AD s10 swap grille support/ spalsh shield??

[rtinniste]

Hey guys looked around and cant figure out if anyone that does the s10 swap reuses this part? Looked in the s10 how to thread and saw nothing about it.

photo stolen from torchlights build thread

[mr48chev]

I'd say that his is on a stock frame with a MII style front suspension.

Those spendy body mount kits and the member designed cab mounts set the cab up several inches above the S-10 frame to where you don't have the sheet metal clearance issues as much but probably can't get the truck to look as low as you want without drop spindles and other suspension mods.

I'm still going to argue for using a front crossmember of one style or another under a stock 3100 frame and installing rear suspension of choice and being done with it and having a truck that you don't have to hack up to make things fit (Jag XJ you don't have to modify the inner fenders much) and end up with a truck that has a lot greater resale value if you go to sell it than a frame swap truck.

I'll get arguments on that point but the primary focus of the majority of the guys who come on here and want to do an S-10 frame swap want to do it because they see it as the CHEAP AND EASY WAY OUT rather than building off the original 3100 frame and building a much nicer truck in the long run.

[rtinniste]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I'd say that his is on a stock frame with a MII style front suspension.

Those spendy body mount kits and the member designed cab mounts set the cab up several inches above the S-10 frame to where you don't have the sheet metal clearance issues as much but probably can't get the truck to look as low as you want without drop spindles and other suspension mods.

I'm still going to argue for using a front crossmember of one style or another under a stock 3100 frame and installing rear suspension of choice and being done with it and having a truck that you don't have to hack up to make things fit (Jag XJ you don't have to modify the inner fenders much) and end up with a truck that has a lot greater resale value if you go to sell it than a frame swap truck.

I'll get arguments on that point but the primary focus of the majority of the guys who come on here and want to do an S-10 frame swap want to do it because they see it as the CHEAP AND EASY WAY OUT rather than building off the original 3100 frame and building a much nicer truck in the long run.

I know he's not using a s10 frame. Picture is for reference to the valance I'm talking about. And I've already dug my grave with the s10 frame its already 4 linked, drop spindles, waiting on bags, cab and front clip are mounted squared and level.

And I don't want this thread to become a debate on front clip swaps, the s10 frame works best for my end goal I've looked into every option for a couple months before choosing my route honestly. The narrower track width helps with tire clearance when turning at my ride height, parts availability, affordable pre fabbed 4 links, I get to choose where my cab sits in relation to suspension geometry, for the price of a mustang 2 clip from Scotts I was able to buy a s10 frame, 4 link, tubular upper control arms, 4wd s10 rear axle with a locker and 3:73 gears, a brand new miller 211, and supplies to wire my garage for 220. And i probably have 2 days, $40, and a couple beers into making my cab mounts and core support.

I'm trying to tie up little odds and ends on my front end before I move to the bed and running boards. Trying to see what other s10 swap members have done to mount that valance or if they are even running the valance.

[msaintg]

yes, you have to use this part. the splash shield gives the grill much needed support and it also helps funnel air across the radiator. this is not a good pic, but I did not have to do much modification to make it work with my S10 conversion.

[rtinniste]

Originally Posted by msaintg

yes, you have to use this part. the splash shield gives the grill much needed support and it also helps funnel air across the radiator. this is not a good pic, but I did not have to do much modification to make it work with my S10 conversion.

That's what i figured same with the fender liners it all directs the flow thru the radiator plus it looks ghetto with it missing. I'll look at it more today when i get home from work I just quickly held it up last night to get an idea and didn't really see anything on here about it when i did a quick scan maybe I missed it. Thanks

[fredscarryall]

Dont know who did this. Not mine. Just a picture I saved a while ago

[mr48chev]

That looks like what I had to do to mine when I subframed it. I'd think the cab on that one is set fairly low on the frame.

[BlueJeep]

Yes, keep it.

[HUSSEY]

Here's a shot of mine trimmed to fit. I may add a piece of filler material between the top of the pan and bottom of the radiator support to channel more air towards the radiator.

[fredscarryall]

Hussey,That looks really clean. I wasn't going to use my splash guard but I think I'm going to copy your idea now. You should put those pics on the s10 build, so others can see it.

[msaintg]

I just love how people with the same problem come up with so many different solutions. Changing radiators and moving radiators. I used a full size 'original style' radiator and slanted it out at the bottom 2" to clear the steering box. I have not seen anyone else do that yet.

[rtinniste]

Thanks for all the replies guys for some reason my email isn't notifying me so I just saw this!

[Bitties5Deuce]

Following

[b-mac]

On the back of that inner splash shield, there are three screws on each side, where the shield screws to the inner fenders. I came about an inch inside of the second (middle) screw, and essentially cut mine straight across to the other side, right at that point. Clears the front horns, and I notched just a tad for the steering box.

Don't judge my messy garage.