How To Install A Squarebody Coilover Suspension Conversion? Part 2

Chris Hamilton . August 26, 2021 . c10 .

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Rebuilding Our Rear Suspension with QA1

In the last issue, we broke down all the parts it’s going to take to convert this old ’77 Squarebody Chevy into a corner carving, coilover having street truck. Check out the previous issue of slam your square, where we brake down all the parts.

In part 2, we convert the rear of our 1977 Chevy C10 Squarebody from leaf springs to a QA1 bolt-in coilover/torque-arm setup. The high-level process is: remove the bump stops → remove rear leaf spring hangers → mark and cut the C-notch → install the QA1 axle housing/brackets → install the link bars and rear suspension.

We chose QA1 for our Squarebody build for the simple reason that we wanted a painless, DIY installation with no wiring, running air hoses or dealing with leaky systems. Just a solid stance, a smooth ride and some really nice new parts for our truck!

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Both front and rear systems use QA1 shocks, with the choice between our double or single adjustable shocks. All QA1 shocks are 100% dyno tested, serialized and proudly made in QA1’s Lakeville, Minnesota, facility.

The factory frame rail on this truck is cracked completely in half. So, we will remove all of the body panels and install them, along with this new QA1 suspension, onto a cleaned-up replacement frame that’s ready to go.

Over the next few issues, we will rip apart the suspension on this all stock Squarebody and show you just how simple it is to have a corner carving, tire spreading Squarebody. Let’s do it!

QA1 suspension — The suspension comes powdercoated with all necessary hardware for installation. Complement these systems with C10 sway bars from QA1 for an even more impressive ride.

The multiple adjustability options let you tailor the QA1 system to create the performance you desire, so your truck can handle those corners and curves like a sports car.

We are going to start with the rear suspension in this issue. This impressive design is fully bolt in and no special tools are required.

The truck of the day is this 1977 Chevy C10 Squarebody shortbed. This is the perfect truck to bring back to life, and we may even keep the topper. What do you think?

Step-by-Step Rear Coilover Installation Process

Step 1: Remove the Factory Bump Stops

We are replacing the factory frame on this truck as well since it is broken completely in half in the engine bay. How did this even happen?

First thing we needed to do was remove the factory body panels from the old frame rails.

We will be using this bed to but no need to take it off right now.

First thing to remove is the bump stops. An air chisel and grinding wheel are the best common tools for the job.

Step 2: Remove Rear Leaf Spring Hangers

The rear leaf spring hangers are next to go and the rivets are punched out …

The rear leaf spring hangers are next to go and the rivets are punched out, followed by the front leaf spring mounts. These will not be used, so toss them out!

Step 3: Mark and Cut the C-Notch

With the supplied template, Dave traced the C-notch location with a white wax pen. This will give them a guideline for cutting.

The frame is completely striped and ready to start modifying.

The C-notch is the first thing to do. This is easily accomplished with a cut-off wheel. This gives additional clearance for the axle to travel when the truck is lowered on the ground.

Step 4: Prepare the QA1 Axle Housing

QA1 provides this super nice axle housing that is engineered with the necessary suspension mounts already installed.

The brackets are marked, punched and drilled. Definitely much easier with the axle removed from the truck!

This is a great shot of the axle bracket complete. You can see all the available adjustment options in the lower bracket.

Step 5: Install Link Bars and Rear Suspension

Time to add some link bars! All the hardware is included and the finish in this suspension is impressive. Almost makes us not want to drive it. Ha ha, yea right!

What a great side-by-side shot of the rear suspension installed in and out of the truck frame.

Such a unique and well-engineered design. The system is designed to drive hard and confident, and we intend to!

QA1 is quickly becoming an industry icon with the Street Trucks crowd. Great products, cool logs and a company that supports the scene. How cool is that? Stay turned for the next issue as we tackle the front.

Continue with the part 3 of the squarebody coilover conversion. In this part we install the front QA1 coilover and control arm system on a 1977 Chevy squarebody.

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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 ...