Someone mentioned last week the S-10 (and Sonoma, Hombre) being a contender in
HS with the ZQB suspension package. That got me interested so I went to the
dealer yesterday and took a look at it.
You can get the ZQB on any 2WD platform (stepside, shortbed, longbed, reg cab
and ext cab). The swaybars are huge both front and rear, I'm guessing
something like 15/16" rear with a 1 1/2" front. The wheels are 85-91 Camaro
16x8", a finger width test showed that a 265/40/16 Kumbo would probably fit on
the front but the rear might need a 1/4" more offset. The front suspension is
classic GM A-arm with camber achieved by removing the shims. The L35 4.3L V6
churns out 190 HP and 250 ft lbs, not paretically rev happy though. There are
4 rear gears available; 3.08, 3.42, 3.73 and 4.11, but the 2WD L35 5-speed can
only be had with the 3.08, the 2.2 4 cylinder got the 3.73 and 4.11. A GM LSD
is optional for all packages.
Converting a base truck to a ZQB would probably save a little money. The base
was 13K with a $750 cash back while the Stepside Sport with one of the group
marketing packages was 17K with $2000 cash back. Unfortunately the Isuzu
Hombre cannot be had with the ZQB, that's too bad since it is even cheaper
yet.
A quick, low key, test drive showed that the springs and shock are fairly
stiff, just shy of ACR like in ride quality. The fast ratio steering box was
OK but turn-in was poor, a little toe-out would probably help that.
I'm interested in pursuing this, anyone have any real AX experience they can
share?
Randy
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