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The Chevy S-10 pickup was very successful in its 24-year run, and several aftermarket parts are available for them. Swapping the coil springs on these trucks can be done to lower the vehicle or raise it, depending on the look youre going for. This job should take about an hour depending on your experience level.
Step 1
Lift up the front of the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands. Be sure the vehicle is solidly on the stands before you crawl underneath it.
Step 2
Remove the front wheels using the tire iron. Place them to the side so theyre out of the work area.
Step 3
Unbolt the bottom of the shock from the lower control arm using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Step 4
Unbolt the top of the shock using the open-end wrench and the pliers. Hold the top of the shock with the pliers so it keeps it steady, then turn the shock using the wrench.
Step 5
Pull the shock out of the bottom of the control arm. It will slide through an access hole in the middle of the lower control arm.
Step 6
Place the jack underneath the lower control arm. Pump up the jack until theres pressure on the control arm, but not enough to lift up the entire vehicle.
Step 7
Locate the cotter pin that secures the upper control arm to the spindle. Flatten the cotter pin using the needle-nose pliers and pull it out using the cotter pin puller.
Step 8
Unbolt the upper control arm from the spindle using the 3/8-inch ratchet. The upper control arm can then be lifted up and pulled out of the way.
Step 9
Slowly lower the jack down. The coil will be as decompressed as possible and can be removed using a pry bar.
Step 10
Insert the replacement spring into the spring pocket. This may take some leverage with the pry bar, depending on if its a lowering spring or a lift spring.
Reassemble the front suspension in the reverse order of disassembly. Use a new cotter pin on the upper control arm castle nut.
Items you will need
- 1/2-inch ratchet and socket set
- 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
- Cotter pin puller
- Needle-nose pliers
- Open-end wrench set
- 24-inch pry bar
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Cotter pins
- Tire iron
