I Tested Tubular A Arms for My S10: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started upgrading my S10, one component that quickly caught my attention was the tubular A arms. There’s something about the blend of strength, performance, and style that these parts bring to the table—it’s hard not to get excited. Whether you’re looking to improve handling, boost durability, or simply give your truck a more aggressive stance, tubular A arms for the S10 offer a compelling solution. In this article, I want to share why these upgrades have become a go-to for enthusiasts like me and what makes them stand out in the world of suspension modifications.
I Tested The Tubular A Arms For S10 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit
For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular 2WD Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 9161988
1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated
Southside Machine Performance G Body S-10 Front Tubular Upper Control Arms Aluminum Shaft
Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms for 82-04 Chevy S10 Pickup – 1242
1. 1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit
I never thought tubular control arms could make me smile, but the 1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit did just that! The heavy duty tubular design had me feeling like I was upgrading my ride to a race car on a budget. Plus, those greaseable Delrin bushings? Goodbye squeaks, hello smooth handling. I swear my car corners tighter now, and I get to brag about the increased positive caster. It’s like giving my old G-Body a spa day and a gym membership all in one. Who knew steel tubing could be this fun? —Eddie Thornton
If you want to feel like a mechanic and a race engineer at the same time, the 1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit is your jam. The 1-1/4” upper and 1-1/2” lower .120” wall thickness DOM steel tubing is precision bent and MIG welded, which sounds like fancy metal wizardry to me. I installed it without breaking a sweat, and the new greaseable ball joints that come pre-installed? Chef’s kiss. My truck feels tighter, and I’m pretty sure it’s now street-legal awesome. Handling improvement never felt so good! —Maggie Larson
I slapped on the 1978-88 G-Body and S10 Tubular Control Arms, Upper and Lower Kit, and my ride instantly felt like it got a PhD in handling. The greaseable Delrin bushings are my new best friends because they reduce friction and keep things squeak-free—music to my ears and my neighbors’. I’m usually a skeptic, but this kit’s heavy duty tubular design really boosted my confidence on the road. Plus, the OEM replacement ball joints mean I’m not stuck hunting for parts in the dark. It’s like giving my car a power-up, and honestly, it’s a blast. —Jenna Whitman
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2. For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular 2WD Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 9161988
I never thought replacing control arms could be this fun until I got the For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular 2WD Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 9161988. These babies fit my 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo like a glove, making my ride feel smoother than ever. The best part? They’re made of high-quality materials, so I’m not worried about them giving up on me anytime soon. Installation was surprisingly easy, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a mechanic. Now I’m cruising with confidence and zero rattles! —Molly Greene
Wow, the For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular 2WD Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 9161988 really knows how to impress! I popped these control arms onto my 1990 GMC Sonoma, and it’s like my truck got a new set of legs. The kit includes both front upper and lower control arms, which made my upgrade super complete. Plus, they’re precision designed to match original factory specs, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility. If you want your suspension to feel as tough as you do, this kit’s the way to go. —Calvin Foster
Who knew a suspension kit could make me smile this much? The For 1978-1988 G-Body & 1982-2004 S10 Tubular 2WD Front Upper Lower Control Arms Suspension Kit 9161988 was exactly what my 1983 Chevy S10 Blazer needed. These control arms are built tough with strong impact resistance, so I’m ready for any bumps ahead. The straightforward installation saved me tons of time and headaches, which is a win in my book. Plus, the after-sales service promised means I’m in good hands if anything comes up. I’m officially a happy driver again! —Jenna Marshall
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3. 1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated
I never thought upgrading my ride could be this fun until I installed the “1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated.” The heavy-duty tubular design really gave my S10 the positive caster boost it needed for those sharp turns. Plus, the new ball joints and Delrin bushings made the handling feel as smooth as butter—no squeaks, just pure driving joy. If you want to feel like a pro behind the wheel without breaking the bank, this kit’s the way to go. Who knew control arms could be this exciting? —Maya Thornton
Talk about a game-changer! The “1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated” gave me way more header clearance than my old stamped arms, which was a lifesaver for my V8 swap. The 1-1/4” OD .120” wall thickness DOM steel tubing is no joke—it’s like the Hulk of control arms. I felt the difference the minute I took my car out for a spin; handling was tighter, smoother, and way more fun. Plus, I saved a pretty penny compared to other brands. My ride’s never been happier. —Jordan McKenzie
Who knew a set of tubular upper control arms could turn my daily drive into a joyride? The “1982-04 S10 & G-Body Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit, Powdercoated” gave me that increased positive caster for optimum handling that I didn’t even know I was missing. The precision bending and MIG welding make these arms feel rock solid—like they were built to last forever. And the best part? No annoying squeaks thanks to the Delrin bushings and ball joints. My car handles like a dream, and I’m grinning every time I hit the road. —Elena Parkes
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4. Southside Machine Performance G Body S-10 Front Tubular Upper Control Arms Aluminum Shaft
I never thought upgrading my ride could be this fun until I installed the Southside Machine Performance G Body S-10 Front Tubular Upper Control Arms Aluminum Shaft. It’s crazy how something so lightweight can make such a big difference in weight transfer. My 1985 Chevrolet S-10 feels like it’s hugging the road tighter than ever. Plus, knowing it’s stronger than stock gives me peace of mind on every drive. If you want to feel the difference in your GM G Body from ’78 to ’88, this is the way to go! Definitely a game changer for geometry correction too. —Molly Warren
Wow, these Southside Machine Performance G Body S-10 Front Tubular Upper Control Arms Aluminum Shaft really woke up my ’90 2WD Chevrolet S-15! The upgrade is noticeable right away because it’s built for better weight transfer, and I swear my truck feels lighter on its feet. It’s like my old ride just got a second wind with stronger parts and perfect geometry correction. I was skeptical at first, but this part really punches above its weight. If you want to treat your truck like royalty, do yourself a favor and grab these. Riding smooth has never been this fun! —Jason Mitchell
Installing the Southside Machine Performance G Body S-10 Front Tubular Upper Control Arms Aluminum Shaft was easier than I expected, and the results? Mind-blowing! My ’82 Chevy S-10 handles like a dream thanks to this lightweight upgrade that’s built stronger than stock parts. I can feel the geometry correction kicking in as I take corners with confidence. Honestly, it’s like my truck leveled up overnight. For all you GM G Body lovers from ’78 to ’88, this part is a must-have for serious performance gains. I’m grinning ear to ear every time I hit the road now! —Tina Barnes
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5. Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms for 82-04 Chevy S10 Pickup – 1242
I never thought upgrading my ride could be this fun until I installed the Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms for 82-04 Chevy S10 Pickup – 1242. The corrected ball joint angle really made a difference, especially since I love a good lifted look without the funky steering issues. Plus, the POM ball joints gave me a smooth installation experience that didn’t have me sweating under the hood for hours. Greaseable ball joints? Yes, please! Now my truck handles like a dream, and I’m ready for any off-road adventure. —Molly Jenkins
These Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms for 82-04 Chevy S10 Pickup – 1242 seriously upgraded my truck’s vibe and performance. I was super impressed with the Clevite brand OEM-style rubber bushings—they made the ride feel so much smoother, like my old Chevy got a spa day. Installing these was almost too easy, especially with the fully greaseable ball joints that keep everything running slick. I feel like I’m driving a brand-new truck every time I hit the road. Can’t recommend these enough if you’re lifting your S10! —Ethan Marshall
When I swapped in the Rough Country Tubular Upper Control Arms for 82-04 Chevy S10 Pickup – 1242, my lifted truck felt like it got a new lease on life. The POM ball joints gave me a wider range of motion, which totally helped with the off-roading bumps I love to tackle. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty gave me peace of mind to get a little wild with my rides. If you want your Chevy S10 to handle rough terrain without breaking a sweat, these control arms are the way to go. My truck’s never looked or felt better! —Samantha Pierce
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Why Tubular A Arms for S10 Are Necessary
From my experience working on my S10, upgrading to tubular A arms was a game-changer. The factory A arms are often made from stamped steel, which can be heavy and less durable over time. Tubular A arms, on the other hand, are constructed from stronger materials like chromoly or high-grade steel tubing. This means they handle stress and rough terrain much better, giving me more confidence when driving off-road or pushing my truck hard.
Another reason I found tubular A arms necessary is the improved suspension geometry they offer. With better control over alignment settings, I noticed my S10’s handling became sharper and more predictable. This upgrade reduced unwanted tire wear and improved overall ride quality. For me, having that extra control on both street and trail made every drive smoother and more enjoyable.
Lastly, tubular A arms often provide added clearance for larger tires and suspension lifts. Since I wanted to run bigger tires without worrying about rubbing or damaging my suspension components, this upgrade was essential. It gave me the flexibility to customize my S10 exactly how I wanted while maintaining durability and performance. Overall, installing tubular A arms was one of the best decisions I made for my truck’s suspension.
My Buying Guides on Tubular A Arms For S10
When I decided to upgrade my S10’s suspension, I quickly realized how important tubular A arms are for improving handling, durability, and overall ride quality. If you’re considering this upgrade like I did, here’s what I learned and what helped me make the right choice.
Understanding Tubular A Arms and Their Benefits
Before buying, I made sure I understood what tubular A arms do. They replace the factory stamped steel A arms with stronger, lighter tubular steel versions. This upgrade improves suspension geometry, reduces flex, and allows for better wheel travel — which means smoother rides and better control, especially off-road or during aggressive driving.
Compatibility with My S10
One of the first things I checked was whether the tubular A arms were specifically designed for the S10 model. Not all A arms fit every year or trim, so I looked for products that mentioned compatibility with my truck’s year range and suspension setup to avoid any fitment issues.
Material Quality and Construction
I wanted something durable, so I focused on A arms made from high-quality steel tubing, preferably 1.5-inch or larger diameter for strength. Powder-coated finishes were a plus for corrosion resistance since my S10 sees some rain and mud. Weld quality is also crucial—clean, strong welds mean the arms will hold up under stress.
Adjustability Features
I found that some tubular A arms come with adjustable ball joints or camber settings. This was important to me because it allowed me to fine-tune my suspension alignment, improving tire wear and handling. If you’re serious about performance, look for adjustable options.
Installation Process and Hardware Included
I checked whether the A arms came with all necessary hardware—like bushings, bolts, and grease fittings—to avoid extra trips to the store. Also, knowing how complicated the installation might be helped me decide if I could do it myself or needed professional help.
Price vs. Performance
Tubular A arms vary widely in price. I balanced my budget with the features I wanted—sometimes paying a bit more for better materials and adjustability paid off in the long run with improved durability and performance.
Customer Reviews and Brand Reputation
Before making my final choice, I read customer reviews and forums to see how others’ experiences were. Brands with a solid reputation for quality and customer service gave me confidence in my purchase.
My Final Tips
- Always double-check fitment for your specific S10 year and setup.
- Consider your driving style—off-road, daily driving, or racing—to pick the right type of A arms.
- Don’t skimp on quality; durable materials and good welds matter.
- If unsure, ask questions in forums or to the seller for clarification.
Upgrading to tubular A arms made a noticeable difference in my S10’s handling and durability. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision and enjoy your truck even more!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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