1988-1998 Chevy C1500 2WD

For anyone who grew up seeing these trucks rolling down the streets in the late 80s and 90s, the Chevy OBS is more than just a pickup. These trucks defined the street truck era, symbolizing possibilities, weekend adventures, and building something uniquely your own. The 1988-1998 C1500 has a look that sparks nostalgia, but beneath its classic lines, the suspension wasn’t designed for modern performance. Belltech transforms a classic truck to meet today’s performance expectations.

Belltech has helped shape the OBS scene since the late eighties, enabling enthusiasts to lower and enhance their trucks for both looks and performance. After their 40th anniversary, Belltech set out to engineer a complete coilover and 4-link conversion specifically for the truck that helped put them on the map. This is not just an upgrade; it’s a transformation that blends classic style with modern driving confidence.

Building a truck like this isn’t just about the process; it’s about passion. It’s about taking a classic vehicle and turning it into something that performs as impressively as it inspires—letting you craft a truck that looks authentic to the era but drives like a modern performance machine. Whether you are cruising through town, heading to a weekend meet, or pushing the limits on the open road.

Front Suspension

The front of the truck sets the tone for everything that follows. Belltech starts with a 3-inch drop spindle, lowering the ride while keeping the factory track width intact. This ensures proper geometry for stability and predictable handling.

Forged-aluminum upper and lower control arms take over from there. Strong and engineered for precise geometry, allowing for on-vehicle alignment adjustments. The balance of strength and control keeps the front end planted and responsive, not just lowered.

Height-adjustable coilovers offer a 1.5–3-inch adjustment range, paired with linear springs tuned for a balance of performance and comfort. Galvanized 60mm bodies with progressive foam bump stops smooth the ride at the extremes of suspension travel. A 1⅜-inch front sway bar completes the setup, limiting body roll without compromising comfort. The front suspension is well-tuned and deliberate, delivering confidence in every turn and a smooth ride on any road.

Rear Suspension

The rear suspension continues the transformation with a 4-7” lowering range, supported by a modern 4-link system. Adjustable links allow specific anti-squat tuning from 80–120% and pinion angle adjustments for optimal driveline alignment, traction, and weight transfer. The use of rebuildable, greaseable rod ends ensures smooth articulation and long-term durability, while low-friction bushings maintain ride quality without adding excessive compliance.

Rear coilovers mirror the front, with galvanized shock bodies for corrosion resistance, linear springs, aluminum perches, and spherical upper mounts. A fully adjustable 3/4-inch rear sway bar adds stability under all conditions. Even with heavy cargo or high-performance driving, the rear suspension keeps the truck composed and responsive.

The rear system doesn’t just improve handling; it elevates the driving experience. On the street or the track, the C1500 feels planted, agile, and ready for performance. Every component works together to deliver confidence.

Performance -Focused Driving

This isn’t just about lowering the truck; it’s about creating a vehicle that performs. From the street to the track. Every turn, launch, and corner feels controlled. The suspension delivers sharp handling, improved traction, and a balanced ride, whether you’re enjoying a day at the track, rolling along open roads, or cruising through town.

The Dream Truck

Building an OBS C1500 is about more than performance—it’s about nostalgia. From first climbing into the cab to memories of weekend drives, this truck represents more than just transportation; it’s a canvas for your vision. Belltech’s coilover and 4-link system lets enthusiasts bring that vision to life with a truck that feels inspired and alive.

From the forged-aluminum control arms and reinforced steel brackets to the adjustable coilovers and rear 4-link system, every component of the Belltech setup is engineered for a connected, engaging driving experience.

Driven by the Future

The Belltech coilover and 4-link conversion bridges eras, keeping the iconic OBS styling while giving this truck a modern ride, handling, and confidence. Every component works together for a precise, confident drive. With Belltech, the Chevy OBS is more than a classic; its legacy modernized.

Key Features

• Complete front and rear coilover + 4-link conversion system
• Front lowering range: 3–6 inches; rear lowering range: 4–7 inches
• Fully bolt-on design
• Spindle maintains factory track width and proper geometry for predictable handling and is compatible with 18-inch wheels and larger
• Forged-aluminum upper and lower control arms for strength
• Reinforced steel upper control arm brackets for anti-dive and improved roll-center geometry
• Front coilovers: 1.5–3 inch adjustable ride height range, 60mm galvanized body, aluminum spring perches, linear sport-tuned springs
• Progressive microcell foam bump stops for both front and rear suspension
• Low-friction, triple-wall vulcanized rubber bushings throughout to reduce noise and vibration
• Front sway bar: 1⅜-inch manufactured from cold-formed steel, Grade 8 hardware, powder-coated finish
• Super C-notch allows for increased travel and frame rigidity

• • 5/16-inch hard-anodized aluminum arch support

• Adjustable rear 4-link: allowing anti-squat adjustments in increments from 80–120%, pinion angle adjustable for driveline alignment
• Rebuildable, greaseable rod ends on rear 4-link for long-term durability and smooth articulation
• Rear coilovers: 60mm galvanized body, linear springs, aluminum spring perches, foam bump stops, spherical upper mounts
• Rear sway bar: 3/4-inch solid adjustable with three positions, sealed endlinks, forged aluminum axle clamps
• Designed for street, track, or daily driving while improving stance, traction, and handling

To learn more: https://www.belltech.com/obs-coilover-conversion-kit/