If you drive a classic truck, you already know the truth: the looks are timeless, but the ride and handling usually are not. This guide walks you through the main suspension upgrades for your classic truck (C10, F100 and others), what each part does, and how to choose the right kit for your build.
At Performance Online (POL), we focus on bolt-on steering, brake and suspension systems designed primarily for classic cars and trucks. This page is meant to be a simple starting point or guidence, not a technical manual.
Why Upgrade Your Classic Truck Suspension?
Most classic trucks were never designed for modern highway speeds, bigger wheels, or performance driving. Common issues include:
- Choppy freeway driving and bouncy-unstable ride over bumps
- Excessive body roll in corners
- Wandering or vague steering feel
- Uneven tire wear
- Long stopping distances when combined with old brakes
- Over and under steer
A properly matched suspension system fixes most of these issues at the same time. The goal is simple: better handling, better comfort, and a stance that matches your vision for the truck.
Key Suspension Components to Understand
You do not need to be an rocket scientist to to figure out what is right for you. You just need to look at what you really are going to use the truck for. These are the main parts you’ll see in most classic truck suspension kits:
Springs (Coil or Leaf)
Springs support the weight of the truck and set the ride height. Lowering springs reduce the height and often firm up the ride. But this is where you benefit from POL as our springs are designed to maintain factory GVW (within the limits of normal travel clearances) Leaf springs are the standard equipment in the rear of many classic trucks.
Shocks
Shocks control motion. Worn shocks let the truck move up and down too easily and when not controlled the trucks suspension can gain momentum and bounce severely along with floating and feeling loose. Good shocks dampen the suspension movement properly keeping the tires on the ground and improving both comfort, control and performance.
Tubular Control Arms
Tubular Control arms help set geometry (camber, caster) and affect how the truck turns and tracks on the road or at the track. Upgraded arms can improve alignment settings and handling, especially on lowered trucks. At POL we offer both standard coil spring arms and coil over specific tubular control arms.
Sway Bars
Sway bars (anti-roll bars) reduce body roll, understeer and oversteer while cornering. Adding or upgrading sway bars can make a big difference in how the truck feels in a turn.
Coilovers (When Included)
Coilovers combine a spring and shock into one adjustable unit. They are typically used for more performance-oriented or fully adjustable setups. These kits allow ride height adjustability and lower your unsprung weight which in turn improves performance.
Good / Better / Best Upgrade Paths
To keep things simple, we have grouped suspension options into three levels. The right level depends on how you use the truck and what you want it to feel and perform like.
GOOD: Freshen & Improve Ride
Ideal for: stock or near-stock trucks used for cruising and light hauling.
- New springs matched to your truck available in stock height up to 4" drop in the front and rears available in in stock height up to 6" drop for coil springs and up to 4" drop for leaf springs
- Upgraded gas shocks
- Optional front and rear sway bar.
Example POL kits to feature here:
- 1963-72 Chevy, GMC C10 Truck Coil Spring and Shock Kit, Front and Rear
- 1957-64 Ford F-100 Truck Suspension Kit, Stage 1 Multi Leaf Springs, Drop
BETTER: Improved Stance & Handling
Ideal for: trucks that are driven regularly and want a lower stance with better cornering.
- Lowering springs (front and/or rear)
- Matched performance shocks
- Upgraded front sway bar, optional rear sway bar
- Alignment set for modern driving
Example POL kits to feature:
BEST: Full Performance System
Ideal for: pro-touring builds, spirited driving, and trucks that need the best possible handling and stance.
- Complete front and rear suspension system
- Coilovers or matched performance dampers
- Improved geometry via upgraded control arms and related parts
- Front and rear sway bars as needed
Example POL kits to feature:
How to Choose the Right Suspension Level
To keep the decision simple, ask these three questions:
- How will the truck be used? (cruising, daily use, long trips, spirited driving, track days)
- How important is ride comfort vs handling?
- How low do you really want to go? (mild drop, aggressive, or close to stock height)
In general:
- Choose GOOD if you mainly want safety and comfort with a classic look.
- Choose BETTER if you want a noticeable stance change and sharper handling without going extreme.
- Choose BEST if you are building a serious performance truck and are willing to invest more time and budget.
Recommended POL Suspension Kits by Platform
Whether you're restoring a classic truck, improving ride quality, or building a full pro touring setup, Performance Online offers suspension kits designed for a wide range of applications. From stock-height refresh packages to complete lowering and handling systems, our kits are engineered to help improve comfort, control, and overall performance. Popular platforms like Chevy C10s and Ford F100s have multiple kit options available depending on your build goals, driving style, and desired stance. We also carry suspension solutions for many other classic trucks, muscle cars, and custom builds.
C10 Trucks (1963–1972 example)
- POL C10 Stage 1 Suspension Refresh Kit – for stock-height or mild upgrade builds.
- POL C10 Stage 2 Lowering & Handling Kit – for lowered street trucks.
- POL C10 Pro Touring Coilover System – for aggressive performance and stance.
F100 Trucks (example range)
- POL F100 Stock-Height Ride Improvement Kit
- POL F100 Street Performance Suspension Package
- POL F100 Complete Performance Chassis Package
Other Classic Trucks & Cars
If your platform is not listed here, we likely still have a solution. Use the main navigation or search on our website to find suspension kits by year, make, and model.
Installation: Can You Do It Yourself?
Many customers install our suspension kits at home with jack stands, basic hand tools, and careful planning. However, some upgrades require experience with alignment, cutting, or welding.
If you are not comfortable doing the work, we recommend taking the truck and your POL kit to a trusted alignment or suspension shop. In many cases, shops already familiar with classic vehicles will be able to install our kits without issue.
Next Steps
1. Decide whether you are a GOOD, BETTER, or BEST build.
2. Choose the matching POL suspension kit for your platform.
3. Plan your installation and alignment.
4. Enjoy a classic truck that finally rides and handles the way it should.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my shocks when I lower my truck?
Yes. Stock shocks are usually too short or not valved correctly for a lowered setup. Using shocks designed for the new ride height is important for both ride quality and safety.
Will a suspension kit change my ride height?
It depends on the kit. Some kits are designed for stock height, while others provide a specified drop (for example, a 2"/4" drop). Check the product description for details before ordering.
Can I keep my original wheels?
In many cases, yes. However, very aggressive drops or specific components may require changes to wheel size or backspacing. If you are unsure, contact us with your current wheel specs before buying.
Do I need an alignment after installing a suspension kit?
Yes. Any time suspension components are changed, we strongly recommend a professional alignment. This protects your tires and ensures the truck tracks straight.
What if I am not sure which kit fits my use?
If you are unsure, reach out to our team with your truck year, how you use it, and how you want it to sit. We can point you toward the most suitable POL kit for your build.