Suspension Recommendations for 1968 C10

[AU Doc]

I am starting a 1968 C10 build, and I want to get it on the road. I am looking for bolt on suspension recommendations. The ridetech and CPP systems seem to have all the pieces, but I’m having trouble finding any information on quality or how well they perform. Are there others I should consider?



I’m looking for a 4” or 5” drop, and I want to update the ride quality and handling. I don’t anticipate any track days in this truck, so I’m not looking to sacrifice ride quality for handling, but the factory suspension leaves a lot to be desired. There is a lot of room for improvement in handling before it starts to sacrifice ride quality.

[Bad Bowtie]

ridetech has been round a long time, and I see a lot of their stuff installed on builds so they must be doing something right, I haven't totally committed to this yet, but I'm looking hard at QA1 setup for my 71 C10.

1963 - 1972 Chevy C10 Coil-Over Conversion Kits (qa1.net)

I'm still waiting to get the bill on the paint & body work to see how much it eats into the budget. I would probably be able to answer your question better in about another year.

BB

[FORDvsCHEVY]

Don’t have a c10 but a 71 chevelle and I used their stuff all around with their shockwave and RidePro e5 air ride and I can tell you it is high quality stuff all around.

In my research I found them, Hotchkis to be high end but not the most expensive (but yes expensive) I like that ridetech uses Fox shocks.

For a little less I was thinking UMI before I decided Air suspension.

[AU Doc]

I hadn't considered coil overs before. They seem a little unecessary for a vehicle that will see about 99% of its use on the street. Am I missing something? Should I be considering a coil over setup as an option as well?

EDIT:

Now that I think about it, I also have this preconceived notion that a coil over setup may be geared more towards looks than functionality. Would the QA1 system perform well??

[dontlifttoshift]

Coilovers give you lots of options for ride height without changing parts. They give you very direct and predictable control over spring rate should you decide you need/want something different later. There aren't any good reasons to not run coilovers once you get past the cost.

[AU Doc]

Coilovers give you lots of options for ride height without changing parts. They give you very direct and predictable control over spring rate should you decide you need/want something different later. There aren't any good reasons to not run coilovers once you get past the cost.

Any idea how the ridetech and QA1 systems compare from a handling and ride quality standpoint?

[dontlifttoshift]

In order for anyone to answer that accurately they will need to have both installed and then put miles on them. I was purposefully not specific in my reply.

There are so many ways to get where you want to be. Spindles, springs, shocks, and a C notch will get you there. So will a new chassis from any number of manufacturers.

In order, your monetary budget, time budget, capability, and desired outcome should be driving this decision.

[AU Doc]

In order for anyone to answer that accurately they will need to have both installed and then put miles on them. I was purposefully not specific in my reply.

There are so many ways to get where you want to be. Spindles, springs, shocks, and a C notch will get you there. So will a new chassis from any number of manufacturers.

In order, your monetary budget, time budget, capability, and desired outcome should be driving this decision.

This is spot on. I would say my biggest limitation is time. As much as I would love to learn everything there is to know about suspension geometry and configuration, the reality is I just don't have time. So it's difficult for me to compare these various systems beyond how low they make the truck and whether I can adjust the height.

I really want the truck to be fun to drive, but I'm not sure which of these kits is the best way to get there.

[CSG]

My main question is will you ever want to go with an even lower ride height or a racier handling suspension? The Qa1 can have their crossmember added later to allow a lower ride height. The ridetech setup would get the stock crossmember really low to the ground if going lower than what the kit does originally. Both kits will do what you have described well.

[AU Doc]

I guess it's a possibility. Although I've never been one to want to set a truck all the way on the ground if that's what you're getting at.

I have a pretty wide range of "that looks good." And as long as I'm in that range, I would prioritize ride quality and handling (and try to find a good balance between those two).

Another option I've run across is No Limit Engineering. I've heard of them before, but I don't know if their suspension systems are well reviewed or if they are performance oriented vs just for aesthetics.

BTW, I appreciate the feedback! It is a big help.

[CSG]

No Limit is probably the most popular setup for the go-fast C10 crowd. It is a more indepth install though as you will be changing the front crossmember. If you are up for that then the no-limit setup with the trailing arm rear would be a solid choice. The trailing arm rear will not go as low as their fat bar setup but you don't have to weld on your rear housing to install it.

[79 Camaro]

On my 68 C10 I did a 4/6 drop. I think I used bell tech front/rear springs and 2" drop spindles. Bell tech shocks. Aftermarket front sway bar. No rear sway bar. Rear shock relocation brackets to improve the rear shock angle.
My 68 was 99.9% street driven. 20" wheels and tires. Went down the road well. A bit stiff but OK.
I did have to do a c-notch to the frame for more axle clearance.

[KatWade]

Have you tried ridetech? Used them a couple of times

[Aussie]

I have the ridetech streetgrip system on my 72 C10. I am more than happy with it, has good handling with really nice road manners. I also added a Porterbuilt inner frame stiffener, which makes a big difference in chassis flex.