Looking forward to the build! The more affordable route followed by the all-out route is great. We had Typhoon and Syclone, maybe stick with the weather theme? Wrap it white and call it bliSSard (weird spelling with capital SS is intentional), hurricane, wrap is sage green and call it chinook (double meaning of the winds in the Rockies and the color comes from the helicopter). Name aside I am sure it's going to be awesome.
Your channel has transformed into a really well produced show. Had to comment- Pleasure to watch, your proficiency and passion both combine here and you can tell. Motivates a guy to do his own projects!
That's going to handle nice and there's nothing wrong with saying "we" - you have your other techs in the shop always helping you when you need it!! Can't wait to see what's going under the hood!! Great video LT!!
When you strip down the rear of a truck like that on a lift, it gets pretty tippy towards the front. For safety, I always chain or strap the truck onto the rear lift arms of the lift to keep it from tipping forward.
Sweet truck. While you got the bed off, the frame would look nicer with some paint that'll protect it from rust. Learning more about options for suspension on my truck, appreciate the learning experiences.
I used to have a 97 zq8 ext cab step side Sonoma 4.3 5 speed. That was the funnest stock truck iv ever drove!!!! This truck is going to be a monster. Iv always dreamed of this build. Love to see it come true.
I have done a fair amount of suspension mods over the years, shocks are always a neccessity that is left to the last minute, on a lifted truck, I will not use actual lift "shocks", they aren't shocks, they are dampeners and kill your ride. I downloaded the Monroe and Gabriel PDF, it gives extended and compression lengths, mounting styles, shock and spring rates, sometimes it takes a little bit of searching but the part is always there. On a 77 Chevy K20 with a 4-6" lift, use the factory rear shocks on the front and factory rear shocks from a 97 K2500 on the rear, the top mounts are different but easily swapped. Shocks make a huge difference in ride and handling
Excellent show today. I want see more of that new Tolman Performance logo. Welding and planning videos are my favorite. Maybe put that logo on the rear window. That would look epic.
I had a 2003 GMC. I had it lowered 3”/4”. The front I used 2” dropped spindles with a 1” shorter spring. It rode better than factory. The drop shop that I first used cut the front spring to get the drop I wanted. Needless to say I fixed their footpath. I also added a rear sway bar. Boy what a difference.
Get the rest of the ZQ8 parts and install them! (Frame rail brace, differential hop shock, bigger front and rear sway bars, quick ratio steering gearbox)
SyCOPO, COPOclone, SCOPO-10, If it was a GMC Sonoma: SonoCOPO, COPOnoma, and if I ever build one: PsyClone. This build is right style, auto-cross, road course, Pro-touring style. Looking forward to the future of this.
I just sold my turbo 5.3 rcsb silverado and got an s10. Silverado make 634 wheel on 91 at 18 pounds and when I was looking on tips to ls swapping an s10 and you popped up I couldn’t be happier. Love the content.
stock height TJ rear shocks are 3" shorter and almost bolt in. you have to either press out the sleeve on the bottom or smack out the lower bolt and use a smaller diameter bolt. alternatively, a drop block would move your u bolt plate down, which moves your lower shock mount down, giving you more room for longer shocks.
Hi LT, The last couple years I've been workin on my 91' STEN had to take the bed off so I built a cart to place it on and wheel it around. It's so east to take off, why not!! Love your channel I always watched trucks when you were there!! Good Man!!
After watching your work on the copo truck I planed to do this exact build with my 03 yellow stepside s10 with inspiration from the copo. Blown 4.8, awd, and all the beefed up goodies. Unfortunately I totaled that truck a few weeks ago after acquiring 90% of the parts so I’m glad I can watch somebody else build my dream pro street truck. Keep up the excellent work love to see it.
I cannot wait too see this build, quarter tons are the best project trucks! I’m begging you LT please throw an s10 extreme body kit on there. They are so damn cool
I've got a 4x4 4 door blazer that I want to make look like a zr2 (zr4) Though your lowering and I am lifting mine slightly, I'm excited to see this project, definitley giving me a lot of inspiration. Keep up the good work!
@Lawrence LT Tolman Nice to see you tackle these S/T Truck modification issues. Interesting to see how you react to the challenges. I have now been going my own way head on with this platform now for decades. Keep the bloopers and own the corrections so others and myself can learn from you. It's the S/T way.
You’re a perfectionist LT totally relatable, works for your own projects but unfortunately you always loose when applied to paying projects because let’s face it, in the real world customers are never willing to pay for “perfectionist" time they always complain why it cost so much especially when the "I know a guy who can do it for less" camp chimes in!
I was watching some of the early videos for the Ugly Truck build today and was looking forward to seeing what you had for this week. This S10 build is going to be awesome.
I’ve had 2 2nd gen s10s. First was a zq8 4 banger. I lowered it with spindles and blocks. It handled awesome as it was. Next I got an xtreme, same thing but this one had the 4.3. I lowered it like the other one but I also installed coil overs on the front. That little truck handled so well!!! I was always afraid that if I ever heard the tires squeal it was too late. Such a fun vehicle to own
I think this is gonna be cool. I would like if you would give us a run down of the plan, engine, Trans, etc... also would love an update on the Mustang with the 5.4...
I’m in the process of converting my S10 to independent rear suspension. I’m using a Dobbertin bracket kit and installing a C5 rear cross member. It’s gonna have as wide a wheel as a Z06 and grand sport. It’s gonna be awesome.
Ls is the easiest and cheapest way to go they even have a wiring kit for the factory cluster to work ! Looking forward to see what you end up doing to it brother god bless you and your family
Very nice sir, can’t wait to see how and how much you going to drop down the front, not to many options out there and you only can drop it 3” max in the front, would love to see a big brakes upgrade also
To build on the Syclone theme, how about "Perfect Storm?" Maybe its a high bar to call any evolving project "perfect" but I'm cursed with the same attention to detail, and I like the fact that you take care of a lot of little things others would overlook or not even think of. At the end of the day all those little details add up to a lot and we notice. Nice work!
I’d get a set of Caltracs. My LS powered , 2nd Gen s10 hooks up really well them. I used a 8.8 axle out of a 2001 Ford Explorer in mine. Cut the original spring perches off and welded new Caltrac spring perches on after dialing in the pinion angle.
On my 2wd S10, I am lowered 5" in the rear, but i used shocks from an 87 Monte carlo, and they work great with plenty of travel. Might be worth a look if you find the ones you have don't work once you get to bed back on since the weight of the bed will bring it down a little bit more.
If suspension ride quality and handling is the goal, then one alteration could have been done then. Move the rear shocks outside the frame if there is room. But that reduces the tucked tire ability later on. However it does produce a much better ride. I did this to a first generation 2wd Sequoia, man what a difference.
made a 1994 ford thunderbird 4 link on an AAM1150 axle, using scrapped cv axles... set up not to need any sway bar not even a panhard bar... dirt floor covered in water for a shop.
I know you're planning on running the 17" C4 wheel, but just an FYI, the 18" Rear C5 wheels (18x9.5) fit really well too, and you end up with a 1" taller tire in any size you pick. I ran 275/40R18's on my LQ4 powered '99 Bravada.
I learned the hard way about an S10 having a dedicated right and left side leaf springs. If they are on the wrong side the truck will lean towards the drivers side pretty bad.
It's more like a copo xtreme. When I was younger I always wanted a S10 xtreme till I drove one and was really disappointed in the performance. If they would have put a 4.8 LS in them stock I bet they would have sold more. Can't wait to see what comes of this truck.
I love this generation of S10/blazer. I think it would be kinda cool to do a SAS 1 ton and do a 4 cylinder duramax or R2.8 from Cummins and turn it into a mini 1 ton tow pig. I know the newer Colorado/Canyons already have the Duramax in it. I just want to be different.
if you are going to swap the engine, just get a 6.0L since it is much more of a common engine for basic LS swaps. but since you always like to be different, why not go with twin m90 superchargers? if that doesnt work then go ahead and stick with the LSA. just some suggestions
Had an Oldsmobile bravada... and 4 door s-10. Wanted to drop a v8 in it.... ended up selling it before I did.. was a 92 year model right before the body style changed and the last year of the mechanical and transfer case.. even with the stock 4.3 on a wet road.. I could get a full 4 tire drift leaving the grocery store... ehh it was kind of fun... o I forgot it did have the 8.5 rear axle.. not the 7.5... I had one of the rare ones... got lucky
If this project ends up going with the Vortec 4200 (fingers crossed), maybe project Hercules would work out as a name, especially since the 4200 is also called the Atlas
I’m actually building my version of the second GEN syclone my 99 S-10 step box short cab black with Bravada leather heated seats gauges envoy handles I even have an overhead council wired in I stripped down a 97 old Bravada for the last year of not electronic all-wheel-drive. I’ve got the 8 1/2 inch rear out of a stick shift, 4 x 4 and a short box, short cab, 4 x 4 frame, I’m going to put a 60LS my opinion is they should’ve made these trucks from the factory
I’ll be honest LT. It seems like you look for any excuse to weld and cut metal and I’m here for it haha! Can’t wait to see this thing in action!
That’s about right lol
Haha well said sir! Love watchin this kinda stuff
Ima take my camaro to you so we can lighten it up some 😂 🔥
Can't wait to see how he does the front suspension
I’ve been watching your videos for a while. I just smile every time I see you working on a lift in a shop with plenty of room.
You for sure enjoy the squint tack welding shield! 5:38
This thing needs the S10 Xtreme body kit on it to make it as close to the second gen "Syclone" that never happened!
Cyclone Extreme is my pick! Both names have been used by Chevy with their S10’s so it kind of fits your improving on stock theme.
I disagree with "getting out of hand", I prefer "making great progress"!
I added a ZQ8 rear anti-sway bar to my 2000 S10. Bolted right in and works really well. I also used Belltech Street Performance shocks all around.
Looking forward to the build! The more affordable route followed by the all-out route is great. We had Typhoon and Syclone, maybe stick with the weather theme? Wrap it white and call it bliSSard (weird spelling with capital SS is intentional), hurricane, wrap is sage green and call it chinook (double meaning of the winds in the Rockies and the color comes from the helicopter). Name aside I am sure it's going to be awesome.
Your channel has transformed into a really well produced show. Had to comment- Pleasure to watch, your proficiency and passion both combine here and you can tell. Motivates a guy to do his own projects!
Much appreciated!
OEM+ is always a killer plan to shoot for, love it brother
That's going to handle nice and there's nothing wrong with saying "we" - you have your other techs in the shop always helping you when you need it!! Can't wait to see what's going under the hood!! Great video LT!!
When you say “we” you are including your audience and we appreciate your efforts, you’re doing a great build amigo!
When you strip down the rear of a truck like that on a lift, it gets pretty tippy towards the front. For safety, I always chain or strap the truck onto the rear lift arms of the lift to keep it from tipping forward.
Sweet truck.
While you got the bed off, the frame would look nicer with some paint that'll protect it from rust.
Learning more about options for suspension on my truck, appreciate the learning experiences.
I used to have a 97 zq8 ext cab step side Sonoma 4.3 5 speed. That was the funnest stock truck iv ever drove!!!! This truck is going to be a monster. Iv always dreamed of this build. Love to see it come true.
ZQ8's also had a crossmember/brace betweenn the front two bed mounts at the top. Also they had a more responsive steering box.
I think it would be super cool to see a 6.0 with 4.8 crank and rods with boost something different and still easily accessible
I have done a fair amount of suspension mods over the years, shocks are always a neccessity that is left to the last minute, on a lifted truck, I will not use actual lift "shocks", they aren't shocks, they are dampeners and kill your ride. I downloaded the Monroe and Gabriel PDF, it gives extended and compression lengths, mounting styles, shock and spring rates, sometimes it takes a little bit of searching but the part is always there. On a 77 Chevy K20 with a 4-6" lift, use the factory rear shocks on the front and factory rear shocks from a 97 K2500 on the rear, the top mounts are different but easily swapped. Shocks make a huge difference in ride and handling
Excellent show today. I want see more of that new Tolman Performance logo. Welding and planning videos are my favorite. Maybe put that logo on the rear window. That would look epic.
I had a 2003 GMC. I had it lowered 3”/4”. The front I used 2” dropped spindles with a 1” shorter spring. It rode better than factory. The drop shop that I first used cut the front spring to get the drop I wanted. Needless to say I fixed their footpath. I also added a rear sway bar. Boy what a difference.
I love the way you handle that spray paint can. Like an Artist!
Get the rest of the ZQ8 parts and install them! (Frame rail brace, differential hop shock, bigger front and rear sway bars, quick ratio steering gearbox)
SyCOPO, COPOclone, SCOPO-10, If it was a GMC Sonoma: SonoCOPO, COPOnoma, and if I ever build one: PsyClone.
This build is right style, auto-cross, road course, Pro-touring style. Looking forward to the future of this.
I just sold my turbo 5.3 rcsb silverado and got an s10. Silverado make 634 wheel on 91 at 18 pounds and when I was looking on tips to ls swapping an s10 and you popped up I couldn’t be happier. Love the content.
Can’t wait to see where you take this project!
Happy to see you used springs and not blocks.
stock height TJ rear shocks are 3" shorter and almost bolt in. you have to either press out the sleeve on the bottom or smack out the lower bolt and use a smaller diameter bolt. alternatively, a drop block would move your u bolt plate down, which moves your lower shock mount down, giving you more room for longer shocks.
You gotta get in touch with Tony Angelo and his sike clone that’d be an awesome match up
Much better editing on this one. We got to see more of the work... and your explanations were perfect. Thank you!
Hi LT, The last couple years I've been workin on my 91' STEN had to take the bed off so I built a cart to place it on and wheel it around. It's so east to take off, why not!! Love your channel I always watched trucks when you were there!! Good Man!!
After watching your work on the copo truck I planed to do this exact build with my 03 yellow stepside s10 with inspiration from the copo. Blown 4.8, awd, and all the beefed up goodies. Unfortunately I totaled that truck a few weeks ago after acquiring 90% of the parts so I’m glad I can watch somebody else build my dream pro street truck. Keep up the excellent work love to see it.
I cannot wait too see this build, quarter tons are the best project trucks! I’m begging you LT please throw an s10 extreme body kit on there. They are so damn cool
I’ve been keeping my eyes open for an Xtreme body kit actually…
I've got a 4x4 4 door blazer that I want to make look like a zr2 (zr4) Though your lowering and I am lifting mine slightly, I'm excited to see this project, definitley giving me a lot of inspiration. Keep up the good work!
@Lawrence LT Tolman Nice to see you tackle these S/T Truck modification issues. Interesting to see how you react to the challenges. I have now been going my own way head on with this platform now for decades. Keep the bloopers and own the corrections so others and myself can learn from you. It's the S/T way.
You’re a perfectionist LT totally relatable, works for your own projects but unfortunately you always loose when applied to paying projects because let’s face it, in the real world customers are never willing to pay for “perfectionist" time they always complain why it cost so much especially when the "I know a guy who can do it for less" camp chimes in!
Is it going to be force induction? How about PSICLONE?
So we get to watch you put the axle in twice. That's great.
Love how the sway bar came out!
I've been trying to figure out how to the frame side of the sway bar links. Thanks to you I've got it
So jealous of that rust free box!
Your fabrication chops are incredibly strong. At what point do you ask yourself, "Why didn't I just go IRS?"
Very talented and knowledgeable, make it look easy!
I was watching some of the early videos for the Ugly Truck build today and was looking forward to seeing what you had for this week. This S10 build is going to be awesome.
Classic LT "While I'm here I may as well...."
Loving the Gen 2 Cyclone !
😎
I vote for COPO Xtreme. Love the build!
I’ve had 2 2nd gen s10s. First was a zq8 4 banger. I lowered it with spindles and blocks. It handled awesome as it was. Next I got an xtreme, same thing but this one had the 4.3. I lowered it like the other one but I also installed coil overs on the front. That little truck handled so well!!! I was always afraid that if I ever heard the tires squeal it was too late. Such a fun vehicle to own
I think this is gonna be cool. I would like if you would give us a run down of the plan, engine, Trans, etc... also would love an update on the Mustang with the 5.4...
I’m in the process of converting my S10 to independent rear suspension. I’m using a Dobbertin bracket kit and installing a C5 rear cross member. It’s gonna have as wide a wheel as a Z06 and grand sport. It’s gonna be awesome.
Love your style and ethics. Great vids
Ls is the easiest and cheapest way to go they even have a wiring kit for the factory cluster to work ! Looking forward to see what you end up doing to it brother god bless you and your family
Very nice sir, can’t wait to see how and how much you going to drop down the front, not to many options out there and you only can drop it 3” max in the front, would love to see a big brakes upgrade also
I just watched your old-school red gmc offroad build ,,, super cool !!!
We*. As in "we are on this ride with you LT," Great build so far, dude.
To build on the Syclone theme, how about "Perfect Storm?" Maybe its a high bar to call any evolving project "perfect" but I'm cursed with the same attention to detail, and I like the fact that you take care of a lot of little things others would overlook or not even think of. At the end of the day all those little details add up to a lot and we notice. Nice work!
Saw u on PowerNation Friday. Loved the throw back GMC build.
That was a fun build to do!
I’d get a set of Caltracs. My LS powered , 2nd Gen s10 hooks up really well them. I used a 8.8 axle out of a 2001 Ford Explorer in mine. Cut the original spring perches off and welded new Caltrac spring perches on after dialing in the pinion angle.
On my 2wd S10, I am lowered 5" in the rear, but i used shocks from an 87 Monte carlo, and they work great with plenty of travel. Might be worth a look if you find the ones you have don't work once you get to bed back on since the weight of the bed will bring it down a little bit more.
If suspension ride quality and handling is the goal, then one alteration could have been done then. Move the rear shocks outside the frame if there is room. But that reduces the tucked tire ability later on. However it does produce a much better ride. I did this to a first generation 2wd Sequoia, man what a difference.
Keep it up LT!!!
made a 1994 ford thunderbird 4 link on an AAM1150 axle, using scrapped cv axles... set up not to need any sway bar not even a panhard bar... dirt floor covered in water for a shop.
A project I miss is white noize, being that it hits home for me with my 08 extendo Sierra
An LQ-9 or LS 3 would be a nice motor . Nice job.
This is going to be a very nice handling truck. I've always wanted to equip an extended S-10 with a 600 hp LT4.
I know you're planning on running the 17" C4 wheel, but just an FYI, the 18" Rear C5 wheels (18x9.5) fit really well too, and you end up with a 1" taller tire in any size you pick. I ran 275/40R18's on my LQ4 powered '99 Bravada.
I boxed my frame and put it blazer tank in the back. Also a factory fuel door in bed floor. Gotta a 6l up front
Saying “we” and “us” is a results from working on truck tech for so many years.
Like the new title card, 👌
I learned the hard way about an S10 having a dedicated right and left side leaf springs. If they are on the wrong side the truck will lean towards the drivers side pretty bad.
That oem style is the way I like to build also.
Your work is always amazing, 💛👍🏼
“Psyclone” would be a good name for it.
How about calling it the Wee Wee Truck? Wee for little and wee for fun when you get excited!
Thats why im a fan of your work you find and fix the root cause not just band aid fix something such as shims. Im the same way on my own builds
Appreciate that!
Super Sten!
I like the intro!
Thanks!
For what youre trying to do the springs will work bc you want it lower.. the 4wd ones either make the truck taller or have more spring packs
Dude!!! Nice!!!
Nice 👍
Safety squints for the win!
It's more like a copo xtreme. When I was younger I always wanted a S10 xtreme till I drove one and was really disappointed in the performance. If they would have put a 4.8 LS in them stock I bet they would have sold more. Can't wait to see what comes of this truck.
I like the way you think and do LT.
Details details details OCD can be a good thing? Love watching keep it coming.
next step on the rear... fix the upcoming axle wrap situation associated with S10's... especially those with ANY power upgrade!
COPO JR.!!!!!!! love the series just subbed!!!
You go LT DAN
I love the COPO JR name
The 5100 series beilsten shocks ride softer and smoother. Those yellow ones valves are stiff and slow to respond.
Name it the tiny tp. Tollman performance 😅
I like your logo
Who wants to play drink every time LT says basically?
I love this generation of S10/blazer. I think it would be kinda cool to do a SAS 1 ton and do a 4 cylinder duramax or R2.8 from Cummins and turn it into a mini 1 ton tow pig.
I know the newer Colorado/Canyons already have the Duramax in it. I just want to be different.
Man i need a band saw😅 but back to what u did before convince tools . But im sure its on the list❤
Name it the Chevy S-T S-Tolman/ Sport Truck... or LS-LT LS-Light Truck/LS LT Great project, keep it up LT.
if you are going to swap the engine, just get a 6.0L since it is much more of a common engine for basic LS swaps. but since you always like to be different, why not go with twin m90 superchargers? if that doesnt work then go ahead and stick with the LSA. just some suggestions
I’m enjoying the project!
I really think that you need to re-engineer the shock mounting. The shocks are way too horizontal. 👍
Had an Oldsmobile bravada... and 4 door s-10. Wanted to drop a v8 in it.... ended up selling it before I did.. was a 92 year model right before the body style changed and the last year of the mechanical and transfer case.. even with the stock 4.3 on a wet road.. I could get a full 4 tire drift leaving the grocery store... ehh it was kind of fun... o I forgot it did have the 8.5 rear axle.. not the 7.5... I had one of the rare ones... got lucky
I’ve been calling this thing the mini copo truck.
If this project ends up going with the Vortec 4200 (fingers crossed), maybe project Hercules would work out as a name, especially since the 4200 is also called the Atlas
I’m actually building my version of the second GEN syclone my 99 S-10 step box short cab black with Bravada leather heated seats gauges envoy handles I even have an overhead council wired in I stripped down a 97 old Bravada for the last year of not electronic all-wheel-drive. I’ve got the 8 1/2 inch rear out of a stick shift, 4 x 4 and a short box, short cab, 4 x 4 frame, I’m going to put a 60LS my opinion is they should’ve made these trucks from the factory
You should call it "hurricane"