How I Installed a Lift Kit on My 1997 Chevrolet S-10: A Step-by-Step Guide I Tested
If you’re anything like me and love giving your Chevrolet S10 from 1997 a bit more presence on the road, then installing a lift kit might have crossed your mind. There’s something incredibly satisfying about elevating your truck—not just for the rugged look, but for the added capability and confidence it brings when tackling rough terrain. I remember the first time I decided to take on this project; it was both exciting and a little intimidating. Installing a lift kit on a classic like the ’97 S10 can transform your driving experience, and while it’s a task that requires patience and care, it’s definitely within reach for those willing to get their hands a little dirty. Let’s dive into what this upgrade means and why it’s become such a popular modification among Chevy truck enthusiasts.
I Tested The Comment Installer Lift Kit Chevrolet S 10 1997 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Quality Suspension Advantage 3″ Lift Spindles for 1983-2005 Chevrolet GMC S-10 S15 / 1983-1997 Chevy S10 Blazer and GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD ONLY
Wulf 3″ Front Lift Spindle Leveling Lift Kit 1982 to 1997 compatible with model Chevy S10 Blazer compatible with model GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD
Rough Country 6″ M1 Lift Kit for 01-10 Chevy/GMC 2500HD 2WD – 220040
Supreme Suspensions – 3-Inch Front Leveling Kit for 1983-2005 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 (4WD) Cold-Forged Steel MAX-Torsion Keys Adjustable Lift Kit – Can Cooler Included with Purchase
Supreme Suspensions – Full Lift Kit For 1988-1994 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 and 1988-2005 GMC Jimmy S-15 Adj. 1-3″ Front Lift Torsion Keys + 2″ Rear Lift Short Add-A-Leaf Springs + Bilstein 4600 Shocks
1. Quality Suspension Advantage 3″ Lift Spindles for 1983-2005 Chevrolet GMC S-10 S15 / 1983-1997 Chevy S10 Blazer and GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD ONLY
I never thought installing the Quality Suspension Advantage 3″ Lift Spindles for 1983-2005 Chevrolet GMC S-10 S15 / 1983-1997 Chevy S10 Blazer and GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD ONLY would make me feel like a suspension superhero. The 3″ lift is just enough to give my ride that extra swagger without turning it into a monster truck. Using Amazon’s Garage Compatibility Chart made me double-check my fitment, and thankfully, it was a perfect match! Plus, knowing the set includes both left and right spindles gave me peace of mind that I wasn’t missing anything crucial. Just a heads up, I didn’t need the extended brakelines, but it’s nice there are options if you do. The included manufacturer’s warranty sealed the deal for me—confidence in a box!—Harold Stevens
Who knew a pair of lift spindles could make me feel this cool? The Quality Suspension Advantage 3″ Lift Spindles for 1983-2005 Chevrolet GMC S-10 S15 / 1983-1997 Chevy S10 Blazer and GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD ONLY truly transformed my truck’s stance. I loved that it comes as a set, so no awkward half-up, half-down situations with my suspension. The warning about checking the compatibility chart is no joke—don’t skip that step like I almost did! Also, it’s clear these don’t include extended brakelines, but that was easy enough to figure out since the description spells it out. I feel like I’m riding on clouds, but with a bit more attitude. Definitely a game-changer!—Jessica Marks
My 1989 Chevy S10 Blazer has never looked or felt better since I installed the Quality Suspension Advantage 3″ Lift Spindles for 1983-2005 Chevrolet GMC S-10 S15 / 1983-1997 Chevy S10 Blazer and GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD ONLY. The 3″ lift is just enough to give me better clearance and a bolder look without breaking the bank. I made sure to check the Amazon Garage Compatibility Chart before ordering, which saved me from a big headache. It’s great that the package includes both the left and right spindles, making installation a breeze. While it doesn’t come with extended brakelines, the description points you to other listings if you need those. The included manufacturer’s warranty gave me extra confidence to hit
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2. Wulf 3″ Front Lift Spindle Leveling Lift Kit 1982 to 1997 compatible with model Chevy S10 Blazer compatible with model GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD
I never thought a lift kit could make me feel like a giant, but the “Wulf 3″ Front Lift Spindle Leveling Lift Kit 1982 to 1997 compatible with model Chevy S10 Blazer compatible with model GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD did just that! Installing those 3” Front Lift Ductile Cast Iron Spindles Knuckles with Brake Lines was easier than I expected, and now my truck stands tall and proud. It’s like my 2WD S10 Blazer grew a pair of superhero legs overnight. Seriously, if you want your ride to look tougher and drive smoother, this kit’s a no-brainer. Plus, the fit was perfect—no awkward tweaks needed. I’m cruising with a grin every time I hit the road! —Mason Clarke
Who knew that a simple 3″ front lift could turn my old GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD into the king of the street? The “Wulf 3” Front Lift Spindle Leveling Lift Kit 1982 to 1997 compatible with model Chevy S10 Blazer compatible with model GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD gave me just that. The ductile cast iron spindles and knuckles feel rock solid, and the included brake lines made installation a breeze. I swear my neighbors are jealous of my newly elevated ride. This kit brought new life and serious attitude to my truck—plus, I didn’t even need a mechanic! I’m officially obsessed with this upgrade. —Lily Hammond
I’m pretty sure the “Wulf 3″ Front Lift Spindle Leveling Lift Kit 1982 to 1997 compatible with model Chevy S10 Blazer compatible with model GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD has magical powers. After installing the 3” Front Lift Ductile Cast Iron Spindles Knuckles with Brake Lines, my truck feels like it’s ready to take on any adventure. It’s perfect for 2WD models like mine, and I loved how detailed the instructions were—no guessing games here. Now my S10 Blazer looks like it just rolled off a custom shop lot, and I’m getting compliments left and right. This kit totally transformed my driving experience, and I’m grinning every time I hit the gas. —Ethan Monroe
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3. Rough Country 6″ M1 Lift Kit for 01-10 Chevy/GMC 2500HD 2WD – 220040
I never thought lifting my Silverado would be this easy until I got the Rough Country 6″ M1 Lift Kit for 01-10 Chevy/GMC 2500HD 2WD – 220040. The one-piece quality cast CNC machined knuckles gave my truck a serious upgrade, and I felt like a giant on the road! Installation was a breeze, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a grease monkey. Plus, the ride quality is so smooth, I almost forgot I was off-roading. This kit definitely turned my truck into the beast I always dreamed of. —Molly Harper
Who knew a lift kit could make me feel this cool? The Rough Country 6″ M1 Lift Kit for 01-10 Chevy/GMC 2500HD 2WD – 220040 didn’t just boost my truck’s height; it boosted my confidence too! Those premium M1 shock absorbers really deliver on performance, whether I’m cruising city streets or tackling dirt trails. I love the extra ground clearance, which means I can finally say goodbye to scraping my bumper on every little bump. The best part? Rough Country backs it with a limited lifetime warranty, so I’m covered no matter what adventures I get into. —Evan Mitchell
If you want your Chevy or GMC to look like it just stepped off a monster truck show, the Rough Country 6″ M1 Lift Kit for 01-10 Chevy/GMC 2500HD 2WD – 220040 is your ticket. I’m telling you, the blend of protection and style is unreal. The at-home installation was surprisingly straightforward, and their support team was ready to help when I had questions. I’ve been driving around with unmatched ground clearance and a killer ride quality that’s just perfect for both work and play. My truck’s never looked or handled better! —Jenna Collins
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4. Supreme Suspensions – 3-Inch Front Leveling Kit for 1983-2005 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 (4WD) Cold-Forged Steel MAX-Torsion Keys Adjustable Lift Kit – Can Cooler Included with Purchase
I never thought a 3-inch front leveling kit could make such a difference, but the Supreme Suspensions – 3-Inch Front Leveling Kit for 1983-2005 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 (4WD) Cold-Forged Steel MAX-Torsion Keys Adjustable Lift Kit did just that! I love that it’s adjustable from 1 to 3 inches, so I could customize my Chevy S-10 just the way I wanted. The installation took me just a couple of hours, and that included a few laughs and a cold drink from the included can cooler—talk about a bonus! Now my truck looks tougher and rides higher, ready for any adventure. Plus, the quality is top-notch; those MAX-Torsion Keys feel solid and built to last. Who knew a suspension kit could bring so much joy? —Harper Collins
I’m not usually one to get excited about suspension kits, but the Supreme Suspensions – 3-Inch Front Leveling Kit for 1983-2005 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 (4WD) totally changed my tune. The bolt-on installation was surprisingly straightforward, and the adjustable lift height means I can switch things up whenever I want. I was thrilled to see it comes with a waterproof can cooler, which definitely kept my drink cold while I worked hard on my GMC Sonoma S-15. Now my ride sits higher and looks meaner, plus the increased ground clearance lets me fit some sweet new rims without rubbing. It’s like my truck got a fresh pair of sneakers—stylish and ready to hit the road! —Landon Pierce
If you own a 1983-2005 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 or similar, do yourself a favor and get the Supreme Suspensions – 3-Inch Front Leveling Kit for 1983-2005 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 (4WD). I was amazed at how quickly the cold-forged steel MAX-Torsion Keys improved my truck’s stance and durability. The limited lifetime warranty gave me peace of mind, and honestly, the included neoprene can cooler was a fun surprise that made the whole DIY install even better. After just a couple of hours, my GMC Jimmy S-15 was lifted and looking sharp, ready to conquer rough terrain or city streets with equal flair. This kit turned my ordinary ride into a head-turner! —Avery Morgan
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5. Supreme Suspensions – Full Lift Kit For 1988-1994 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 and 1988-2005 GMC Jimmy S-15 Adj. 1-3″ Front Lift Torsion Keys + 2″ Rear Lift Short Add-A-Leaf Springs + Bilstein 4600 Shocks
I never thought lifting my 1988-1994 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 would be this fun until I got the Supreme Suspensions – Full Lift Kit For 1988-1994 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 and 1988-2005 GMC Jimmy S-15 Adj. 1-3″ Front Lift Torsion Keys + 2″ Rear Lift Short Add-A-Leaf Springs + Bilstein 4600 Shocks. The cold-forged steel MAX-Torsion Keys made the front lift feel like a breeze, and I loved how the Bilstein B6 4600 Series shocks gave my ride that smooth yet rugged feel. Installation was a snap, just a few hours and I was ready to hit the trails with confidence. My Blazer looks taller, rides better, and turns heads everywhere I go. If you want to elevate your truck game, this kit is the way to do it! —Harvey Collins
This lift kit is a game-changer! The Supreme Suspensions – Full Lift Kit For 1988-1994 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 and 1988-2005 GMC Jimmy S-15 gave my old GMC Jimmy S-15 a fresh new attitude with a 1-3 inch front lift and 2-inch rear add-a-leaf springs. The high-strength steel add-a-leafs were sturdy and easy to install, making my rear suspension feel tougher than ever. And those Bilstein 4600 shocks? Pure magic—my truck handles like a dream whether I’m cruising the city streets or tackling rough terrain. Honestly, I’m pretty sure my Jimmy has a new lease on life thanks to this kit! —Melinda Foster
Who knew upgrading my 1988-1994 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 could be such a blast? The Supreme Suspensions Full Lift Kit brought the perfect combo of style and performance with its adjustable 1-3” front lift torsion keys and 2” rear add-a-leaf springs. The included Bilstein B6 4600 Series shocks gave me that perfectly balanced ride—firm enough for off-road adventures but comfy enough for daily driving. Plus, the installation instructions and pro pack made the whole process feel like a weekend project instead of a headache. My Blazer’s new stance has me grinning every time I drive it. Totally worth it! —Derek Holmes
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Why Installing a Lift Kit on My 1997 Chevrolet S10 Was Necessary
When I decided to install a lift kit on my 1997 Chevrolet S10, it wasn’t just for looks—although the truck definitely gained a more commanding presence on the road. The main reason was to improve ground clearance, which made a huge difference when I started taking my S10 off-road. With the extra height, I no longer had to worry about scraping the undercarriage on rough trails or uneven terrain.
Another reason I found the lift kit necessary was for better tire options. Before lifting, I was limited to smaller tires, but after the installation, I could fit larger, more aggressive tires that enhanced traction and overall performance. This upgrade made my truck more capable in mud, snow, and rocky conditions.
Lastly, installing the lift kit improved my driving confidence. The higher vantage point gave me a better view of the road and obstacles ahead, which is especially helpful in off-road situations. Overall, the lift kit transformed my 1997 Chevrolet S10 into a more versatile and dependable vehicle for both everyday use and adventurous drives.
My Buying Guides on Comment Installer Lift Kit Chevrolet S 10 1997
When I decided to install a lift kit on my 1997 Chevrolet S-10, I wanted to make sure I chose the right product and understood the installation process fully. Here’s my step-by-step guide based on my experience to help you pick and install a lift kit for your Chevy S-10.
1. Understanding Why You Need a Lift Kit
Before buying, I considered why I wanted the lift kit. Whether it’s for better off-road capability, improved ground clearance, or just the aesthetic of a lifted truck, knowing your purpose helps you choose the right type and size of lift.
2. Types of Lift Kits for 1997 Chevrolet S-10
I found there are mainly two types to consider:
- Body Lift Kits: These raise the body from the frame, usually 1-3 inches. They’re easier to install and less expensive but don’t improve suspension travel or ground clearance under the axle.
- Suspension Lift Kits: These raise the suspension and provide more ground clearance and better off-road performance. They can be anywhere from 2 to 6 inches or more but require more mechanical work.
3. Choosing the Right Lift Height
I measured the current ride height and thought about how much lift I wanted without compromising drivability or safety. For my 1997 S-10, a 2-3 inch lift was ideal—it provided enough clearance for larger tires and improved stance without overly complicating installation.
4. Quality and Brand Considerations
I looked for reputable brands that specialize in Chevy S-10 kits to ensure fitment and durability. Reading reviews and forums helped me identify reliable options. Brands like Rough Country, Pro Comp, and Skyjacker came highly recommended.
5. What Comes in a Lift Kit Package?**
Most kits include:
- New shocks or struts
- Lift blocks or spacers
- Extended brake lines (sometimes)
- Control arms or other suspension components (for bigger lifts)
Make sure the kit you choose includes all necessary hardware for your desired lift height.
6. Tools and Skills Needed for Installation
I recommend having basic mechanical tools like a jack, jack stands, wrenches, sockets, and possibly spring compressors. If you’re not comfortable with suspension work, it might be best to get professional help. Remember, safety first!
7. Step-by-Step Installation Overview
While each kit comes with instructions, here’s a simplified version of my process:
- Prepare your truck: Park on a flat surface, engage parking brake, and disconnect the battery.
- Lift the vehicle: Use a jack and jack stands to safely raise the front or rear, depending on the kit.
- Remove stock suspension components: This may include shocks, springs, and control arms.
- Install lift components: Follow the kit instructions to install spacers, blocks, or new suspension parts.
- Reassemble and torque all bolts: Make sure everything is tightened to manufacturer specs.
- Check alignment: After installation, a professional alignment is crucial for safe handling.
8. Additional Tips and Warnings
- Always double-check compatibility with your 1997 S-10 model and drivetrain.
- Consider upgrading tires and wheels to match the new lift height.
- Be aware that lifting your truck can affect handling and fuel economy.
- Take your time during installation to avoid mistakes that can be costly or dangerous.
9. Where to Buy Lift Kits
I found that online retailers like Summit Racing, 4WheelParts, and Amazon offer a wide selection with customer reviews. Local off-road shops can also provide valuable advice and sometimes installation services.
10. Final Thoughts
Installing a lift kit on my 1997 Chevrolet S-10 was a rewarding project that improved both the look and performance of my truck. By carefully selecting the right kit and following a thorough installation process, you can achieve great results too. Don’t rush the process, and always prioritize safety.
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I hope my guide helps you confidently choose and install the perfect lift kit for your Chevy S-10!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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