i have had the spal kit for several years now. no problems. got it off ebay for like 80-100 bucks. it's on my s10. i don't use poppers either. door opens right up.
i put a set of avs on a dakota i had back in 2000 or 2001 and they are still on the truck i have a set on my mazda now and love them avs all the way for sure