Lowering and Lifting a Chevrolet S10 - Highs and Lows

1a. Okay, so here is the meat of the front suspension alteration. Both the lift (left) and the lowering (right) spindles are cast iron, with the spindle spud relocated. It has been moved down to add lift and moved up to provide a drop. This will not affect the ride or spring rate of the suspension, but it will push out the track width just a hair, however that will be corrected with the rim offset.

2a. Here is where the ride will take on new characteristics. The Pro Comp ES 3000 shocks (left) feature a thicker mainshaft and are valved more progressively to make good use of the travel the truck has with all of the lift components in place. McGaughy's lowering shocks (right) are gas-charged units and feature heavy compression valving to provide more control in the short distance they have to work in before the truck smacks the asphalt.(2a & 2b)

3a. Because the S-series trucks have an axle-over-spring setup, there are some major differences in the rear parts. Pro Comp provides an add-a-leaf that, once installed, will re-arc the spring pack, effectively lifting the truck. It also comes with extra-long through bolts to make the installation easier. Lowering the truck is less techy with the blocks. Once installed, they increase the space between the axle tube and the spring pack, which puts the tires closer to the body and the truck closer to the ground.(3a & 3b)

4a. Other differences between the lift and low are seen here. The lift necessitates the use of longer brake lines because the spindle moves the caliper farther away from the mounting point on the frame. On the low side, the rims have a deep hole that might prove too small with some big-lug wrenches, so a set of thin, wheel-lock lugs is used. This is the key and replacement information that comes with the lug set.(4a & 4b)

5a. Rollers for this buildup cover both ends of the spectrum. Pro Comp's Monster Mod 15x8-inch rims are constructed of steel and are available in white, black, or chrome finishes. We went with the chrome finish because it's easy to maintain and still gives us some flash. MB Motoring wheels, a Discount Tire exclusive product line, features the latest in styling but at an affordable price. These 17x8-inch Vintage cast-aluminum wheels have a five-spoke design and tough coating inside and out, so we won't turn our fingers black polishing these suckers.(5a & 5b)

6a. The Pro Comp Radial All Terrain features dual-compound rubber and computer-designed tread pattern to prolong tire life. The company's dual-guard sidewall construction resists sidewall punctures, cuts, and scrapes. The alternating open-lug shoulder aids in increased traction and self-cleaning to keep you from getting stuck in the mud.
Bridgestone's Potenza RE750 features a unidirectional tread pattern that has been engineered to reduce road noise, deliver rapid response, and provide great traction. The tires also have a raised rubber ridge that acts like a bumper to protect wheels from curb damage. (6a & 6b)

7a. On closer inspection, you can see both of these rims have something to offer in their respected markets. The lift rims have center holes that look like the dimple dyeing found in most off-road fabrications to cater to the dirt enthusiast; whereas the lowering rims have that two-tone finish and openness that is big with the street crowd.(7a & 7b)

8a. The lugs also take on a different look depending on the application, but both sets are strong enough for either job. The lift side gets a big, beefy set from Pro Comp, and the lows get a set of Gorilla wheel locks.(8a & 8b)

9a. Moving on to the install. Up front, both spindles bolt up to the stock ball joints. All the necessary provisions, such as the holes for the ABS sensor, are in each one. Make sure to tighten the castle nuts and install the cotter pins before you take out the jack supporting the lower arm. (See sidebar for the prequel). (9a & 9b)