Quote Originally Posted by Dave Severson View Post
And of course I'll take the opposing point of view, Richard. I would leave both the S-10 and the Dakota frames wherever they are and go with an IFS setup with a front crossmember made specifically for your truck.... Then in the rear, a 9" Ford rear end narrowed to fit your specific wheel and tire combination with coilovers and a triangulated 4 bar suspension system.... I've put the IFS packages under everything from 30's coupe to 70's pickups and have never had a bit of trouble with them. The good one's use the same geometry as the Mustang II's, but then build them with DOM tubing for control arms, heavy duty ball joints, 11" disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and all the other goodies. With this setup, you retain your stock frame which is designed for the truck. The body parts, radiator support, etc. all re-attach easily, and the best part you can make it as low as you want, and still retain the stock appearance of the truck!!!!
Cheap Dave, I'm very, very cheap. I would rather call it frugal, but Sharon says CHEAP. I suspect that by the time you cobbled up the front and rear suspension the way you outlined and set up a 9", you could build 3 or 4 Dakota/Internationals for the same money. It would probably take more labor to do it my way, but remember, I'm CHEAP and my labor rate is very attractive to me. Then there is the advantage of replacing OEM parts down the road with one phone call to the local parts house. Dave, you know I love you like a brother, but I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this one.