S10 Swap how to

[joedoh]

the 1994 S10 is a one year only s10 that still uses a round column (like the older style) and no airbag steering wheel.

I would have my doubts if the turn signal wiring would be the exact same between 1994 and 1996 but using a 1994 s10 column would still be the way I would approach it. same with the wiper wiring, but not a lot of chance of integrating that to the AD anyway. Keep in mind that the hazard and brake functions depend a lot on the wiring of the turn signal switch and column and brake switch wiring. if you plan to keep cruise, the cruise system changed in 1995, different PPM and a different cruise switch protocol too.

also, keep in mind that passlock II (the key security used in 98+ trucks) does not have a chip in the key either, just regular steel keys, cut at any hardware store. the "chip" is in the column and relies on the key being turned correctly and bumping the chip signal switch at the right position of the key turn. your 96 doesnt have that, but I wanted to say that for the future readers with a 98 column that say "well I just have a regular steel key too".

on the gauges, the battery warning light is part of the charging circuit, if you take out the old gauges you may need to jump a wire to get the alternator to charge. this is the same all the way through 2003, I usually keep the entire original cluster installed in the dash for my 1998+ swaps because if the PCM doesnt "see" the cluster it sets a check engine code.

[skymangs]

Originally Posted by joedoh

the 1994 S10 is a one year only s10 that still uses a round column (like the older style) and no airbag steering wheel.

I would have my doubts if the turn signal wiring would be the exact same between 1994 and 1996 but using a 1994 s10 column would still be the way I would approach it. same with the wiper wiring, but not a lot of chance of integrating that to the AD anyway. Keep in mind that the hazard and brake functions depend a lot on the wiring of the turn signal switch and column and brake switch wiring. if you plan to keep cruise, the cruise system changed in 1995, different PPM and a different cruise switch protocol too.

also, keep in mind that passlock II (the key security used in 98+ trucks) does not have a chip in the key either, just regular steel keys, cut at any hardware store. the "chip" is in the column and relies on the key being turned correctly and bumping the chip signal switch at the right position of the key turn. your 96 doesnt have that, but I wanted to say that for the future readers with a 98 column that say "well I just have a regular steel key too".

on the gauges, the battery warning light is part of the charging circuit, if you take out the old gauges you may need to jump a wire to get the alternator to charge. this is the same all the way through 2003, I usually keep the entire original cluster installed in the dash for my 1998+ swaps because if the PCM doesnt "see" the cluster it sets a check engine code.

that being said, even the pre 94 column is ugly. I do aftermarket columns all the time. If you must have cruise, a $20 eBay with wired in works fine.

[Father&son56project]

Great info again! Hopefully my wiring won’t be too hard to figure out as my donour S10 is very basic, and I strongly prefer this. I will not have cruise or any power options like windows, locks, seats, etc. The AC compressor is missing from my donour truck but that’s fine as the summer temps here where I live will only break 90 degrees a couple of times per season, and probably average more like 80. As well, its a rural area so there is no “bumper to bumper” traffic. The big issue here is parts. Our wrecking yards are there to make money, so they don’t tend to hang on to older vehicles. Because of how fast cars rust out here, finding early 90’s S10’s for parts is tough. The wrecking yards don’t like keeping stuff that old as nobody is driving them here anymore. An aftermarket column will be my solution to that problem (and they look more original), but the info on the passlock system was good to know. By sheer stupid luck, the property I live on came with a late 90’s Blazer that had been used as a field truck by the previous owners, so I have spare parts coming out my ears. This will be a major bonus, as the price of parts in Canada is horrendous. Typically its double whatever you pay in the States.

I am looking for a site to post a thread on my Fargo build, and if I find one I like I will post a link. I will however be asking more questions here, as there is no better place to get quick and accurate information on S10 swaps anywhere. As always, thanks for the great tech tips and the words of encouragement!

Stephan

[skymangs]

Originally Posted by Father&son56project

Great info again! Hopefully my wiring won’t be too hard to figure out as my donour S10 is very basic, and I strongly prefer this. I will not have cruise or any power options like windows, locks, seats, etc. The AC compressor is missing from my donour truck but that’s fine as the summer temps here where I live will only break 90 degrees a couple of times per season, and probably average more like 80. As well, its a rural area so there is no “bumper to bumper” traffic. The big issue here is parts. Our wrecking yards are there to make money, so they don’t tend to hang on to older vehicles. Because of how fast cars rust out here, finding early 90’s S10’s for parts is tough. The wrecking yards don’t like keeping stuff that old as nobody is driving them here anymore. An aftermarket column will be my solution to that problem (and they look more original), but the info on the passlock system was good to know. By sheer stupid luck, the property I live on came with a late 90’s Blazer that had been used as a field truck by the previous owners, so I have spare parts coming out my ears. This will be a major bonus, as the price of parts in Canada is horrendous. Typically its double whatever you pay in the States.

I am looking for a site to post a thread on my Fargo build, and if I find one I like I will post a link. I will however be asking more questions here, as there is no better place to get quick and accurate information on S10 swaps anywhere. As always, thanks for the great tech tips and the words of encouragement!

Stephan

You can start your thread right here on the Projects and Builds forum. I’m looking forward to seeing this come together!

[skymangs]

There have been a bunch of beating me up about selling cab brackets! Well my version 1, 2, and 3 cab brackets as well as my running board brackets are for sale on my website, have been for the better part of a month. Here’s a link http://www.olesargecustoms.com/products.html