Video: How to install QA1 C10 suspension on 1963-1987 Trucks

C10 truck QA1 performs Install with | QA1 photo

QA1 has posted a three-part YouTube video that details the installation of their new C10 suspension upgrades for 1963-1987 trucks.

Hosted by QA1’s mechanics Bill Foley and Damien Brase, the video shows in fine detail the installation of their upper and lower control arms, front and rear coilovers, and front and rear sway bars to a stock ’66 C10 owned by Seth Rosa.

In part one of the video, Bill and Damien begin by stripping down the truck’s stock front suspension, showing all the pitfalls and difficulties of the deconstruction, and offer tips on how to easily accomplish the task and what tools to use. 

They next install the QA1 upper control arm mounts and the QA1 upper and lower control arms, which it is pointed out feature low friction, and easy to replace ball joints.

The two mechanics then install the coilovers, disc brake assembly and finally the front sway bar.

Part two of the video focuses on the rear of Seth’s C10. Once again, the boys start by demoing the stock setup. Out go the mounts, springs and live rear axle. Next, they make various modifications to the chassis to accept the QA1 retrofit parts.

Installation of the new parts is shown to be simple and straightforward. Tips on the QA1’s adjustable pinion angle system show how the system eliminates the need for shims to achieve the ride height you want.

The axle goes back in, the trailing arms are mounted up, and the panhard bar is installed.

Finally, Bill and Damien install the rear coilovers and sway bar. On go the tires, and the car is lowered, showing off a new low-ride height to the rear of the truck.

The third and final video shows how the QA1 suspension is adjusted. 

Since this needs to be performed while the suspension is under load, the truck is first put up on a set of Race Ramps. 

Next, the ride height is adjusted, starting with the rear where it is verified that both driver and passenger sides are set to the same height. Damien then works on the truck’s front end, where he dials out a small amount of negative camber and sets the toe to the correct angle.

Moving back to the rear, Bill and Damien adjust the pinion angle and wheelbase, and then install and adjust the driveshaft, which had been removed when the rear axle was taken out. The final steps involve adjusting the rear sway bar and setting the front and rear shocks. Detailed explanations are offered for each step.

With that, the QA1 suspension install on the C10 is complete. Fast, clean and easy!

About the author

Rob Finkelman

Rob combined his two great passions of writing and cars; and began authoring columns for several Formula 1 racing websites and Street Muscle Magazine. He is an avid automotive enthusiast with a burgeoning collection of classic and muscle cars.
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