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1973-1987 Chevy C10 Suspension Redefined with Ridetech

Chris Hamilton . January 03, 2025 . Features .
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Transforming Our Square Body with Ridetech’s Coilover Kit

The classic squarebody Chevy C10 is a truck with timeless style, but its factory suspension can leave a lot to be desired in handling, comfort, and performance. That’s where Ridetech’s bolt-in coilover suspension kit comes in. It’s a complete system designed to turn a 1973-1987 C10 into a corner-carving, muscle-truck monster. We decided to test it out on our 1987 Chevy C10, and let’s just say the results speak for themselves.

This kit is a one-stop solution with features that enhance handling, ride quality, and stance. The drop spindles improve negative camber gain for better cornering, while the upper and lower StrongArms ensure increased strength, alignment precision, and caster settings for improved steering feel. Add in the HQ Series coilovers with adjustable rebound tuning and a rear bolt-on 4-link, and you’ve got everything needed to take your C10 to the next level. Plus, the bolt-on design means minimal cutting and no welding, just a smooth installation experience.

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Installing the kit on our C10 went off without a hitch. Ridetech’s detailed instructions and bolt-on design made the process straightforward, even for a DIY enthusiast. The components are engineered for precision, and everything fit like it said it would. From the front MuscleBar sway bar to the C-notch rear brackets, it was clear this kit was engineered with DIY in mind.

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The transformation was undeniable. The truck sits lower, with a clean and aggressive stance that screams performance. On the road, the difference was night and day. Body roll was virtually eliminated, steering felt sharper, and the ride was smoother than we ever imagined for a lowered truck. Whether cruising the streets or hitting some twisty backroads, the C10 now feels more like a performance car than a classic truck.

Ready to see how we made it all happen? Follow along with the photos for a step-by-step look at the install, and get inspired to turn your own squarebody into a capable muscle truck. This Ridetech kit is the upgrade your C10 has been waiting for, let’s go!

01. Today’s project is this absolutely beautiful 1987 Chevy C10 that currently has an old-school style drop kit. It rides like a tank and sits way too high. That’s where Ridetech comes in.
02. The complete Ridetech system includes everything needed to dramatically improve the handling, ride quality, and stance of your “square body” pickup.
03. We are going to start with the rear of this truck but before we start unbolting parts. Check out how well Ridetech packs its products!
04. The first step is to remove the bed of our truck. Thankfully we have a forklift to make things easy, but a few helping hands can get the job done.
05. Removing the factory-installed suspension is something anyone can do with some basic tools and elbow grease. Don’t be scared to get a little dirty!
5(a)
5(b)
06. With the OEM parts removed, we can tape the step-notch template in place and mark our cut lines and drill hole locations. This cutout will allow the axle to travel a little further into the frame and help the truck sit lower.
07. Now Roger can use a cutoff wheel to follow the lines and remove this part of the frame. Don’t worry about the strength of the frame. Ridetech has taken that into consideration with the new bracket.
7(a)
08. Now Roger can drill out all the bolt holes before cleaning and prepping the frame for the new parts.
09. The new beefy Ridetech bracket simply bolts into places with the hardware provided and actually makes the frame more stiff and durable than stock.
10. Now the front leaf-spring bracket rivets can be knocked off and the studs can be drilled out. Ridetech has provided a new bracket for this location.
10(a)
11. After cleaning and painting the framerail, Roger can now bolt on the new from link bar bracket with the provided hardware.
11(a)
12. Next step is to bolt on the frame brace, which bolts up the top holes in the Ridetech step notch bracket.
12(a)
13. These new U-bolts hold the coilover mount brackets and the Panhard bar bracket to the axle.
13(a)
14. Bolting up the new link bars is a simple step in the process but makes a very dramatic visual upgrade. These bars are super strong and powerful.
15. This kits looks as good as it performs. It’s well engineered and super easy to install with a little time, tools, and patience.
16. The Panhard bar is next to be installed. The bushings and hardware are top notch and well worth the price.
17. Assembling the coilovers is as easy as it looks. We will adjust them to the perfect height once the truck is sitting on its own weight.
17(a)
18. Now that is a well-engineered setup! It looks great, it’s easy to service, it’s and designed to ride like a modern truck. It’s a shame we will get it dirty, but we can’t wait!
19. The rear is complete, and we can’t express how impressed we are with the design of this kit. It was a super smooth install, it gave us a very clean look, there was no need to remove the rear axle housing, and we didn’t even have to cut off the exhaust pipes.
20. With the bed back on, you can see how clean the suspension looks in the wheelwell. Anyone who sees this setup will for sure have a few questions and comments to throw your way.
In the next issue,  we will tackle the front and reveal what wheels we chose for this project. Then it’s time to take it to the streets! See you next month!

 

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Chris Hamilton

Chris Hamilton is an automotive journalist, editor, and lifelong truck enthusiast with extensive experience covering custom truck builds, fabrication, performance upgrades, aftermarket products, and a ...

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