1. There aren’t many trucks that are cooler than a lowered Chevy C10 or a GMC C15; Detroit Speed & Engineering (DSE) has a number of ways to do just that.

Speed Kit 1 includes 2-inch drop coil springs, “Detroit Tuned” lowering shocks, and a 2-1/2-inch drop spindle assembly. The DSE forged-aluminum uprights feature truck hub pack wheel bearings with dual 5×5 or 5×4.75 bolt patterns and accept the OE-style GMT800 (1999-2006) Silverado brake calipers, allowing stock or aftermarket brake options. For 1967-1970 and 1971-1972 applications, Speed Kit 1 includes ball joints and tie-rod ends necessary to convert to 1973-1987 specifications.

The DSE Speed Kit 2 adds a 1-7/16-inch-diameter sway bar, along with new ball joints and tie-rod ends. The hollow tube design has a wall thickness of 0.188 and is 127 percent stiffer than a factory sway bar.

DSE Speed Kit 3 improves steering performance with DSE’s quick-ratio (12.7:1) power steering box. Not a rebuilt OEM unit, the new DSE power steering box uses “Detroit Tuned” rack-and-pinion valve technology along with a low-friction gear design for improved steering feel. Available for 1968-1986 Chevrolet/GMC C-Series trucks and Suburbans and 1987-1991 Chevrolet/GMC R-Series trucks/Suburbans, a new 3/4-inch x 30-spline rag joint will be required, along with new O-ring power steering hoses. (Note: To install this steering box on a 1967 C-Series truck, frame modifications in the steering box area are necessary.)

SpeedMAX

When it comes to the ultimate front suspension update, DSE offers their SpeedMAX kits for 1967-1972 and 1973-1987 Chevy C10- and GMC C15-series pickups. As John McLeod of DSE describes them, these are the “mack daddy of front suspension systems.”

DSE describes SpeedMAX kits as being “designed for sports car–like handling with truck-duty parts.” In addition, DSE’s exclusive suspension geometry is engineered for superior handling and ride quality at a lowered ride height. SpeedMAX kits are a 100 percent bolt-on front suspension system that can be installed with the engine and front sheetmetal in place (some trimming of the inner fender panels is required to clear the coilover mounts).

Included in the SpeedMAX kits is a new stamped crossmember that mounts all the suspension components as well as small-block Chevy engine mounts. The original steering box and linkage is scrapped in favor of DSE’s “Detroit Tuned” GMT800 rack-and-pinion for positive and smooth steering control. The DSE aluminum body coilover shocks replace the factory coil springs and allow for ride height adjustment and spring rate tuning without having to disassemble the control arms and provide for a 4- to 6-inch suspension drop. The DSE shocks are available in non-, single-, and dual-adjustable designs; all come with 550 lb/in springs.

SpeedMAX kits include tubular upper and lower control arms that are both lighter and stronger than the factory stamped steel parts. Using the DSE forged aluminum upright, a DSE SpeedMAX specific steering arm is added to optimize the Ackerman and bumpsteer geometry with the steering rack. The upright features the same dual bolt pattern hub pack and brake options as the Speed Kits. Also included is an improved sway bar specifically designed to work with the SpeedMAX suspension components.

With all DSE Uprights, at least 17-inch wheels with an inside diameter of 16.250 inch must be used. DSE offers 13-inch brake rotors (PN 050403DS) to pair with OE replacement GMT800 calipers. DSE U-joint steering shafts are required for SpeedMAX installations, part numbers available for all year ranges. For the 1967-1972 trucks as shown in this install, DSE steering shaft (PN 092534DS) and Ididit steering column (PN 1120658010) are required.

For a lowered ride height and improved handling, DSE offers their Speed Kits for those looking for a lowered profile; the ultimate in a performance suspension systems are the SpeedMAX kits. Either way, DSE can help get the drop on C10 and C15 pickups.

2. The DSE SpeedMAX is a complete, bolt-in replacement for the stock C10 front suspension that provides vastly improved ride and handling qualities.

4. After removing the steering box, tie-rod ends, centerlink, idler arm, and sway bar, the complete stock crossmember with suspension intact can be removed.

6. In this case with the front of the engine supported by a hoist, wood blocks and a jackstand were used under the oil pan for additional support.

8. The slot in the framerail flange was started by cutting two holes with a hole saw.

10. Here’s the DSE frame reinforcement plate bolted in place; the steering shaft will pass through the hole.

12. Like the original crossmember, the DSE SpeedMAX replacement bolts to the framerails with the supplied hardware.

14. Here the left control arm bracket has been installed; there are additional bolts that attach the brackets to the sides of the framerails that aren’t shown here.

16. These are the upper coilover brackets. They are made from ADI (Austempered Ductile Iron), a special heat-treated, high-strength cast iron.

18. Like the uppers, the tubular lower control arms are equipped with Delrin bushings that are designed for trucks.

20. DSE’s coilovers allow for ride height and spring rate adjustments. They come with 550 lb/in springs.

22. DSE’s SpeedMAX sway bar is designed to control body lean during “spirited” driving. It is a marked improvement over the optional factory sway bar.

24. Aluminum endlinks are used to attach the sway bar to brackets on the lower control arms.

26. DSE offers a complete line of brake components with rotors from 11 to 14 inches in diameter.

28. DSE’s Speed Kit 3 is an affordable option to upgrade the stock suspension.