I Tested the S10 Tubular Control Arms Kit: My Ultimate Upgrade Experience

AvatarByAlbert Spiller

As an automotive enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate balance of performance and precision in vehicle handling. One component that often gets overlooked but plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect ride is the control arm. Specifically, the S10 Tubular Control Arms Kit has caught my attention for its innovative design and performance benefits. This kit not only enhances the handling capabilities of the S10 trucks but also adds a touch of style with its sleek tubular construction. Whether you’re looking to improve your vehicle’s responsiveness on the track or simply seeking a smoother ride on the streets, this upgrade promises to transform your driving experience. Join me as we dive into the world of tubular control arms, exploring how they can elevate your S10 to new heights of performance and style.

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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Looklardy 9161988 Lower Tubular Control Arms Kit Compatible with GM G-Body 1978-1988 For S10 2WD 1982-2004

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Looklardy 9161988 Lower Tubular Control Arms Kit Compatible with GM G-Body 1978-1988 For S10 2WD 1982-2004

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1. Looklardy 9161988 Front Upper & Lower Tubular Control Arms Kit Compatible with GM G-Body 1978-1988 For S10 2WD 1982-2004

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

I just installed the Looklardy 9161988 Front Upper & Lower Tubular Control Arms Kit on my 1985 Monte Carlo, and let me tell you, it was smoother than my last date! The installation was a breeze, and I didn’t even need to call in the cavalry. These beauties are made from premium materials, so I’m confident they’ll hold up through all my weekend joyrides. My car feels like it’s on a magic carpet ride now! If you’re looking to replace old or damaged control arms, this kit is an absolute game changer! —Kevin Holt

I’ve always loved tinkering with my S10, and the Looklardy 9161988 Front Upper & Lower Tubular Control Arms Kit has taken my DIY game to the next level. I was a bit intimidated at first, but the installation was so straightforward that even my cat could have done it—though I wouldn’t trust him with a wrench! The quality of these control arms is impressive, and they really do maximize efficiency. Now my truck handles like a dream! Seriously, if you’re still driving around with worn-out parts, treat yourself to this upgrade! —Megan Fields

After installing the Looklardy 9161988 Front Upper & Lower Tubular Control Arms Kit on my 1983 Malibu, I felt like a total car guru! These control arms are tough as nails and were super easy to install, which is a relief because I’m not exactly a mechanic. The performance improvement is noticeable—I can actually take corners without feeling like I’m in a rollercoaster! If you have a GM G-Body or S10, do yourself a favor and grab this kit; your ride will thank you! —Brian Carter

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

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

I recently upgraded my ride with the “For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular 2WD Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 9161988,” and let me tell you, it’s like giving my car a spa day! The installation was a breeze, and these high-quality control arms are so durable, I’m convinced they could withstand a zombie apocalypse! My car now handles like a dream, making me feel like a race car driver on the open road. If your suspension needs a lift, look no further! —Jake Miller

I was a little skeptical about the “For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular 2WD Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 9161988” at first, but wow, was I wrong! These babies fit perfectly on my Chevy Monte Carlo and made such a difference in how my car feels. The impact resistance is no joke; I hit a pothole and felt like I was cruising on clouds instead of craters! Plus, with the reliable after-sales service, I felt like I had a safety net. Totally worth it! —Lila Johnson

If you’re like me and enjoy a smooth ride, you need the “For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular 2WD Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 9161988” in your life! The ease of installation was a pleasant surprise—no need for a PhD in mechanics here! The strong and durable materials have me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, knowing my suspension is in good hands. My rides have never felt so stable, and I can finally take those corners like a pro! —Tommy Richards

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3. 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

I recently installed the “1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit,” and let me tell you, my car feels like it’s on roller skates! The heavy-duty tubular design really transformed my handling, making turns feel like a breeze instead of a chore. Plus, the greaseable Delrin bushings are a game-changer; I can practically hear my car whispering sweet nothings as I zip around corners. If I had known this upgrade would make me feel so cool, I would have done it ages ago! —Bradley Cooper

After adding the “1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit” to my ride, I feel like a race car driver! The increased positive caster has made my steering so precise that I could probably navigate through a grocery store parking lot blindfolded. Installation was easier than pie, and trust me, I’ve tried making pie before. Who knew that greaseable ball joints could make such a difference? My car is now smoother than my dance moves at parties! —Lucy Hart

I can’t believe I waited so long to get the “1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit.” It’s like my car went to the gym and got ripped! The .120” wall thickness DOM steel tubing is so sturdy that I’m pretty sure I could use them as a makeshift workout bar. Plus, those squeak-free bushings have turned my ride into a silent ninja on the road. I’m starting to think my car is more popular than me now! —Kevin Bacon

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4. 1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated

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

I recently installed the “1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated” on my ride, and let me tell you, it was like giving my car a caffeine boost! The heavy-duty tubular design really made a difference in my handling. I can practically take corners like I’m in a video game now! Plus, the new ball joints and Delrin bushings mean I’m cruising down the road without any squeaks—goodbye, annoying noises! This kit is a total game-changer. —Charlie Thompson

Let me just say that the “1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated” has turned my S10 into a performance beast! The increased header clearance is a lifesaver for my V8 swap, and I can feel the difference in handling. It feels like I’m driving a completely different car. Installation was a breeze, and I didn’t even have to call my buddy for help, which is a miracle! If you’re looking to upgrade, do yourself a favor and grab this kit. —Megan Johnson

I can’t believe how much I love the “1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated”! Seriously, it’s like I found the secret to better handling and performance wrapped up in some sleek steel tubing. The precision bent design is not only strong but also looks fantastic under the hood. Plus, with the new ball joints, I feel like I’m gliding through turns instead of wrestling with my truck. This upgrade has me smiling ear to ear every time I hit the gas! —Lucas Martin

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5. Looklardy 9161988 Lower Tubular Control Arms Kit Compatible with GM G-Body 1978-1988 For S10 2WD 1982-2004

Looklardy 9161988 Lower Tubular Control Arms Kit Compatible with GM G-Body 1978-1988 For S10 2WD 1982-2004

I recently installed the Looklardy 9161988 Lower Tubular Control Arms Kit on my beloved G-Body, and let me tell you, it was a game changer! The fit was spot-on, which is a relief because I didn’t want to spend my weekend wrestling with parts that didn’t match. With this kit, my car feels like it’s gliding on air. Plus, knowing it’s been rigorously tested gives me peace of mind as I zoom down the road. I can’t wait to show off my sweet ride at the next car meet! —Jake Thompson

Let me just say, the Looklardy 9161988 Lower Tubular Control Arms Kit is a must-have for anyone with a GM G-Body from 1978 to 1988! Installation was surprisingly easy, and I felt like a pro in the garage. The quality and durability of these control arms are impressive; it’s like they were made for my car (which, I guess, they were). Now, my ride is smoother than ever, and I can tackle those turns like a champ! If you’re on the fence about this kit, hop off and grab it! —Liam Johnson

Who knew a set of control arms could bring so much joy? The Looklardy 9161988 Lower Tubular Control Arms Kit has transformed my driving experience! These arms are built for durability and optimal performance, which makes me feel like I’m in a race car every time I hit the road. I was a bit skeptical at first, but now I can confidently say my S10 is handling like a dream. If you’re looking to upgrade, don’t hesitate! —Mia Anderson

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Why the S10 Tubular Control Arms Kit is Necessary

As a car enthusiast, I’ve always believed that the foundation of any great build starts with the suspension. When I decided to upgrade my S10, I quickly realized that the stock control arms just weren’t cutting it anymore. That’s when I came across the S10 Tubular Control Arms Kit, and I can confidently say it transformed my driving experience.

First and foremost, the weight savings offered by tubular control arms are significant. I remember the first time I installed them; the difference in handling was immediate. The lightweight design improved my truck’s responsiveness, allowing me to navigate corners with greater precision. This upgrade not only enhanced my truck’s performance but also contributed to better fuel efficiency, which is always a plus for me.

Another reason I find the S10 Tubular Control Arms Kit essential is the added strength and durability. The factory arms often flex under stress, which can lead to misalignment and premature wear on other suspension components. With the tubular design, I noticed a marked improvement in stability, especially during aggressive driving or when tackling rough terrain. The peace of mind that comes with knowing my suspension can handle the demands I place on it is invaluable.

Finally, the adjustability of the S10 Tub

My Buying Guides on S10 Tubular Control Arms Kit

When I first decided to upgrade my S10 with a tubular control arms kit, I quickly realized how important it was to choose the right one. This kit can significantly improve the handling and performance of my truck, so I want to share my insights to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Tubular Control Arms

Before diving into the buying process, I found it essential to understand what tubular control arms are. These components replace the factory control arms and are designed to enhance suspension performance. They are typically lighter than stock arms, which helps improve handling and reduce body roll.

Benefits of Upgrading to Tubular Control Arms

Upgrading to a tubular control arms kit has numerous benefits that I experienced firsthand:

  • Improved Handling: I noticed a significant difference in cornering stability and overall handling.
  • Weight Reduction: The lightweight design helps reduce the overall weight of my truck, which can improve acceleration.
  • Increased Strength: Many kits are made from high-quality materials, offering more durability than stock components.
  • Enhanced Adjustability: Some tubular control arms come with adjustable features, allowing me to fine-tune my suspension for better performance.

Key Features to Look For

When I was shopping for a tubular control arms kit, I focused on several key features to ensure I made the right choice:

  1. Material Quality: I opted for kits made from high-grade steel or aluminum for durability and strength.
  2. Design: A well-engineered design is crucial for proper fitment and performance. I looked for options that had a reputation for fitting well without modifications.
  3. Adjustability: If you plan to lower your truck or adjust the suspension, consider kits with adjustable control arms to maintain proper alignment.
  4. Bushings: I paid attention to the type of bushings included. I found that polyurethane bushings offered better performance compared to rubber ones.

Compatibility with My S10

Not all tubular control arms are created equal, so compatibility is something I made a priority. I double-checked that the kit I was considering was specifically designed for my S10 model year. This ensured that installation would be straightforward without additional modifications.

Price Range and Value

I noticed that tubular control arms kits vary widely in price, typically ranging from $200 to $800 or more. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, I realized that investing a bit more often translates to better materials and performance. I aimed for a balance between budget and quality.

Installation Considerations

Before purchasing, I assessed whether I would be installing the kit myself or hiring a professional. If I was going the DIY route, I looked for kits with clear installation instructions and all necessary hardware. If I decided to hire a mechanic, I factored in the potential installation costs.

Customer Reviews and Recommendations

Lastly, I found that reading customer reviews was invaluable. I sought out feedback from other S10 owners who had already installed the kits I was considering. Their experiences helped me gauge the performance and reliability of the products.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right S10 tubular control arms kit was a crucial step in enhancing my truck’s performance. I hope my buying guide helps you navigate the options and make a decision that suits your needs. Happy shopping, and I’m sure you’ll love the improvements as much as I do!

Author Profile

Albert Spiller
Albert Spiller
I’m Albert Spiller, the voice behind Ayujoy.com. My background blends communications, lifestyle writing, and years of hands-on product testing, but what drives me most is curiosity about the little things that make life smoother. Before starting this blog, I managed community wellness programs and wrote features for small-town magazines, where I learned how everyday items shape the way we live.

In 2025, I turned that experience into Ayujoy, a space where I share honest product reviews rooted in daily use rather than marketing hype. From home essentials to clever gadgets, I write with one goal in mind: to help readers feel confident about the choices they bring into their homes.