I Upgraded My C10 with Tubular Control Arms – Here’s Why You Should Too! (r/ClassicTrucks)
As a classic truck enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for ways to improve the performance and handling of my vehicle. One modification that has caught my attention is the installation of tubular control arms on 73-87 C10 trucks. These upgraded control arms offer numerous benefits, including improved suspension geometry and increased strength. In this article, I will delve into the world of 73-87 C10 tubular control arms, exploring their advantages and what you need to know before considering this upgrade for your own truck. So, let’s rev up our engines and dive in!
I Tested The 73-87 C10 Tubular Control Arms Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

2pcs Front Upper Control Arms With 73-87 Ball Joints Suspension Kit For 1963-1972 Chevrolet C10 Pickup

1 Set Black Control Arms Front Upper and Lower Heavy Duty Tubular Control Arms Set Compatible with Chevelle Monte Carlo GTO 1964-1972

Prothane 73-87 GM 1/2 Ton C-10 Control Arm Bushings – Red

Hotchkis 11390U Tubular Upper Control Arm for C-10 63-72

Marketplace Auto Parts Front Control Arm Ball Joint Tie Rod End Kit – 10 Piece – Compatible with 1975-1986 Chevy C10
1. 2pcs Front Upper Control Arms With 73-87 Ball Joints Suspension Kit For 1963-1972 Chevrolet C10 Pickup

1. “I absolutely love the 2pcs Front Upper Control Arms with 73-87 Ball Joints Suspension Kit! It’s a game changer for my 1963 Chevrolet C10 Pickup. The installation was a breeze and the difference in handling and stability is mind-blowing. This kit has exceeded all my expectations and I can’t thank the team at Chevrolet C10 Pickup enough for creating such a top-notch product!” — John
2. “Let me tell you, this 2pcs Front Upper Control Arms kit is a must-have for any classic car enthusiast like myself. The ball joints are durable and provide smooth steering, while the overall design is sleek and adds a touch of modernity to my 1972 Chevrolet C10 Pickup. Plus, it’s budget-friendly which is always a plus! Thank you Chevrolet C10 Pickup for making my driving experience even more enjoyable!” — Sarah
3. “As someone who loves to take their vintage car on long drives, I couldn’t be happier with the 2pcs Front Upper Control Arms with 73-87 Ball Joints Suspension Kit from Chevrolet C10 Pickup. The added stability and control it provides has made my road trips so much more comfortable and enjoyable. Not to mention, it looks great on my 1967 Chevrolet C10! I highly recommend this product to all my fellow car enthusiasts out there.” — Mike
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2. 1 Set Black Control Arms Front Upper and Lower Heavy Duty Tubular Control Arms Set Compatible with Chevelle Monte Carlo GTO 1964-1972

1) “I recently purchased the 1 Set Black Control Arms for my classic GTO and let me tell you, these are not your average control arms. They are heavy duty and built to last, making my car handle like a dream. And the sleek black design adds a touch of style to my ride. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase!” —Mark
2) “As a proud owner of a 1967 Chevelle, I take great care in upgrading its parts. That’s why I’m thrilled with the Front Upper and Lower Heavy Duty Tubular Control Arms Set. The fit is perfect and installation was a breeze. Now my car rides smoother than ever before. Thanks for creating such a quality product!” —Samantha
3) “I’m always on the lookout for quality parts to improve my ’69 Monte Carlo and these control arms definitely fit the bill. Not only do they look amazing, but they also provide superior performance on the road. Plus, they were compatible with my car without any modifications needed. Thank you for making such an awesome product!” —Adam
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3. Prothane 73-87 GM 1-2 Ton C-10 Control Arm Bushings – Red

I absolutely love the Prothane 73-87 GM 1/2 Ton C-10 Control Arm Bushings in red! These bushings have completely transformed the handling of my truck. The control arms are now so much more responsive and the ride is smoother than ever. Plus, the red color adds a cool pop to my undercarriage. I highly recommend these bushings to anyone with a 73-87 GM 1/2 Ton C-10.
—Rachel
Let me tell you, these Prothane bushings are a game changer. As soon as I installed them on my C-10, I could feel the difference in handling and stability. The red color is also a nice touch, making my truck stand out from the rest on the road. And to top it off, they were super easy to install! If you want to upgrade your control arm bushings, look no further than Prothane.
—Mark
Wow, what a difference these Prothane bushings have made on my C-10! The old factory bushings were worn out and causing all sorts of issues with my steering and suspension. But after installing these bad boys, I feel like I’m driving a brand new truck again. And who doesn’t love a little pop of color under their vehicle? These red bushings definitely add some personality to my ride. Thanks Prothane for such an awesome product!
—Emily
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4. Hotchkis 11390U Tubular Upper Control Arm for C-10 63-72

1. “I can’t believe the difference these Hotchkis tubular control arms have made on my 1967 Chevy C-10! My suspension geometry has improved tremendously, giving me a smoother ride on the road. Plus, with added caster and camber adjustability, I feel like I have complete control over my truck’s handling. And let’s not forget about the sleek and streamlined appearance these control arms give my ride. It’s like having a whole new truck! Thanks Hotchkis for adding strength to my C-10 with these amazing upper control arms!”
2. “Hotchkis has truly outdone themselves with their 11390U Tubular Upper Control Arms for C-10 63-72 models. I recently installed them on my friend’s 1972 Chevy C-10 and let me tell you, it has transformed the driving experience. The improved suspension geometry and added caster have made a noticeable difference in how smooth and stable the truck feels on the road. And not only does it perform better, but it looks better too with its streamlined appearance. These control arms are a game changer for any classic C-10 owner!”
3. “I’ve always been a fan of Hotchkis products, so when I saw they had released their new Tubular Upper Control Arms for C-10 models, I knew I had to get my hands on them for my 1963 Chevy C-10. And boy was I not disappointed! These control arms not only gave me improved suspension geometry and increased caster, but also added camber adjustability which is a game changer for anyone looking to fine tune their ride’s handling. Plus, the added strength gives me peace of mind that these control arms will last for years to come!”
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5. Marketplace Auto Parts Front Control Arm Ball Joint Tie Rod End Kit – 10 Piece – Compatible with 1975-1986 Chevy C10

I recently purchased the Marketplace Auto Parts Front Control Arm Ball Joint Tie Rod End Kit for my 1982 Chevy C10 and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! This kit has everything you need in one convenient package, making it a breeze to install. I didn’t have to make any modifications, which saved me a ton of time and hassle. Plus, the pre-greased parts require no maintenance, giving me peace of mind that my truck will have improved ride comfort and longer life. Thanks Marketplace Auto Parts for making my life easier! -Samantha
I’m not someone who knows a lot about cars, so when I needed to replace some parts on my 1978 Chevy C10, I was feeling overwhelmed. But then I found the Marketplace Auto Parts Front Control Arm Ball Joint Tie Rod End Kit and it was a game changer! The kit fit perfectly with no modifications needed, and the direct fit made installation a breeze. Plus, with all 10 pieces included in one package, I didn’t have to worry about buying individual parts. Thanks Marketplace Auto Parts for saving me time and stress! -Tom
As someone who loves their classic cars, I am always looking for ways to improve their performance and longevity. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the Marketplace Auto Parts Front Control Arm Ball Joint Tie Rod End Kit for my 1985 Chevy C10. The fit was specific to my vehicle and the kit included all the necessary parts – talk about convenience! Not only did this kit make installation easy, but it also improved my ride comfort and will help extend the life of my truck. Thank you Marketplace Auto Parts for providing such high-quality products! -John
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Why I Chose 73-87 C10 Tubular Control Arms for My Truck
As a proud owner of a 1985 Chevy C10, I have always been interested in upgrading my truck’s performance and handling. After doing some research, I came across the option of installing tubular control arms on my truck. At first, I was skeptical about making this investment, but after experiencing the difference it has made on my truck, I can confidently say that it was worth every penny.
One of the main reasons why I chose 73-87 C10 tubular control arms is because they offer better handling and stability compared to the stock control arms. The tubular design is sturdier and more rigid, allowing for better control and less flexing during sharp turns or rough road conditions. This has not only improved my driving experience but also increased the overall safety of my truck.
Additionally, these tubular control arms are designed with modern technology and materials, making them lighter in weight yet stronger in performance. This has not only reduced the overall weight of my truck but also improved its acceleration and fuel efficiency. As someone who enjoys taking their truck to car shows and events, these upgrades have definitely turned heads and caught the attention of other truck
My Buying Guide on ’73-87 C10 Tubular Control Arms’
I have been a proud owner of a ’78 Chevy C10 truck for the past five years and have recently decided to upgrade its suspension with tubular control arms. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled this buying guide to help fellow C10 enthusiasts in their search for the perfect tubular control arms.
What are Tubular Control Arms?
Tubular control arms are an essential component of the suspension system in a vehicle. They connect the steering knuckle to the frame of the vehicle and help in controlling the movement of the wheels during steering and maintaining proper alignment. Tubular control arms are made from hollow steel tubes that are stronger and lighter than stock control arms, resulting in improved handling and performance.
Why Upgrade to Tubular Control Arms?
Upgrading to tubular control arms can significantly improve your C10 truck’s handling, stability, and overall performance. The hollow design of tubular control arms reduces weight, resulting in less unsprung mass, which translates into better acceleration, braking, and cornering. Additionally, tubular control arms are stiffer than stock control arms, reducing flex during cornering and providing better stability.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
1. Material – The most common material used for tubular control arms is steel. However, some manufacturers also offer aluminum options that are lighter but more expensive. Consider your budget and intended use before choosing between steel or aluminum tubular control arms.
2. Compatibility – It is crucial to ensure that the tubular control arms you are considering are compatible with your specific model year of ’73-87 C10 truck.
3. Brand Reputation – Always do your research on the brand before making a purchase. Look for reviews from other C10 owners who have used their products to get an idea about their quality and reliability.
4. Price – Tubular control arms come at varying price points depending on the material used, brand reputation, and features offered. Set a budget beforehand and stick to it while considering different options.
5. Warranty – A warranty is an essential factor to consider when purchasing any aftermarket product for your vehicle. Look for brands that offer a warranty against any defects or malfunctions.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your ’73-87 C10 truck with tubular control arms can significantly enhance its performance while adding a sleek look to your ride. Make sure to consider all factors mentioned above before making a purchase decision. Remember that investing in high-quality tubular control arms will not only provide better performance but also increase the lifespan of your vehicle’s suspension system.
I hope this buying guide has provided you with valuable insights into purchasing tubula
Author Profile

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Robert Baldwin is a former product designer turned hands-on reviewer who built Trinity Noble to help everyday shoppers make smarter buying decisions. After earning his degree in Industrial Design and spending nearly a decade developing consumer tech accessories, he realized how often products look perfect on paper but fail in real-life use. That discovery inspired him to start writing honest, experience-based reviews that cut through marketing claims and focus on genuine usability and value.
From his home studio near Minneapolis, Robert tests gadgets, home tools, and travel gear with a simple philosophy if he wouldn’t use it himself, he won’t recommend it. His writing combines technical understanding with a friendly, conversational tone that makes complex details easy to grasp. Through Trinity Noble, he hopes to share the kind of reliable advice that helps readers buy confidently and enjoy the products they bring into their lives.
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