another diet

**mark21742** · 02-09-2012, 04:14 AM

Post on another site too,
I've already done a lot of nodding and fabrication from behind the firewall back to the rear bumper with a full 4 link backhalf and Ford 9" solid axle, cut the whole floor out from the rear bumper upto the firewall and ran a full frame to just under the dash, NHRA legal 10point roll cage, tubs, and new lighter stronger floor.

Here is my next thought......I've found most of the weight in our card is in the floor structureand bulk heads....its almost likethey built thecarto bea convertible...so since I want to lose more weight out of the car, and hope to improve handling at the same time I was thinking of going with a front tube chassis and 4x4 S-10 front control arms, spindles, hubs AND torsion bars... This will drop a lot of weight, keep a low profile chassis configuration, allow all cheaper aftermarket parts (like tubular a arms) and I can tie into the dash bulkhead and the 10 point cage to add strength to the whole chassis ( think dun buggy or race car tube chassis)

Any thoughts or ideas on this? I already have the S-10 chassis sitting outside the garsge ready to be cut up, measured and even though I could change it if I wanted to the wheel track is almost right already +-1/2" or so

**Knight** · 02-09-2012, 07:46 AM

Damn Mark! You're going to be a parts counter guy's worst nightmare

It sounds like a very good idea actually, and I say go for it.

**mark21742** · 02-12-2012, 12:17 AM

Here is what I'm starting with!
84 4x4 S-10 front suspension

**mark21742** · 02-12-2012, 12:20 AM

With the stock 55" torsion bars they should end right near the back of door, giving easy adjustability and good ride. Plus the heavy swaybar will aid in handling.

Time to start disassembly and cleaning!

**tatertot91** · 02-12-2012, 06:13 AM

Would love to see what you do with this
What all have you shaved off so far?

**Knight** · 02-12-2012, 06:44 AM

I will definately need to check this car out in person when you get it done!

**mark21742** · 02-12-2012, 03:34 PM

Two years ago I had a total weight with me (160lbs) and half tank of gas at 3665lbs...factory hitch, gas tank brace, spare, jack and factory front seats removed and Summit racing buckets.

I can't wait to see what it scales out at after I'm finished....the 10 point cage should add weight, but manual rack, ABS delete, A/C delete, airbag system delete, the 9" swap, new backbone frame and floor should drop a good bit, and this swap should drop even more off the front....should

**mark21742** · 02-13-2012, 03:59 AM

Just about got the s-10 suspension tore down

**mark21742** · 02-13-2012, 04:02 AM

Here is most of the parts I'm going to be modifying and using!

**pajeff02** · 02-14-2012, 02:49 PM

Wow! That is all I have to say at this juncture... wow!

**mark21742** · 02-14-2012, 05:56 PM

Got the ball joints popped off, spindles cleaned up and one spindle has a coat of black paint.

**Texas Jack** · 02-14-2012, 08:27 PM

**cammed goat** · 02-15-2012, 10:58 AM

I could just imagine how responsive that car will be once completed and if the hood were replaced with a fiberglass/carbon fiber hood. Prob would lift the front tires off the ground.

**mark21742** · 02-18-2012, 10:26 PM

I took the stock lower control arms and shortened them 2.5" to give the setup a stiffer spring rate and allow for yhe frame rails to set farther apart

Before

After

**mark21742** · 02-18-2012, 10:32 PM

Front fender off

Old suspension out of the way

Engine hanging from the ceiling, front sheetmetal gone for the most part, cradle gone, about ready to cut the stock framerails out

**mark21742** · 02-19-2012, 02:29 AM

If you don't have a press, I've found the easiest way to get old bushings out is to just burn them

The new homemade upper control arms!

**Texas Jack** · 02-19-2012, 09:19 AM

Incrediable!!!! Nice job and so many Mark Mods, like I said before......you are the man!! Thanks for the update pics.

**mark21742** · 02-19-2012, 09:53 AM

I hope to post more progress pics here later tonight

**Texas Jack** · 02-20-2012, 04:34 PM

Just to catch you up on what I have done to mine (not much like you). I put kooks long tubes on, what a bitch, ...f steeting shaft... 3'' catted mids and street screamer cat back, catch can, cold air system and had a tuner do his work. Also did Sarges front end pedders mod and had a pedders shop tune the driveline. Also did the stiffy mod, drag bags, and harrop cover and no more wheel hop. Looking foward to seeing more of what you are doing, what an interesting build......you should own your own shop. regards

**mark21742** · 02-20-2012, 05:58 PM

Sounds like you've been busy too Jack!

Here is some more pics of my progress for you guys!

Also got the new front tube chassis welded all up, but you'll need to wait for pics of that