ZQ8 Suspension swap is it worth the time/ money?

[ducksunlimited100]

I have a chance to buy a 98 sonoma with Zq8 suspension package for $500. I can use a lot of the parts (body panels interior etc, but was wondering if the steering box sway bars springs made a huge difference for anyone. Also, I'm wondering what the ZQ8 trucks had for gear ratios and if were all posi, or just some, or none.

Thanks in advance.

[greenmachine_1]

I have a chance to buy a 98 sonoma with Zq8 suspension package for $500. I can use a lot of the parts (body panels interior etc, but was wondering if the steering box sway bars springs made a huge difference for anyone. Also, I'm wondering what the ZQ8 trucks had for gear ratios and if were all posi, or just some, or none.

Thanks in advance.

The ZQ8 only refers to the suspension. That the 98 would have a rear sway bar, slightly lower springs (I believe they lower it about 1/2" over stock), the hop shock which prevents axle wrap, and possibly a larger front sway bar. I could be wrong about the springs, but something is different in the front to produce a lower stance that creates a stiffer ride over stock. The biggest key to the ZQ8 suspension upgrade though is the rear sway bar (if you're not solely running straight lines) and the hop shock.

As for the rear-end that info will all be in the glove-box, a G80 code means it has a gov loc "posi" and GUx will denote what gear ratio it has. Many websites and people on the site know what the GU codes mean.

Good luck

[rican1]

there was a post here not too long ago about one of the guys swapping the stock steering box for a zq8 and he noticed a difference as far as it being a bit quicker response on the steering.i might be wrong,but then again,i've been wrong before...

[SassyV8]

This might help ya, I think....The suspension package comes standard on the S-10 Xtreme and 1996-1998 S-10 SS models, but was also available as a separate package. The package included a total lowered ride height of approximately 2" over stock (1.5" from suspension, ~0.5" from shorter tire diameter), thicker front sway bar (33mm), rear sway bar (23mm), quicker ratio (12:1) steering box,upgraded Decarbon or Bilstein gas shock absorbers, and a frame brace on extended and standard cab models.

The lowering was achieved using front coils with a different spring rate, and a 3-leaf rear spring pack.

Wheels and tires were also upgraded to 16" x 8" cast aluminum rim with 235/55/16 Goodyear Eagle GA tires. The style of the wheel was determined if the vehicle had the Xtreme package or not. There are 2 versions of "ZQ8" wheels - 1996-2000, known most commonly as "old style", and 2001-2003, most commonly known as "new style".

The suspension package can be retrofit to any 1982-2003 2wd S-Series truck, although some parts require modification.

[ducksunlimited100]

Ok, I guess my real question is if anyone has converted a non ZQ8 s10 with the suspension from a ZQ8 truck. If so did it make a big difference or not? I'm wondering if the end result would be worth the $500 I'd have to spend to buy the parts truck, or if I should stay with stock suspension.

[greenmachine_1]

What are you going to be doing in the truck? Are you planning on drag racing, daily driver, or something different. The ZQ8 will give you a stiffer ride on the street and a more sporty ride compared to stock.

[Jeffyboy]

I had a '98 ZQ8 truck. If you're building a street truck, definitely swap the components over.

[bigjohn78]

I had 02 ZQ8 truck and the ride was very stiff. Did not car for it. Main reason i got rid of the truck