Scoping out a bagged s10, pointers?

[fox_forma]

New to the forums and have been looking around for a little while trying to find a decent s10 to work on in the upcoming months. I think I came across the right deal but the previous owner seems to know nothing about the truck or he's hoping I don't come and notice a lot of things wrong with it. When it comes to vehicles in general I know whats going on mechanically but know nothing about bag set-ups. He says it is bagged at all corners and does have a link set-up in the rear but no idea what one (2/3/4 link etc). From searching I have figured out the different links that it could be so that shouldn't be hard to notice. He did say some of the welding is done poorly but the thing that gets me is he says the truck isn't notched. So far I have only seen some poor pics of the truck and been trying for the past 2wks to see it in person but our timing has been pretty crappy with working and such. If the rear isn't notched than how much welding could of really been done that wouldn't be easy to fix?

Lastly, in one of the pics is shows the bed of the truck where its cut out and to me it looks like its notched, am I wrong? I also can't see any type of link set-up. I don't see any bar runs anywhere.


Sorry for the small pic but thats what I was sent when first contacting the seller. What are basic points I should pay most attention to once I get to look at it up close.

[gasisontheright]

Quote: Originally Posted by fox_forma

New to the forums and have been looking around for a little while trying to find a decent s10 to work on in the upcoming months. I think I came across the right deal but the previous owner seems to know nothing about the truck or he's hoping I don't come and notice a lot of things wrong with it. When it comes to vehicle in general I know whats going on mechanically but know nothing about bag set-ups. He says it is bagged at all corners and does have a link set-up in the rear but no idea what one. From searching I have figured out the different links that it could be so that should be hard to notice. He did say some of the welding is done poorly but the thing that gets me is he says the truck isn't notched. So far I have only seen some poor pics of the truck and been trying for the past 2wks to see it in person but our timing has been pretty crappy with working and such. If the rear isn't notched than how much welding could of really been done that wouldn't be easy to fix?

Lastly, in one of the pics is shows the bed of the truck where its cut out and to me it looks like its notched, am I wrong? I also can't see any type of link set-up. I don't see any bar runs anywhere.


Sorry for the small pic but thats what I was sent when first contacting the seller. What are basic points I should pay most attention to once I get to look at it up close.

from the pic, it does have a notch

[fox_forma]

Thats what I kept saying to the seller and he keeps telling me it isn't notched. I admit I don't know much about air ride set-ups but I'm pretty sure I know a notch when I see one.

[IDINIEILIL]

maybe im wrong but it DOES have a notch but the way the bag brackets are, the only purpose it's serving is a place to weld the gussets for the brackets...

[fox_forma]

WHat does that mean in regards to how the bags are mounted? The gussets are for extra support but does that say anything about the set-up as it sits?

What should I look at and focus on the most when looking up close at the s10? Obviously the welds but what should I really look for in them to make sure they are structurally sound?

Thanks

[CatDaddy52]

Looks like a BOA reverse 4-link(?) since the stock fuel tank is still present & there is no link bar on the top.

[AVTekk]

It could very well be mono-leafed, thats way more common than a reverse 4link. Yes it is notched and its not just for the bags, you can probably lay 20s with the size of that notch. Everything I can see in the pic is home made. If you can weld, then there isnt that much done to it that can be bad. Even so, its just metal, it can be fixed.

[fox_forma]

the bags look to be over the axle, doesn't a reverse 4 link mount back more?

[fox_forma]

AVTEKK, i myself am not a great welder but have a few buddies who are good, just making time for them to do it is whats hardest. When you say everything you see in the pic looks homemade, what do you mean by that? I appreciate the response.

[slonlow2000]

What the guy with the playboy avatar was saying, is that the bags are sitting so low, that it looks like the are fully collapsed in the pic, but the axel isnt even using the notch. The back could be moved up higher. When you look at it, just have a decent camera phone, or a normal camera on ya and snap a bunch of pics under the rear of the truck both front and rear. Then come back in here and post em up.

[fox_forma]

Gonna try to get over there tomorrow after work but not sure if it will happen or not. I read up on a monoleaf set-up and if thats the case it should be fairly easy to switch over a 3link so I am hoping for that and not a whole hacked up mess under the bed.

[IDINIEILIL]

...long story short, if you have the money, the SD backhalf would probably fix all of that...

[slonlow2000]

Quote: Originally Posted by IDINIEILIL

...long story short, if you have the money, the SD backhalf would probably fix all of that...

Agreed, just make sure the front end is safe to drive if your driving it home. Make sure the bags dont have rub marks, and theres nothing in the way of the tires to cut them.

[colbye32]

Quote: Originally Posted by IDINIEILIL

...long story short, if you have the money, the SD backhalf would probably fix all of that...

true story dude

[fox_forma]

as it sits the motor is most likely dead. Once again I can't get exactly whats going on from the seller. I have a 4.3 + trans lined up already if I need it at a very cheap price so it will be trailered home upon pick up if I decide to buy it.

I have been looking at the back half but right now cost is a little more than I would like. I have the funds to buy it but I want to put that money towards my house I recently bought. Bigger return going that route.

I am almost hoping most of the work was cheap sided where as I can pull most the current crap off and it almost be back to stock set up and do the work myself but we'll see.

[phillip7]

Where are you located? Because I have a bagged truck for sale that runs great and the price is reasonable.

[fox_forma]

I'm in AZ, thought it said that in my location spot but guess not.

[AVTekk]

The bag mounts are all home-made and the compressor in the pic is from AIM so most likely the truck was done as cheaply as possible. Cut the bag mounts off and throw a 3link on there and youll be fine, no need for a backhalf unless the notch is completely screwed.

[fox_forma]

Thanks AV,I guess we'll see what happens upon inspection when checking it out. I hope it was done like you say so it will make it that much easier for me to make it right without killing the wallet.

[hh60cheese01]

There are plenty of S10's in the sea..if this one stinks, move on to a better one.

[IDINIEILIL]

Quote: Originally Posted by fox_forma

Thanks AV,I guess we'll see what happens upon inspection when checking it out. I hope it was done like you say so it will make it that much easier for me to make it right without killing the wallet.

I know exactly what you mean on that, trust me... but just remember to do it right the first time or it will kill your wallet anyway.

[fox_forma]

My plans are to do it right, I would rather not mess with a truck that is butchered up and cost me a ton to just get it to ok status still not complete. If its done the way AV is thinking then I would be in good shape buying it.

Thanks guys

[xdraggerx]

i always start from scratch. 1. i know i built it. 2. it feels damm good when your done. 3. you walk away with a wealth of information of stuff you learned building the truck. 4. your gonna spend about the same fixin that truck as you would starting with an untouched platform.

[Built2NV]

Quote: Originally Posted by xdraggerx

i always start from scratch. 1. i know i built it. 2. it feels damm good when your done. 3. you walk away with a wealth of information of stuff you learned building the truck. 4. your gonna spend about the same fixin that truck as you would starting with an untouched platform.

x2

I completely agree, I would never buy something pre-bagged because I like knowing exactly how shit was done. Not saying buying a bagged truck is a bad idea, I know a ton I would buy in a heartbeat, but overall most of them that are being sold are hacked or just dont have setups I would run. Good luck with the search man!

[fox_forma]

I had planned on looking for a stock set-up but haven't really found any that I liked for the money. The cheaper ones had 200k on the clock or major issues with rust or damage somewhere. The truck I am looking at has a lot of tasteful body work done to it already and if I can basically start with this truck and ditch everything but already have the notch in place without much effort then I will be ahead of the game IMO. The price is right but obviously I need to really look at everything to make sure it isn't falling apart which I am pretty good at from buying and selling a lot of vehicles and bikes. The whole bag set-up is my main interest so i can see the welds and what is and isn't done right. Never dealt with a bagged ride before.

I appreciate all the input guys, didn't think i would get this many responses in such a short time. Thanks!

From buying and selling bikes and ATV's I have enjoyed working on others retarded installs as when I get done with it the proper way I can basically talk sh!t about how it was previous done and feel like I know everything and anything for a short period of time.

[97texas_sdime]

From my experiences buying a modded vehicle usually means your just buying some ones problem. Idk about up there but down here there are several trucks for sale on craigslist for cheap. 95+ blazers with small fender benders and kinda high milage for like 750. s10's with blown motors for under a grand. plus plenty of motors and trannys floating around for cheap. My tranny went out in my s10 but instead of keeping my high milage 2.2 im just gonna buy a blazer and do the 4.3 swap. lower miles and only about 900. plus a whole lot of extra parts. Just my thoughts though. Good luck with your decision though. Dont jump into anything too quick, scope out your options.

[Built2NV]

Quote: Originally Posted by 97texas_sdime

From my experiences buying a modded vehicle usually means your just buying some ones problem. Idk about up there but down here there are several trucks for sale on craigslist for cheap. 95+ blazers with small fender benders and kinda high milage for like 750. s10's with blown motors for under a grand. plus plenty of motors and trannys floating around for cheap. My tranny went out in my s10 but instead of keeping my high milage 2.2 im just gonna buy a blazer and do the 4.3 swap. lower miles and only about 900. plus a whole lot of extra parts. Just my thoughts though. Good luck with your decision though. Dont jump into anything too quick, scope out your options.

True story, I bought my truck all ****in rusted out, 4cyl, 5spd, with 210k for like 500, ran great though. I thought I got a good deal on it and literally a week after I finish bagging mine I see a mint first gen no rust/rot nice paint, mint interior, v6, 5spd with 120k on it for 600 bucks. It pays to wait it out and buy something nice the first time around. Like you said though that truck may be good i the welds are done right, since the notch is already installed

[gasisontheright]

I bought(traded for) a pre-bagged s10 and i thought it was done right, but its a wiring mess, and still got a leak in one of the bags. Lots of stuff I want to do to clean it up, although everything works as it should, and seems to be a good job. Still gonna spend probably just as much time fixing it to where i want it then if I had just bought a stock truck and did it myself. Then again, I only have about 1100 in the truck total so far, and it is just gonna be a beater, so its never gonna be a perfect show truck.

[fox_forma]

Checked out the truck today and saw some things I liked and others I didn't which was expected. I will be attaching several pics and hopefully can get some opinions from you guys if I should proceed.

Some good things about it is the interior is spotless, which I expected some tears, dirt, etc. The doors have been shaved and I see no markings or shitty areas lifting or anything. Has a new set of 20's with tires, forget the brand though, nice tonneau cover, no real noticeable rust along the frame. Decent alarm, 4.3l w/ manual trans (what I want)

Bads: truck was filthy as shit from sitting in a garage for a while, The rear of the bed has redone to close off the tailgate but it is a pretty crappy job. It is just a skin and is flimsy and having issues in a few area's. Had caddy tails put in, just a crappy job in this whole area, the work is cracking and just needs a complete overhaul or possibly a new bed to take care of the rear itself which i like the stock bed/bumper better. Shock mounts are virtually worthless as they have no real support and therefore the rear shocks were just hanging there. Some odd name shock like strike force or something. The welds for the 4link didn't look so hot and the shock mounts were pretty piss poor as well. Last is the motor, kid was driving it and lost all coolant, doesn't know what the problem is but tried to pour coolant back in to see what was going on and it just feel right out the bottom, with something like that I am thinking a busted Rad or hose since it just pours out. Worse case, I can drop a new motor in for cheap.

Good/Bad: This could go either way I guess but it does have a reverse 4-link. Some hate this set-up, others say its fine, I would prefer to go with a normal link set-up.

The battery is dead so this was another downfall because I can't see the bags working, and I really have no clue how I would be able to load this on a trailer without getting it aired up.

Pics: Don't mind all the cobwebbs, they were everywhere so it made pics hard





















The truck is very very dusty and def needs a good cleaning but I can score it for $1200. Any opinions? I am not to worried about down time but figured you guys know better than me.

[sittin_so_low]

id get it for 1200, the rims are worth that alone. id at least drive it first tho... ( now i see it doesnt run tho lol my bad) id get it and just fix it right

[fox_forma]

I at least figure if its a lost cause I can part it out and still be on top. How would I go about getting it aired up so I can load it on a trailer? Battery is completely dead.

[Mikeman24]

Appears like a reversed 4 link. Most anything can be fixed. Seems like a good investment to me!

[98noma97]

pfff not a good deal now give me this guys number so i can call and tell him to junk it.










lol nah man i would get it as said that is the cost of the wheels

[tohoopty]

either put a battery in it or jump it.

[fox_forma]

Quote: Originally Posted by tohoopty

either put a battery in it or jump it.

Problem there is it doesn't hold coolant, can i run cables off my truck for a little to send juice to the compressor and allow it to air up so i can get this thing loaded on the trailer?

[scott9001]

yea as long as the keys on it shoudl run the air compressors thats the way iv seen it, and how my truck is. alone the rims are porbably worth 1200. but did you notce how the focker ran the break lines along the differential?

[scott9001]

btw if you cant air it up and there is no air in the bags its not verry close to laying out. one picture looks like its still 3 or 4 inches high

[fox_forma]

Quote: Originally Posted by scott9001

yea as long as the keys on it shoudl run the air compressors thats the way iv seen it, and how my truck is. alone the rims are porbably worth 1200. but did you notce how the focker ran the brake lines along the differential?

All that will be getting re-done anyway, a lot of stuff was just taped up or hanging. Not to worried about it at this point.

[Geat]

damn for 1200? Its probably worth it then. The back of the notch looks a little iffy though.

[colbye32]

id buy it for 1200 and just sd backhalf if. notch looks scary, some of it looks decent.

rear body work is piss poor, but it can all be fixed. and go slap a battery in it and see if it runs, you don't need all the antifreeze in it to run it, just dont let it get too hot.

when i put my motor in i ran it for 5 mins with no radiator or coolant in it at all, didn't hurt anything

[IDINIEILIL]

good buy for 1200... I take everything back except about the rear setup... You say the shock mounts are crappy so they're worthless, needs a better notch than that, bags look a little crooked, and it looks like the front tabs on the upper bar is welded to iron. I hear thats a HUGE no no... so yea.... it would probably save a lot of time and trouble by getting the backhalf. Unless you have the time and effort to fix it then go for it...

[G-force]

Personally I would rather start from scratch than take over someone else's busted down rig. Yes, you may spend more doing so, but it will be all your doing and you'll know how it was done.

Start from zero. I consider that truck starting in the negative. just my opinion.

If he didn't even know it was notched...what does that say about the PO?

[fox_forma]

Quote: Originally Posted by G-force

Personally I would rather start from scratch than take over someone else's busted down rig. Yes, you may spend more doing so, but it will be all your doing and you'll know how it was done.

Start from zero. I consider that truck starting in the negative. just my opinion.

If he didn't even know it was notched...what does that say about the PO?

Plenty of times have I bought a something that the PO doesn't know whats going on, thats why i came here first. I too like to also start things from the beginning but if I can be ahead of the game a little that works for me, sometimes you just need to learn the hard way. Right now lets say I have to do the back half, its some decent $$$ but after that it will be pretty good. If I start from scratch, I will need to do the same thing in doing the rear, only next I have to buy rims, cover, lines, fronts, etc. If it isn't what I want it to be I will part out the nice stuff and set majority of it back to stock and sell it for what i paid and still have made some money from the aftermarket parts. We'll see how it goes I guess.

[AVTekk]

Ya the upper 4link bars are welded to the cast center section and while it can be welded correctly, most people dont possess the skillset to do it right so its generally considered a big thing not to do. You can just put a SD 3link or 5link in there and be set. The skin should have got bracing across it to keep it from cracking, it will need to be cut out. The compressor and valves are shit from AIM so you may want to change them in the future. To air it up, just put a battery in it or jump it, the fact that theres no coolant in it doesnt mean anything unless you try to start it. Also it sounds like a freezeout plug let go, you can hope its just a hose because thats way easier to repair.

[cpolaris502]

For that price, you might as well see what you can do with it.

[bigpokie]

buy it, scrap everything from the c notch back and all the air ride, rebuild/replace it. should be golden. id buy it. the only thing that does bother me is the whole engine thing

[fox_forma]

Quote: Originally Posted by bigpokie

buy it, scrap everything from the c notch back and all the air ride, rebuild/replace it. should be golden. id buy it. the only thing that does bother me is the whole engine thing

Kind of funny cause the motor is really the least of my worries, if its shot I will most likely do a 350 transplant but if its something pretty minor to fix i will run it the way it is for now. Thanks for all the replies so far guys, this forum is def a place of knowledge and so far good people!

[fox_forma]

Got a little update: I am passing this dime. Drove over with a trailer ready to take on a new project and it just seemed to get worse and worse the longer I was there. The front wouldn't air up at all, the spring pockets were so small I am not sure how the bags even got in them, of course the bags were worn through hense the no lift. Driver side tire was completely down to wire on the inside tread, not sure how it held air. I did get the motor to fire up, fan clutch bearing shot to hell from what it sounded like and what i could see with the nice wobble. Figured ok lets just drive it up on the car carrier, no gears, just neutral. Added to everything else mentioned I backed off. Truck had a NV title so it would be a PITA to level 1 it here in AZ unless I haul it to the DMV, story from the kid changed a little and the truck was sitting for roughly six months so about the only good thing going on with the truck was the cab area. He even offered to take less and that threw up another flag, 2g's down to $1200 and now even less. If anyone else maybe looking for a project I will provide his info but this was more than I am looking for right now.

Thanks again for the info you guys provided.

[IDINIEILIL]

told ya...

[fox_forma]

I didn't doubt it, but if it would of went in gear and made it able to drive up the trailer it would be in my garage right now. With the trans not working it made me question some extra things going on. Either way back to square one, lets see what happens.