounting of the leaf springs so a spring-over-axle setup can be utilized. This kind of modification is extremely common in the Jeep world. Longer shocks round out the package on all four corners, and the ride height is just less than 6 inches above stock.

2. That's better! Between the BDS suspension lift and the 33-inch Hankooks, the Dime is now about 6 inches taller than stock. We were pleasantly surprised to realize the Blazer actually looks kind of mean! We'll tell you more about the fiberglass in the next installment, and we'll also reveal our bumper choice.

2. That's better! Between the BDS suspension lift and the 33-inch Hankooks, the Dime is n

We've long admired the tread pattern on the Hankook Dynapro MT tire-it's an aggressive, blocky design that obviously provides a lot of traction. We mounted a set of 33s on some sharp-looking special edition Black Rock wheels...and despite the lift, still had a lot of tire rub. No matter, we had fiberglass fenders and a metal saw-but we'll tell you more about that in our next installment. In the meantime, let it be known that OFF-ROAD now has a functional S-10 project...the Almighty Dime.

3. Although the rear of the Blazer looks unfinished without a bumper, departure angle is greatly improved thanks to the BDS lift. Expertly installed by Metul Munky Fabrication, the lift means we no longer have to worry about hanging up the rear of the Blazer every time we navigate down even the slightest of off-road obstacles.
3. Although the rear of the Blazer looks unfinished without a bumper, departure angle is g
4. Here's the front suspension, with the BDS components installed. Stock A-arms are retained (although it's likely we'll replace them later in our chase for improved wheel travel), and brackets are used to modify the mounting points of pretty much everything (including the front differential), so the Blazer is held up higher. We liked the brushed-metal finish of the provided BDS shocks-they're a lot more aesthetically appealing than most of the lift-kit-basic shocks we've seen provided from some other suspension companies.
4. Here's the front suspension, with the BDS components installed. Stock A-arms are retai
5. As noted earlier, a spring-over-axle setup is how the BDS kit provides lift in the rear. We like this a lot more than unsightly lift blocks. It's worth noting that some axle-wrap occurs when we get on the gas, as the leaf springs flex and try to bind up around the axle tubes, but we plan to remedy this soon.
5. As noted earlier, a spring-over-axle setup is how the BDS kit provides lift in the rear

6. The Hankook Dynapro MTs are cool-looking meats-no doubt about it. They're also built to take abuse, and we'll be updating you on how they wear and how they grip as we use them on this truck. So far, so good.
6. The Hankook Dynapro MTs are cool-looking meats-no doubt about it. They're also built to
7. Certainly you've seen this design before-Black Rock tells us that this Type-D pattern is the most popular steel wheel design ever invented. We liked these special edition black-finish wheels, which feature a thin red highlight line. Although steel wheels are somewhat heavy, they're affordable and it's nice knowing that you can pound them back in shape with a hammer if you hit a rock and bend 'em while out on the trail.
7. Certainly you've seen this design before-Black Rock tells us that this Type-D pattern i
8. We were impressed with the rear flex after the spring-over conversion. Already, we're able to have fun in the Blazer, and we've just gotten started. Look for updates in the near future.
8. We were impressed with the rear flex after the spring-over conversion. Already, we're

Sources
Hankook Tire 1450 Valley Road Wayne NJ 07470 973-406-3500 www.hankooktireusa.com	Black Rock Wheels Ontario CA www.blackrockwheels.com
BDS Suspension Inc Coldwater MI 517-279-2135 www.bds-suspension.com	Metul Munky Fabrication n/a 909-534-3794 http://www.metulmunky.com