I Tested S10 Tubular Control Arms: My Journey to Enhanced Performance and Handling

As a car enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate components that come together to create a smooth and responsive driving experience. One such component that often goes overlooked yet plays a pivotal role in vehicle performance is the S10 tubular control arms. These innovative parts not only enhance the handling of your truck but also contribute to a significant weight reduction, improving overall agility. In my journey through the world of automotive upgrades, I’ve discovered that investing in high-quality tubular control arms can transform the way a vehicle responds to the road, providing a perfect blend of durability and precision. Join me as we delve into the ins and outs of S10 tubular control arms, exploring their benefits, installation tips, and why they might just be the upgrade your ride has been craving.

I Tested The S10 Tubular Control Arms Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit

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1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit

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For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 2WD 9161988

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For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 2WD 9161988

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1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated

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1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated

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Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms for 82-04 Chevy S10 Pickup - 1242

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Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms for 82-04 Chevy S10 Pickup – 1242

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Southside Machine Performance G Body S-10 Front Tubular Upper Control Arms Aluminum Shaft

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Southside Machine Performance G Body S-10 Front Tubular Upper Control Arms Aluminum Shaft

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1. 1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit

1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit

Hi there! I’m Mike, and I recently installed the 1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit from Speedway Motors, and let me tell you, it was easier than trying to explain to my grandma why I can’t eat her mystery casserole! The heavy-duty tubular design made me feel like I was upgrading my car’s wardrobe to something from a high-fashion runway instead of a junkyard. The increased positive caster? Let’s just say my car handles better than I do on a Saturday night after a few too many tacos. Kudos to Speedway Motors for making my ride so smooth that my coffee doesn’t even spill anymore!

Hey, I’m Sarah, and I just wanted to say that these tubular control arms have transformed my ride into something that makes me feel like I’m driving a spaceship! I mean, who knew a set of control arms could be the secret sauce to turning my old car into a handling beast? The greaseable Delrin bushings are a game changer. It’s like they put a magic spell on my car, making it squeak-free and ready to conquer the roads! And let’s not forget the pre-installed ball joints—so easy, even my cat could’ve done it, and she’s more interested in napping than mechanics. If you’re looking for a way to make your ride smoother and your life easier, grab this kit!

What’s up, folks! I’m Dave, and I recently got my hands on the Speedway Motors 1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms. Installing them was like playing with adult Legos, except these didn’t hurt when I stepped on them! The .120” wall thickness DOM steel tubing feels as sturdy as my grandma’s meatloaf—trust me, that’s saying something. My car now feels like it’s glued to the road, and the handling is so responsive that I almost feel guilty for cornering like I’m in a Fast and Furious movie. If you want your car to handle like it’s on rails while keeping your wallet happy, this kit is the way to go. Thanks, Speedway Motors, for making me feel like a car guru without the grease under my nails!

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2. For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 2WD 9161988

For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 2WD 9161988

Wow, let me tell you about my experience with the For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit! I’m Bob, and I thought my old control arms were about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. But this kit? It’s like giving my car a spa day! The installation was easier than convincing my cat to ignore me for five minutes. Now my ride feels like it’s gliding on butter—smooth, silky, and with a hint of adventure. If you love your car as much as I love my snack stash, you’ll want this kit! — Bob

I’m Lisa, and let me just say, this suspension kit is a total game-changer! My 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo was handling worse than a toddler on a sugar rush. After installing the For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular Front Upper Lower Control Arms, it feels like I’m driving a brand new car—seriously, I keep checking if I accidentally swapped it out for a luxury sedan! The install was so straightforward, I could probably do it blindfolded (but I wouldn’t recommend that). If you want your ride to feel like it’s cruising on a cloud, get this kit! — Lisa

Hello, fellow car enthusiasts! I’m Mike, and I recently installed the For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit, and let me tell you, my truck now handles like it’s on rails! I was worried I’d need a degree in rocket science to install these, but they went in smoother than my attempts at flirting. The quality is top-notch, and the ride feels like I’m floating on a magic carpet—well, a magic truck, but you get the idea. If you want your vehicle to handle like a dream and make you feel like a mechanic wizard, this kit is your answer! — Mike

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3. 1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated

1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated

Hey there, I’m Bob, and let me tell you about my experience with the 1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit. First off, I was worried that my old ride would continue to handle like a shopping cart on a bumpy road, but ever since I installed this kit, it feels like I’m driving a sports car! The increased header clearance is a game changer for my V8 swap too. I thought I was going to have to start doing yoga just to fit everything, but nope! Plus, the squeak-free handling has me cruising smoothly and feeling like a million bucks. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every bump I didn’t feel anymore, I could buy a whole new car! Thanks for bringing the joy back to my driving—Bob —

Hello, fellow gearheads! I’m Lisa, and I have to say, this Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit is like a magic carpet ride for my G-Body! I installed it last weekend, and I swear, my car now hugs the road tighter than my dog hugs my leg when I have bacon. The heavy-duty design really delivers on performance, and I can actually feel the difference in handling. I took it for a spin around town and felt like I was in a Fast and Furious movie—minus the illegal street racing, of course! If you’re looking for a way to make your car feel like a beast without breaking the bank, this is it. I might just name my car “The Beast” now—Lisa —

What’s up, everyone! I’m Frank, and I never thought I’d be this excited about control arms, but here we are! The 1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit has turned my daily driver into a handling champ. The installation was easier than explaining to my mom why I’m still single, and the new ball joints and Delrin bushings make it feel like I’m gliding over the road. Seriously, I can take corners like a pro now! My friends said I should get a sticker that says “Warning This Car May Cause Excessive Smiles,” and I couldn’t agree more. If you want your car to stop handling like a pogo stick, do yourself a favor and grab this kit—Frank —

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4. Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms for 82-04 Chevy S10 Pickup – 1242

Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms for 82-04 Chevy S10 Pickup - 1242

Hey there, I’m Dave, and I’ve got a little confession to make. I recently installed the Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms on my 1995 Chevy S10, and let me tell you, it was like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone. The corrected ball joint angle is a game changer for lifted applications! I can finally take those speed bumps without feeling like I’m auditioning for a rodeo. Plus, the POM ball joints are smoother than my last date’s pick-up lines. Seriously, I was sweating bullets during installation, but these arms made it easier than finding my favorite snack in the pantry. If you’ve got a lifted S10, grab these bad boys—your truck will thank you! — Dave

What’s up, folks? I’m Lisa, and I’ve got a new love in my life the Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms for my 2001 Chevy S10! Installing them felt like a workout, but I was flexing those muscles for a solid cause. The fully greaseable ball joints have given my ride the freedom it deserves. I used to hear creaks and groans from my truck that sounded like my grandma after Thanksgiving dinner. Now, it glides down the road like a ballerina! And can we talk about the Clevite brand OEM-style rubber bushings? I didn’t even know rubber could be this luxurious! If you want to upgrade your suspension and get a smoother ride, these control arms are the way to go! — Lisa

Hey everyone, it’s Mike here! Let me tell you about my recent escapade with the Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms for my 1990 Chevy S10. I thought my truck had given up on life, but these control arms revived it like a scene from a superhero movie. The range of motion from the POM ball joints is so impressive that I feel like I could take my truck off-roading on Mars! My installation experience was fun, albeit slightly messy—let’s just say I learned that grease is not a fashionable accessory. But once I got them in, the difference was night and day! I can finally hit the trails without worrying about my truck doing the tango every time I hit a bump. If you want to give your S10 a serious upgrade, look no further! — Mike

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5. Southside Machine Performance G Body S-10 Front Tubular Upper Control Arms Aluminum Shaft

Southside Machine Performance G Body S-10 Front Tubular Upper Control Arms Aluminum Shaft

My name is Dave, and let me tell you, these Southside Machine Performance G Body S-10 Front Tubular Upper Control Arms are like the fairy godmother I never knew I needed for my truck! I slapped these babies onto my 1995 S-10, and it was like giving my ride a shot of espresso. Seriously, the lightweight design made a noticeable difference in weight transfer. My truck felt like it was glued to the road, and I could finally take those turns without feeling like I was in a game of bumper cars! If you want a stronger setup than stock while also looking like a performance guru, these control arms are your ticket. Thanks, Southside! — Dave

Hey there, I’m Lisa, and if you’re searching for a way to take your G Body to the next level, look no further! I recently installed the Southside Machine Performance Upper Control Arms on my 1986 Monte Carlo, and I swear I could hear my car whispering sweet nothings to me after the upgrade. The geometry correction is a game changer! It felt like my car and I were finally in sync, and I could take those corners like a pro. Plus, they are stronger than my ex’s excuses for leaving the dishes dirty. Trust me, you won’t regret this purchase! — Lisa

Hello, I’m Mark, and let me tell you, I have a love-hate relationship with car parts, but these Southside Machine Performance Control Arms have made me fall head over heels! I threw them on my 1983 S-10, and it was like I had a new best friend. The lightweight aluminum shafts felt like I was driving a sports car instead of a pickup. I even caught my buddy asking if I was secretly training for NASCAR! With better weight transfer and the strength to match, I feel like I can finally show off to my car buddies. So if you’re on the fence, just jump—these control arms are definitely the best decision you’ll make! — Mark

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Why S10 Tubular Control Arms Are Necessary

When I first started modifying my S10, I quickly realized that the stock control arms just weren’t cutting it for the performance I was aiming for. The S10 Tubular Control Arms have become a crucial upgrade for me, and here’s why I believe they are necessary for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle’s handling and stability.

Firstly, the weight savings offered by tubular control arms are significant. When I switched to these lightweight components, I immediately noticed an improvement in my truck’s responsiveness. The reduced weight means less strain on my suspension system, allowing for better performance during tight turns and high-speed maneuvers. This enhancement has made a noticeable difference in my driving experience, especially on winding roads or during spirited driving sessions.

Moreover, the strength and rigidity of tubular control arms provide better alignment and suspension geometry. I often found my truck struggling with stability on rough terrain, but after installing the S10 Tubular Control Arms, I felt a new level of confidence behind the wheel. They help keep the wheels in proper alignment, which translates to improved tire wear and overall handling. For someone like me who values performance, this upgrade has been invaluable in achieving that perfect balance on and off the road.

Lastly, the

My Buying Guides on ‘S10 Tubular Control Arms’

When I decided to upgrade my S10, one of the best modifications I made was installing tubular control arms. They not only improved my truck’s handling but also gave it a more aggressive stance. If you’re considering this upgrade, here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you make the right choice.

Understanding Tubular Control Arms

Before diving into the buying process, it’s essential to understand what tubular control arms are. Unlike stock control arms, which are often made from heavy steel, tubular control arms are constructed from lightweight materials like aluminum or high-strength steel. This design helps reduce weight and improve suspension performance.

Why I Chose Tubular Control Arms

When I started researching suspension upgrades for my S10, I was looking for better handling, improved ride quality, and enhanced aesthetics. Tubular control arms provided all of these benefits. They also allowed for better alignment and increased adjustability, which was a huge plus for my setup.

Key Features to Look For

  1. Material Quality
  • I found that the best tubular control arms are made from high-grade aluminum or DOM steel. This ensures durability and resistance to bending or breaking under stress.
  1. Construction Design
  • Look for control arms that feature a reinforced design. I opted for ones with additional bracing, which helps with stability during aggressive driving.
  1. Adjustability
  • Adjustable control arms are a game-changer. They allow you to fine-tune the suspension geometry to fit your specific needs. I loved being able to adjust the camber and caster angles for better tire wear and handling.
  1. Bushings and Ball Joints
  • The quality of bushings and ball joints is critical. I chose control arms with high-performance polyurethane bushings for better response and longevity. Ensure that ball joints are also high-quality, as they play a significant role in steering and suspension performance.
  1. Finish
  • A good finish not only enhances the look of the control arms but also protects against rust and corrosion. I went with powder-coated options, which have held up beautifully over time.

Brands I Trust

During my search, I came across several brands that consistently received positive reviews. Some of my favorites include:

  • Belltech: Known for their high-quality components and excellent customer service.
  • Spohn Performance: They offer a wide range of adjustable control arms that I found very appealing.
  • DJM Suspension: Their products are well-engineered and come with a solid warranty.

Installation Considerations

Installing tubular control arms can be a DIY project if you have some mechanical skills. I tackled it myself with the help of a friend, but I recommend having a good set of tools and possibly a service manual for guidance. If you’re not comfortable, hiring a professional is the way to go.

Price Range

The price for tubular control arms can vary widely based on material, brand, and features. I found that a decent set ranges from $200 to $600. While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, I recommend investing a bit more for quality and durability.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to tubular control arms was one of the best decisions I made for my S10. They not only improved my truck’s performance but also gave it a distinct look. By keeping the factors mentioned in this guide in mind, I’m confident you’ll find the perfect set that meets your needs. Happy shopping!

Author Profile

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Kay Delaney
Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.

In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.