1982-02 Chevy S10 RideTech Front Coolride Air Springs and Shocks for Stock Control Arms

The RideTech Front CoolRide Kit (Part # 11392401) is an air suspension conversion kit designed for 1982–2002 Chevrolet S10, S15, Sonoma, and Blazer / Jimmy (2WD) models using factory lower control arms. It replaces the stock front coil springs with heavy-duty air springs (air bags) to achieve an adjustable ride height and slammed lowered stance without sacrificing ride quality.

Product Overview & Suspension Dynamics

Installing air suspension on stock S10 control arms normally presents clearance issues because the factory spring pocket is designed for narrow steel coils. The RideTech CoolRide system provides vehicle-specific mounting brackets that bolt into the factory upper spring pocket and lower control arm spring perch, placing the air spring at the optimal angle.

The kit incorporates RideTech’s HQ Series Mono-Tube Shocks, which feature aluminum body construction and 24-position rebound dampening adjustment. Because the air spring takes the place of the internal coil spring, the shock absorber is relocated externally using the included bolt-on shock mounting brackets.

Key Features & Design Highlights

• Stock Control Arm Compatibility: Engineered to fit directly onto OEM 2WD S10 / Sonoma front lower control arms without requiring custom tubular arms.

• HQ Series Adjustable Shocks: Aluminum-body single-adjustable shocks allow fine-tuning of ride firmness and body roll via a 24-click rebound adjustment knob.

• Relocated External Shock Mounting: Includes heavy-duty bolt-on upper frame and lower arm shock brackets to relocate the shock absorber outside the spring pocket.

• Firestone Air Springs: Uses heavy-duty double-convoluted air springs for long service life, high load capacity, and smooth spring-rate progression.

• Vehicle-Specific Air Spring Mounting: Upper and lower steel mounting brackets index into the S10 frame pocket for correct air bag alignment.

Technical Specification Matrix

Critical Installation & Clearance Notes

• Spring Pocket Trimming Required: On almost all 1982–2002 S10 models, the factory sheet-metal upper spring pocket must be trimmed / clearanced using a grinder or plasma cutter. Expanding the pocket prevents the rubber air bag outer bellows from rubbing against sharp steel edges as the suspension cycles up and down.

• Air Line Plumbing: Requires a 1/4" or 3/8" NPT air fitting (sold separately based on your air management system line size) and an onboard air compressor / tank management system to adjust pressure.

INSTRUCTIONS