1988-1998 OBS CHEVROLET/GMC C1500: QA1 ULTIMATE SUSPENSION UPGRADE GUIDE
Are you looking to transform your 1988-1998 OBS Chevrolet C1500 or GMC K1500 truck’s suspension and enjoy the handling and ride quality of modern vehicles? Look no further than QA1's top-of-the-line suspension kits. Whether you're an everyday driver seeking a smooth and stylish ride or a performance enthusiast craving superior handling and track-ready performance, QA1 has the perfect solution for you. In this guide, we'll break down the differences between the QA1 Level 2 and Level 3 Suspension Kits, helping you identify which kit suits your needs and driving style.
QA1 Level 2 Suspension Kit: The Perfect Choice for the Mild Street Cruiser
Who is the QA1 Level 2 Kit For?
The QA1 Level 2 Suspension Kit is tailored for truck enthusiasts and daily drivers who want to enhance their OBS truck's ride quality and appearance without sacrificing comfort. This kit is ideal for those who enjoy cruising the streets with a smooth, controlled ride and appreciate the ability to adjust their truck's stance for a more personalized look. If you're someone who values a balance of comfort and performance for everyday driving, the Level 2 kit is your best bet.
As OBS trucks have risen in value as collector’s vehicles, there’s increased desire from owners of these trucks to avoid unnecessary cutting and drilling of the chassis. The Level 2 Suspension Kit is ideal for anyone who wants to keep the factory front spring pockets and shock mounts intact, as the control arms are a true bolt-in installation.
The rear of this system features a torque arm with a panhard bar for locating the suspension side to side. QA1 has a engineered the torque arm crossmember in a way that allows the fuel tank to be kept in the factory location, and to be installed without removing the bed, further simplifying the process. The rear system is only compatible with GM 10-bolt rearends, but can and has been modified with custom brackets by DIY fabricators to accommodate other rear differentials.
Key Features:
- Dial in a lowered stance: Achieve up to a 4-inch drop in the front (with drop spindles) and a 4- to 7-inch drop in the rear, allowing you to customize your truck's stance to your preference.
- Adjustable ride comfort: Fine-tune your ride quality with adjustable shocks that cater to both a softer, more comfortable ride and a firmer, performance-oriented feel.
- Built-In Negative Camber: Aggressive negative camber angles the tire inward during suspension travel, which helps with tire clearance in the fender.
- Improved Suspension Geometry: Enjoy enhanced handling and ride characteristics, making your classic truck feel like a modern vehicle.
- Easy, Bolt-In Installation: No extensive modifications needed, ensuring a hassle-free setup.
- Made in the USA: Proudly designed and manufactured in Lakeville, Minnesota, ensuring top-notch quality and craftsmanship.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty: Register your shocks at QA1.net/Warranty for peace of mind.
QA1 Level 3 Suspension Kit: The No-Compromise Upgrade for Performance Enthusiasts
Who is the QA1 Level 3 Kit For?
If you demand the best in handling, ride quality, overall vehicle performance, and aesthetics, the QA1 Level 3 Suspension Kit is for you. This kit is designed for performance truck enthusiasts and drivers who take their Chevy or GMC OBS truck to the track or enjoy spirited driving on the streets. With up to 6 inches of ride height adjustment in the front, and 7 inches in the rear, you can lower your OBS for an aggressive, show-stopping look, while vastly improving weight transfer and handling at the same time.
The Level 3 system requires minor modification of the frame, but the juice is worth the squeeze, as it allows you to extend the shock mount higher up along the framerail to gain 2 more inches of drop versus the Level 2 system. The improved position of the upper control arm provides full shock travel with an ultra-low stance, and improved anti-dive encountered while braking, and conversely weight transfer when accelerating. Wide tires are commonplace on customized OBS trucks, and the negative front camber built into the control arms aids creates additional clearance in the fenders as the suspension articulates. The Level 3 upper control arms also sport have spherical rod ends, which offer more articulation and ease of alignment.
The Level 3 system features double adjustable QA1 coil-over shocks at all four corners, giving you complete, indecent control of compression and rebound, for dialing in your performance, whether on twisty backroads or time track-day outings.
Like the Level 2 kit, the Level 3 system features a torque arm with a panhard bar, thoughtfully engineered in a way that allows the crossmember to be easily installed with the bed on the frame, and without any need to relocate the fuel tank. The Level 3 system is likewise only compatible with GM 10-bolt rearends, without further DIY modification.
This system introduces a rear sway bar to the OBS to increase handling and traction while cornering, while the front sway bar offers a more lightweight, stiffer alternative to the factory bar. The sway bars also feature spherical rod end links, which reduces bind so they cycle more efficiently.
With advanced suspension geometry and double adjustable shocks, the Level 3 kit allows you to fine-tune your truck's performance to perfection, providing a competitive edge on and off the track.
Key Features:
- Significant drop amounts for a slammed look: Achieve up to a 6-inch drop in the front (with drop spindles) and a 4- to 7-inch drop in the rear, giving you the perfect stance and optimal performance.
- Performance Shock Valving: Obtain the ideal balance of comfort and control with shocks that allow for precise tuning of ride quality and performance.
- Negative Camber: Aggressive negative camber angles the tire inward during suspension travel, which helps with tire clearance in the fender.
- Modern Suspension Geometry: Experience a smoother, more controlled ride with enhanced stability, steering response, and overall drivability.
- Easy, Bolt-In Installation: Thoughtful product design ensures a straightforward installation process.
- Made in the USA: Crafted with pride in Lakeville, Minnesota, guaranteeing superior quality.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty: Register your shocks at QA1.net/Warranty for long-term coverage.
Conclusion
Choosing between the QA1 Level 2 and Level 3 Suspension Kits depends on your driving style and performance needs, as well as your preference on modifying the stock chassis. If you're looking for a comfortable, stylish ride for daily cruising, with bolt-in installation, the Level 2 kit is perfect for you. On the other hand, if you crave superior handling and track-ready performance with no compromises, the Level 3 kit will take your truck's capabilities to the next level.
Both kits offer adjustable ride height, improved suspension geometry, and easy installation, making them exceptional upgrades for your OBS Chevrolet or GMC C1500 truck. Proudly made in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, QA1's suspension kits deliver unmatched quality and performance. Dial in the perfect stance and enjoy the ultimate driving experience with QA1.