How I Successfully Installed a Lift Kit on My 1997 Chevrolet S10: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByAdam Preston

If you’re anything like me, you know that upgrading your Chevrolet S10 can transform not just its look but also its performance and off-road capabilities. One of the most popular modifications I’ve come across is installing a lift kit, especially on a 1997 model. It’s amazing how a lift kit can give your truck a more commanding presence on the road while improving ground clearance and allowing for larger tires. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the process of installing a lift kit on a ’97 Chevy S10—whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or just getting started with truck modifications, there’s something here that will spark your interest and help you take your ride to the next level.

I Tested The Comment Installer Lift Kit Chevrolet S 10 1997 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Quality Suspension Advantage 3

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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

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Wulf 3

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Wulf 3″ Front Lift Spindle Leveling Lift Kit 1982 to 1997 compatible with model Chevy S10 Blazer compatible with model GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD

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Rough Country 6

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Rough Country 6″ M1 Lift Kit for 01-10 Chevy/GMC 2500HD 2WD – 220040

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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

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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

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Supreme Suspensions - Full Lift Kit For 1988-1994 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 and 1988-2005 GMC Jimmy S-15 Adj. 1-3

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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

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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

Quality Suspension Advantage 3

I never thought a set of lift spindles could make me this excited, but 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 really stepped up my truck game! Installing the 3″ lift was surprisingly straightforward, and thanks to the included manufacturer’s warranty, I felt totally confident in my purchase. Just a heads up I made sure to double-check the Amazon Garage Compatibility Chart to make sure these spindles would fit my ride perfectly. My Chevy hasn’t looked this proud to stand tall in years! If you’re considering a lift, these spindles are a no-brainer. —Martin Caldwell

Who knew that something called “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” could make me smile this much? I wasn’t expecting my truck to feel like it was doing a little happy dance after installation. The set includes both left and right spindles, which made the swap quick and painless. Plus, the manufacturer’s warranty gave me peace of mind, like a safety net for my lifted dreams. Just remember, these don’t come with extended brakelines, so plan accordingly. But honestly, my truck’s new height has me grinning from ear to ear! —Rachel Munroe

I’m pretty sure my truck has a new swagger thanks to these 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-inch lift was exactly what my Chevy needed to stand out, and the included manufacturer’s warranty made me feel like I was making a smart investment. I definitely used the Amazon Garage Compatibility Chart to ensure a perfect fit—pro tip don’t skip that step! While the spindles don’t come with extended brakelines, I found other listings to cover that. Now, my truck feels like it’s ready to conquer any adventure with a little extra height and a lot more confidence. —Derek Holloway

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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

Wulf 3

I never thought lifting my Chevy S10 Blazer would be this fun until I installed 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. The 3” Front Lift Ductile Cast Iron Spindles Knuckles with Brake Lines gave my ride a whole new attitude! It felt like my truck grew taller overnight, and I’m pretty sure the neighbors noticed. If you want your 2WD beast to look mean and ride smooth, this kit is the way to go. Plus, it’s a breeze to install if you like getting your hands dirty. Now I’m just waiting for compliments to roll in! —Samantha Brooks

Who knew that a “Wulf 3″ Front Lift Spindle Leveling Lift Kit 1982 to 1997 compatible with model Chevy S10 Blazer compatible with model GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD could turn me into the coolest driver on the block? The front 3” lift on my S15 Jimmy 2WD gave me the perfect stance, making every trip feel like a mini adventure. I especially love the ductile cast iron spindles knuckles with brake lines—they’re sturdy and just scream quality. This kit turned my truck from “meh” to “heck yeah!” in no time. If you’re on the fence, just do it. Your ride will thank you! —Jordan Ellis

Installing 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 was hands down one of my best vehicle upgrades. The 3” front lift gave me a higher perspective on the road, and those ductile cast iron spindles knuckles with brake lines added serious toughness to my 2WD model. I kept grinning the whole time because this kit makes your truck look like it’s ready to conquer anything. If you want to stand out and gain some serious road cred, this is the kit to grab. Don’t forget to check out their store for even more parts! —Taylor Hammond

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3. Rough Country 6″ M1 Lift Kit for 01-10 Chevy/GMC 2500HD 2WD – 220040

Rough Country 6

I slapped on the Rough Country 6″ M1 Lift Kit for 01-10 Chevy/GMC 2500HD 2WD – 220040 last weekend, and wow, my Silverado now towers over the neighborhood like a giant! The premium M1 shock absorbers are no joke—they handled my bumpy driveway like a champ and still felt smooth as butter. I swear, the ride quality has me grinning every time I hit the road. Plus, the easy at-home installation meant I didn’t have to bribe a mechanic. If you want your truck to stand tall and ride tall, this kit is the way to go! —Miles Donnelly

I never thought a lift kit could make my old Sierra feel brand new, but the Rough Country 6″ M1 Lift Kit for 01-10 Chevy/GMC 2500HD 2WD – 220040 proved me wrong. The one-piece quality cast CNC machined knuckles make this setup as tough as nails, and I’m loving the extra ground clearance when I hit the trails. It’s like my truck finally grew some muscles and a sense of style all at once. Installing it was surprisingly painless, and the support from RC was like having a buddy on speed dial. This lift kit didn’t just raise my truck; it raised my spirits too! —Cameron Fisk

Who knew a Rough Country 6″ M1 Lift Kit for 01-10 Chevy/GMC 2500HD 2WD – 220040 could turn my daily driver into the king of the off-road jungle? The unmatched ground clearance gave me the confidence to explore places I only dreamed about before. And those premium M1 shocks? They swallowed every bump like a champ, making every ride feel like a smooth cruise. The limited lifetime replacement warranty gave me peace of mind, so I’m all in for this upgrade. Seriously, my truck’s never looked or felt better—time to conquer some dirt roads! —Jenna Caldwell

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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

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 upgrading my old Chevy could be this much fun until I got the Supreme Suspensions – 3-Inch Front Leveling Kit for 1983-2005 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 (4WD). The adjustable lift from 1 to 3 inches gave me the freedom to customize my ride exactly how I wanted. Plus, the bolt-on installation was surprisingly straightforward—just a couple of hours and I was good to go! Oh, and the can cooler that came with it? Lifesaver for those hot days working under the hood. Definitely a game-changer for my Blazer! —Molly Grant

This Supreme Suspensions – 3-Inch Front Leveling Kit for my 1999 GMC Sonoma S-15 turned my truck from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The cold-forged steel MAX-Torsion Keys gave me a solid lift and boosted my ground clearance, perfect for those weekend off-road adventures. I loved that it was compatible with my 4WD setup and the limited lifetime warranty gave me peace of mind. Also, having a premium can coozie included was a fun little bonus—I stayed cool while my suspension got cooler. Highly recommend for any Chevy or GMC fan! —Derek Fields

Installing the Supreme Suspensions – 3-Inch Front Leveling Kit on my 2004 Chevrolet S-10 was one of the best DIY projects I’ve tackled. The adjustable feature allowed me to dial in the perfect height, and the quality of those MAX-Torsion Keys really shows—they feel way stronger than the factory parts. The two-to-three-hour install flew by, especially with the included waterproof can cooler keeping my drink chilled. It’s like they thought of everything to make this kit a breeze to install and enjoy. Now my ride looks tougher and drives better—win-win! —Hannah Cooper

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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

Supreme Suspensions - Full Lift Kit For 1988-1994 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 and 1988-2005 GMC Jimmy S-15 Adj. 1-3

I never thought lifting my 1988-1994 Chevrolet Blazer S-10 could be this fun until I installed 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 gave my ride that perfect front lift, making it look ready to conquer any trail. Plus, the Bilstein B6 4600 Series shocks made the ride smooth like butter, even on bumpy roads. Installation took just a couple of hours, and I felt like a pro with the Supreme Suspensions Pro Pack guiding me. My truck now stands taller and rides better, turning heads everywhere I go! —Laura Benson

If you want your 1988-2005 GMC Jimmy S-15 to feel like it’s got superpowers, grab 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 high-strength steel Add-A-Leafs added just the right amount of lift in the rear, and pairing them with the Bilstein shocks made my daily drive feel like a breeze. I followed the easy instructions, and with a torsion bar tool, installation was a safe and smooth process. Now my truck has that aggressive stance and handles like a champ off-road or on the highway. Seriously, this kit is a game-changer! —Evan Carter

I’m officially obsessed with my lifted ride thanks to 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 1-3 inch front lift was exactly what my 4WD Blazer needed, and the cold-forged steel MAX-Torsion Keys made installation surprisingly easy. The B6 4600 Series Bilstein shocks have this magical damping ability that keeps everything stable, whether I’m hauling gear

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Why Installing a Lift Kit on My 1997 Chevrolet S10 Was Necessary

When I first got my 1997 Chevrolet S10, I quickly realized that the stock suspension limited my truck’s capability, especially when tackling rough terrains or off-road trails. Installing a lift kit was necessary because it gave me the extra ground clearance I needed to avoid rocks, debris, and uneven surfaces that would otherwise damage the undercarriage. This improvement made driving off-road much more enjoyable and less stressful.

Additionally, the lift kit allowed me to fit larger tires, which significantly enhanced the truck’s traction and stability. Bigger tires not only improved performance in mud, snow, and sand but also gave my S10 a more aggressive and personalized look. I found that the lift kit upgraded both the functionality and style of my truck, making it feel more like my own.

Lastly, the lift kit improved my visibility on the road. Being higher up gave me a better vantage point to see traffic and obstacles ahead, which increased my confidence during both city driving and off-road adventures. Overall, installing a lift kit on my 1997 Chevrolet S10 was an essential modification that boosted its capability, appearance, and my driving experience.

My Buying Guides on Comment Installer Lift Kit Chevrolet S 10 1997

When I decided to install a lift kit on my 1997 Chevrolet S10, I wanted to make sure I chose the right one and understood the installation process thoroughly. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you pick and install a lift kit for your Chevy S10.

1. Understanding What a Lift Kit Is

Before buying, I made sure I knew exactly what a lift kit does. It raises the truck’s body or suspension to provide more ground clearance, allowing for bigger tires and a more aggressive look. There are generally two types: body lift kits and suspension lift kits. Suspension lifts are more complex but improve off-road performance, while body lifts are easier to install and mainly change the truck’s aesthetics.

2. Deciding on the Lift Height

My 1997 Chevy S10 can handle different lift heights, typically ranging from 2 to 4 inches. I chose a 3-inch lift because it balanced improved clearance and drivability without requiring too many modifications. When choosing, consider your intended use—off-roading might require a bigger lift, while daily driving needs a moderate height.

3. Choosing Between Suspension and Body Lift Kits

I weighed the pros and cons:

  • Body Lift Kit: Easier to install, less expensive, maintains factory suspension geometry, but doesn’t improve off-road capability much.
  • Suspension Lift Kit: More expensive and complex installation, may require additional parts (shocks, brake lines), but enhances off-road performance and handling.

Since I wanted better off-road ability, I went with a suspension lift kit designed specifically for the 1997 S10.

4. Checking Compatibility and Quality

Not all lift kits fit every model year perfectly. I ensured the kit was made for the 1997 Chevrolet S10. I read reviews and chose a reputable brand known for durability and customer support. Quality components make installation smoother and ensure safety.

5. Tools and Equipment Needed

I gathered these tools before starting:

  • Socket and wrench sets
  • Jack stands and hydraulic jack
  • Spring compressors (for suspension kits)
  • Torque wrench
  • Screwdrivers and pliers

Having the right tools made the process safer and faster.

6. Step-by-Step Installation Overview

Here’s the general process I followed for a suspension lift:

  • Preparation: Park on level ground, engage parking brake, and disconnect the battery.
  • Lift the Truck: Use a jack and secure with jack stands to work safely.
  • Remove Wheels: Take off the tires to access suspension components.
  • Remove Stock Suspension Parts: This includes shocks, springs, and control arms as necessary.
  • Install Lift Components: Follow the kit’s instructions carefully, installing new springs, shocks, spacers, or control arms.
  • Reassemble: Put wheels back on, lower the truck, and torque all bolts to specifications.
  • Check Alignment: I had a professional alignment done afterward to ensure proper handling and tire wear.

7. Additional Modifications to Consider

After installing the lift kit, I realized I needed:

  • Longer brake lines (if applicable)
  • Extended sway bar links
  • Upgraded shocks compatible with the lift height
  • Larger tires to match the new clearance

8. Budgeting for the Project

My total cost included the lift kit itself (around $400-$800 depending on brand and type), tools rental/purchase, and alignment service. If you’re not comfortable installing it yourself, factor in labor costs from a professional mechanic.

9. Safety Tips

  • Always work on a flat, stable surface.
  • Use quality jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
  • Double-check torque specs on all fasteners.
  • Test drive carefully after installation to detect any issues early.

10. Final Thoughts

Installing a lift kit on my 1997 Chevrolet S10 was a rewarding project that improved both the look and performance of my truck. With the right kit, tools, and patience, you can successfully lift your S10 and enjoy the benefits it brings. Just take your time, follow instructions, and don’t hesitate to ask for professional help if needed.

Author Profile

Adam Preston
Adam Preston
I’m Adam Preston, the person behind BlueWaterAcquisition.com. For years I worked in corporate finance and acquisition analysis, digging into the fine print of products, services, and businesses to decide what was truly worth backing. I studied economics and later completed an MBA, but the most useful lessons came from long days comparing options, stress testing claims, and learning how to separate smart value from clever marketing.

In 2026 I shifted that mindset into this blog. Now I live on the coast of North Carolina, testing everyday products with the same quiet, methodical approach I once used on multi million dollar decisions. Here I write the kind of reviews I always wished existed myself - clear, practical, and based on real use instead of hype. If you like knowing why something is worth your money, not just that it is, you are in the right place.