Expert: john mazio - 3/26/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi, my question is; what is the basic starting point towards converting a 92 s10's rear axil/ suspension set up from stock leaf springs into a drag/street rod? Thanks

ANSWER: HI . THE BEST THING IF YOU WANT A COIL SPRING RACE TYPE SUSPENSION AND  BIG TIRES OR SLICKS IS  TO GO TO ONE OF THE CHASSIS BUILDER WEBSITES LIKE S+W IN PA. THEY HAVE A COMPLETE WELDED SUBFRAME  WITH LADDER BARS.YOU WOULD JUST MEASURE YOUR OLD FRAME AND CUT IT ,THEN WELD IN THE SUBFRAME .TAKE A LOOK AT >http://www.swracecars.com/store/Direct-Fit-82-02-S-10-Fully-Welded-Rear-Frame--L LUCK ,JOHN

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QUESTION: Then again, I've been doing some reading, and have been finding that alot of trucks are sticking with the leaf suspension and use traction bars and shocks from company's like "Culvert". So, my new question is which type of suspension would you recommend? I'm extremely new to street/drag racing, so your advice is very helpful.

ANSWER: HI . YES I'D RECOMEND  THE CAL TRACS  OR THE COMP ENGINEERING SLIDE A LINK SETUP . THEY WORK VERY WELL ,ARE EASY TO INSTALL  AND S10 S HAVE A PRETTY BIG WHEEL WELL THAT CAN FIT A 10 INCH WIDE TIRE .THE COILOVER  SETUP IS LABOR INTENSIVE AND NOT CHEAP . CHECK OUT  THIS IMAGE ON THE CALVERT RACING SITE  AND READ THE TEXT UNDER THE PIC.>http://www.calvertracing.com/gallery/page7pic13.htm.  GOOD LUCK ,JOHN

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QUESTION: Right on, thanks... the picture shows exactly what I'm looking to do... As far the word "stock" is concerned...Does this basically mean I'm just sliding new parts on without fabricating new mounts?

Answer
HI ,ZACTLY! BUY THE KIT (THEY HAVE A STREET KIT THAT ELMINATES THE LOWER ADJUSTMENT HOLE  IN THE FRONT BRACKET FOR MORE GROUND CLEARANCE ,STOCK HEIGHT TRUCK? JUST GET THE REGULAR KIT) .I INSTALLED 2 OR 3 OF THESE , TAKES LIKE AN HOUR TO 2 . GOOD LUCK . JOHN