Upgrading the Front Suspension PART 2

In the previous issue of Street Trucks, we installed the rear suspension by Ridetech’s new coilover kit on our 1987 Chevy C10, giving the rear a corner-carving suspension with an aggressive stance. But to really take this truck’s performance and handling to the next level, the front suspension needed the same treatment.

Enter Ridetech’s precision-engineered components for the front—a package designed to pair seamlessly with the rear upgrades while delivering unmatched strength, adjustability, and performance.

This issue, we’re working on installing Ridetech’s drop spindles, StrongArms, and HQ Series coilovers up front. These parts aren’t just about lowering the truck; they’re all about improving geometry, alignment, and overall handling. With bolt-on simplicity and top-tier engineering, the front suspension install promises to be just as smooth and rewarding as the rear.

We also throw on a new set of wheels and tires that dramatically change the look of the truck. Moving into 2025, we will be adding more modern to this classic pickup, and driving it between upgrades is a must!

Front Suspension Overhaul At-a-Glance

• What we installed: Ridetech StrongArms (upper/lower), HQ Series coilovers, drop spindles, and a Ridetech Muscle sway bar on our 1987 Chevy C10.
• Goal: Improve front-end geometry, alignment range, ride quality, and cornering stability not just lower the truck.
• Expected drop: Up to ~2 inches from the drop spindles, plus additional ride-height tuning via coilovers (final height depends on adjustment).
• Difficulty: Moderate (requires cutting the spring pocket using Ridetech’s template).
• Alignment required: Yes plan a professional alignment immediately after install and final ride-height adjustment.

Step-by-Step Installation of Ridetech Front Suspension Kit on a 1987 Chevy C10

Step 1: Disassemble the Original Front Suspension

If you remember from the previous issue, the truck we are working on this time is a very clean 1987 Chevy C10. The truck was previously lowered with springs and blocks, and rode as well as you could expect.

The Ridetech front suspension includes new front upper and lower strongarms that allow us to use coilovers. The kit includes upper coilover mounts, forged upper cross shafts with caster slugs, lower cross shafts and Delrin bushings. We also ordered Ridetech drop spindles for an additional 2-inch drop.

Step 2: Remove the Upper Control Arm Bracket

After we disassembled the original front suspension parts including brakes, spindles, springs, sway bar, and control arms, we needed to remove the upper control arm bracket. A pneumatic chisel is the best tool for this job!

Step 3: Cut the Upper Spring Mount

With the bracket removed, we can now cut a hole into the top of the upper spring mount. The Ridetech kit comes with a template so you cut the hole proper size. We decided to use a plasma cutter to make the job go faster and a grinder to smooth out the edges.

Step 4: Apply Frame Paint and Install the New Bracket

A Quick coat of frame paint and it’s time to bolt the new Ridetech bracket to the top of the spring mount.

Now we can bolt the new upper control arm to the newly installed bracket.

Step 5: Install New Control Arms

Next up is the upper bumpstop install, which came with the kit. Shop Ridetech StrongArm Front Upper for C10.

That’s followed by bolting in the lower control arm using the supplied hardware.

Step 6: Assemble and Install HQ Series Coilovers

The new coilovers come disassembled from Ridetech, although it’s super easy to assemble them. We will set the final ride height once the truck is sitting on its own weight.

Now the coilover can be slid into place and bolted onto the new upper mounting bracket we just installed.

Step 7: Install Drop Spindles

The spindle simply bolts to the upper and lower control arms as well as the steering linkage. Very nice engineering on this kit. Shop Ridetech Drop Spindles for 1973-1987 C10.

Step 8: Final Steps

After reinstalling the brakes we already had on the truck, we can move on to mounting the new Ridetech Muscle sway bar. The kit came with this bracket that bolts to the factory location.

And there we have it! The front suspension is complete, the sway bar is on, and now it’s time to put our new wheels on!

We chose these beautiful 20-inch wheels that are stagger fit specifically designed for the squarebody. And the stance is perfect after adjusting the coilovers a bit.

These parts aren’t just about lowering the truck; they’re all about improving geometry, alignment, and overall handling.

This truck rides AMAZING now and looks even better. This it was a blast to install and we think anyone can handle the project on their own.

SOURCE

Ridetech
812-482-2932
www.ridetech.com

PHOTOS BY DAVID SHANKIN

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much drop do Ridetech drop spindles provide on a C10?

Ridetech drop spindles provide approximately 2 inches of drop on their own. Additional ride height reduction is possible through coilover adjustment, making the total drop adjustable and dependent on your final coilover setting.

Do I need to cut my frame to install the Ridetech front kit?

Yes. The installation requires cutting a hole in the upper spring mount to accommodate the new upper coilover mounting bracket. Ridetech includes a cutting template in the kit to ensure the hole is the correct size and location. A plasma cutter or hole saw can be used for this step.

Can I reuse my factory brakes with Ridetech drop spindles?

Yes. In our installation on a 1987 C10, we reinstalled the factory brakes on the new Ridetech drop spindles without modification. However, brake line length should be verified before reinstallation.

Do I need an alignment after installing the Ridetech front suspension kit?

Yes, a professional alignment is required immediately after installation and again after final ride height adjustment. The caster slug system included with the kit allows for alignment adjustment, but a proper alignment rack is necessary to set accurate caster, camber, and toe specifications.

What is the difference between Ridetech StrongArms and factory C10 control arms?

Ridetech StrongArms are purpose-engineered tubular steel control arms designed to accept coilover shocks, which the factory arms do not support. They also improve suspension geometry compared to the original stamped-steel arms, allowing for better camber and caster adjustment ranges through the included cross shaft and caster slug system.