Chevy C10 Pickup Gets A Menacing Stance Thanks to the Hoonigans
New wheels, chassis work and an elaborate suspension system improve the look and ride of this classic C10.
Ken Block’s “Hoonigans” have multiple YouTube channels that showcase all sorts of wild rides, but the Hoonigan Project Cars channel recently discussed the relatively simple Chevy C10 shown here. This truck is owned by Hoonigan host Zac Mertens, who has big plans for the classic pickup in the not-so-distant future, but the first major upgrade involves a substantial lowering project that is far more than just shorter springs.
Mertens plans to add big power in the future, so in lowering the C10, he wanted to do everything right, so that it would sit lower while also maintaining ride quality and being able to handle gobs of power. The video above walks us through the painstaking process of slamming this classic Chevy to the ground.
The Introduction
The video begins with Mertens giving us a quick run-down of this classic C10, including some simple upgrades to the stock engine. The team added a Holley EFI kit, Hooker headers and MSD spark plug wires in an effort to improve drivability and output. Also, the previous owner had lowered the truck a bit with springs and drop shackles, but with the goal of the old school Chevy sitting even lower and being able to handle monster power, the Mertens and the Hoonigans plan to revamp the entire suspension system.
After explaining what he already been done to this Chevy C10, we get a quick look at what is planned in terms of suspension and chassis upgrades. The majority of the suspension components come in the form of a Beltech kit that includes springs, shocks and spindles up front with an axle flip kit, a C-notch kit, shocks and leaf springs in the rear. When installed, this kit will drop the front end of the truck by five inches while the rear end drops by seven inches. The suspension upgrade also includes front and rear sway bars that will help this classic handle the corners like a modern truck.
Finally, with the rear end ripped apart, the team will install a Currie 9-inch rear differential that is outfitted with Wilwood four-piston brake calipers.
Rear End Build
The project starts out back, with the bed of the classic Chevy truck being removed to allow easy access to the rear suspension. Since the entire suspension and differential are being replaced, the team essentially strips the area under the bed down to the bare frame, allowing them to cut the C-notches to make room for the new suspension to move.
While the frame was being cut and modified, the Currie rear differential was fitted with the Wilwood brakes and once the C-notch components were in place, the new rear end was bolted into place.
With the new rear end, the new springs, shocks and rear sway bar were installed, leaving the differential loose for proper tightening with all four wheels on the ground and the suspension loaded.
Front End Build
Once the rear end work was all-but-tightened up, the team turned to the front end, removing the old shocks, springs and spindles. After installing new ball joints and tie rod ends, the drop spindles, springs and shocks were installed and this step of the project was nearly complete.
The final steps includes bolting up the 20-inch Detroit Steel wheels wrapped in low profile rubber and tightening down all of the chassis and suspension fasteners with the wheels on the truck and the tires on the ground.
Crank up your speakers and enjoy!