4-links that bolt onto the diff housing

I notice that s10's seem to have the bolt on craze that uses the bolt pattern on the diff housing to hold a bracket that connects the wishbone part of a link set up. What makes s10's able to do that and can other mini's handle that kind of a bracket even if custom made?

others can, and do have that kind of setup, ive seen it for sure on tacomas before, and on rangers.

But it may have to do with the fact that the S-10 housing is cast iron....stronger than the import ones.....maybee?

Yea,right,you can do that on every truck if you wont.................

s-10's are cast iron, but there is just a diff. cover on the back, so the bracket bolts on, most imports have a bolt in diff., so the whole diff. bolts on from the front.
http://www.streetsource.com/uploads/Ownerprofiles/Chopped%20Mazda/213200612924PM23691.jpg
http://www.streetsource.com/uploads/Ownerprofiles/tenagator/342006100647PM70411.jpg

so does this mean you need to use 2 gaskets aka kite string

^um no you bolt it on the outside


but yea most older imports and even some new ones have the diff bolts on the front and not on the back

yea lucky bastars and ur miniture 9 in ford rearend.

Most people get a differential cover bracket on S-10s because the differential on S-10s are made of cast iron and most welders won't weld cast iron without special welding rod/wire made for cast iron. Therefore, most people just get the bracket for the link setup since it's easier. Most import minis have regular steel differentials which can be welded to with any general welder without special rods/wire.

thanks for all your replies, I never knew s=10's had the iron diffs. that explains alot about all of the numerous bolt on set ups for s-10's Originally posted by vinnysmini



Most people get a differential cover bracket on S-10s because the differential on S-10s are made of cast iron and most welders won't weld cast iron without special welding rod/wire made for cast iron. Therefore, most people just get the bracket for the link setup since it's easier. Most import minis have regular steel differentials which can be welded to with any general welder without special rods/wire.

actually almost all diffs out there have a cast pumpkin, or atleast part of it(imports). it isnt just S10s, rangers have them too, and many others. s10 just more popular thats why bolt ons are everywhere