Anyone installed an S10 rear coilover conversion kit? Need some guidance!

Performance & Modifications
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Looking to upgrade my Chevrolet S10 with a rear coilover conversion kit, but I’m a bit lost on where to start. I’ve read some theories online, but I’d love to hear from anyone who has actually gone through the process. Here are a few questions I have:

Conversion Kits Options

  • What brands do you recommend for S10 rear coilover kits? Are there any that are more reliable or provide better performance?
  • Are there specific features that I should look for in a coilover conversion kit?

Installation Tips

  • For those who have done this conversion, how difficult was the installation? Did you do it yourself or have a shop handle it?
  • Any particular tools or equipment you found essential for the install?

Performance Impact

  • How has the coilover conversion changed the ride and handling of your S10? I’m aiming for better performance on both the street and the occasional off-road trip.
  • Did you pair the coils with any other upgrades, like new shocks or sway bars?

Cost Considerations

  • What’s the typical cost range for a good quality S10 rear coilover kit, and are there any hidden costs I should be aware of during installation?

I appreciate any insight or experiences you can share! Looking forward to some great advice from the community.

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I’ve installed the S10 rear coilover conversion kit before. The first step is to gather all your tools: jack stands, wrenches, a socket set, and a torque wrench. It’s also good to have a friend to help you out!

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Great tip, Michael! Adding to that, make sure you have some penetrating oil; it can help loosen any rusted bolts during removal.

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Exactly! Also, when lifting your truck, ensure it’s on a flat surface and use jack stands to avoid any accidents. Safety first!

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Once you’re ready, you’ll want to remove the old springs and shocks. Be careful when disconnecting the brake lines too. You don’t want to twist them!

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Exactly, Jennifer! Make sure to keep track of all the hardware, it can be easy to misplace them!

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A tip I learned the hard way: don’t rush the alignment afterwards. Taking the time for a proper alignment will save you from uneven tire wear later on.

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Also, once you install the coilovers, adjust the ride height gradually. You don’t want to set it too low at first and compromise your suspension handling. Test it out gradually!

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Lifting is key too! Ensure you’re lifting slowly and double-check all connections before you lower it back down. Safety checks can save mistakes!

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Good point, BW! It also helps to have some music going to ease the tension while working!

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What has been the biggest challenge for anyone who installed the kit? I’d love to hear some experiences!

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For me, it was definitely the adjustment phase. Finding the perfect balance took a few trial runs!

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I found it challenging to fit the coilovers in without damaging the paint. A little tape on the surrounding areas helped me avoid any scratches.

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That’s clever, C! I wish I had thought of that. I ended up with a few scratches myself!

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Don’t forget to take before-and-after pictures! It’s a fun way to see your progress, plus it helps in case you need to reference back.

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That’s a fun idea! Maybe I can start a thread for everyone’s results afterward?

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Hey! I’ve installed the S10 rear coilover conversion kit, and it’s a game changer! The handling is so much better, plus the ride quality is noticeably improved. Highly recommend it!

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What specific coilovers did you choose? I’m considering the Belltech kit myself.

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I went with the QA1 coilovers, and they have adjustable settings for height and dampening. You can really tweak them for your style. Made a world of difference in performance!

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That sounds really cool! How do they compare to the stock suspension?