How do I know what coilovers to buy?
To know what coilovers to buy, start by matching them to your car’s exact model and how you plan to use it. The rest is about ride height, damping, and spring rates that fit your goals, plus ensuring the kit fits your mounting points and wheel/tire setup. This article walks you through defining goals, understanding coilover basics, selecting spring rates and damping, verifying fitment, and setting up and maintaining the system.
From there, this guide walks you through setting clear goals, understanding coilover features, choosing spring rates and damping based on use, verifying fitment for your car, and practical setup and maintenance tips.
Define your goals and constraints
Use this checklist to map how you will use the car and what you can live with on a daily basis.
- Identify your vehicle's suspension type and ride characteristics you currently experience (strut-front, multi-link, rear trailing arms, etc.).
- Decide your primary use: daily driving, weekend canyon runs, or frequent track days, or a mix.
- Set a ride-height target that balances clearance, wheel fitment, and geometry; consider whether you want camber plates or adjustable top mounts.
- Establish a budget that covers the kit, installation, alignment, and any subsequent service or upgrades (brakes, tires, braces).
- Check any fitment constraints for your model (year/trim, brake clearance, wheel diameter, and fender clearance) to ensure a proper fit.
In short, your goals determine the type of damper, the range of adjustability, and the spring rates you'll need, while constraints ensure the kit will physically fit and work with your wheels and brakes.
Coilover basics you need to understand
Before you buy, know what you’re getting. The following features affect ride quality, handling, and setup flexibility.
Damper adjustability explained
Damper design determines how the kit responds to road inputs. Monotube dampers typically offer quicker response and better heat management, while twin-tube dampers are common and often smoother at street speeds. Adjustable dampers (single, double, or multi‑way) let you tune compression and rebound to balance comfort with control.
- Damper design: monotube vs twin-tube, and how many damping adjustments (none, single-adjustable, or multi-adjustable) are offered.
- Spring configuration: linear vs progressive springs, and the ability to change spring rates or rate options with the kit.
- Height and preload: whether the kit uses thread-on height adjustment and how preload affects spring comfort and wheel travel.
- Mounts and compatibility: top mount type (standard rubber, pillowball, or camber plates) and whether the kit fits your strut or multi-link layout.
- Quality and serviceability: build materials, corrosion resistance, warranty terms, and availability of service parts (shocks, seals, springs).
The takeaway is that not all coilovers are created equal. A setup tuned for comfort may not perform at the track, and a kit that is easily adjustable is only valuable if it fits your car and your goals.
How to pick spring rates and damping for your use
Use these guidelines to align the kit’s stiffness and damping with how you drive.
- For everyday driving with a comfortable ride, start with a moderate stiffness and damping that preserves ride quality; avoid overly aggressive rates that escalate road harshness.
- For spirited street driving, aim for a noticeable but controlled reduction in body roll with adjustable dampers that let you fine‑tune compression and rebound to your preference.
- For track days, select stiffer springs with damping that matches your tires and aero setup, and plan to tune rebound and compression to maintain tire contact through corners.
- For stance-focused needs, consider lower ride height and camber-capable top mounts, but ensure adequate bump travel and tire clearance to avoid rubbing and tire contact.
These choices usually require some experimentation, and many drivers rely on professional alignment and setup to dial in the final balance between grip, ride comfort, and overall stability.
Fitment, compatibility and installation considerations
Before purchasing, verify fitment and plan the installation to avoid surprises.
- Model-specific fit: check the kit’s compatibility with your exact car year/trim and existing suspension geometry.
- Mounting type: determine whether your car uses struts or a multi‑link setup and whether the coilover kit provides compatible top mounts and spring seats.
- Clearances: brake callipers, rotors, wheel width, tire size, banjo fittings, and steering components must all clear the coilover body and spring assembly.
- Travel and alignment: ensure the kit does not reduce wheel travel too much; plan a comprehensive alignment after install, including camber, toe, and caster if applicable.
- Warranty and service: confirm what is covered by the warranty and whether you’ll need authorized service for preloaded springs and seals.
In practice, the right coilover kit fits the car’s platform, supports your goals, and can be installed without major modifications, while leaving room for future alignments and service work.
Maintenance, setup and fine-tuning tips
Once installed, proper setup and ongoing maintenance maximize performance and life of the kit.
- Bed-in and break-in: allow dampers and springs to settle over a short period before final alignment and damping adjustments.
- Torque and safety: follow manufacturer torque specs for top mounts, rolling components, and springs; re-torque after a few hundred miles if recommended.
- Alignment checks: schedule a full alignment after installation and after any subsequent height or damping changes, paying attention to camber and toe.
- Regular inspection: check for leaks, unusual wear, or rubbing on tires and fenders; inspect bushings and mounts for wear.
- Maintenance intervals: some brands offer service packs; know when seals and gas pressure should be serviced or replaced.
Proper care prevents premature wear and ensures you keep the intended ride and handling characteristics over time.
Summary
Choosing coilovers is a balance of fit, function, and budget. Start with your model and use, confirm compatibility, understand the feature set, and plan a careful installation and setup. With clear goals and the right kit, you’ll gain improved handling, adjustable ride height, and the potential for a more confident drive—whether you’re cruising daily or chasing track days.
How to determine coilover size?
The first thing to do is measure for shocks. You'll want to jack up your car's frame, then adjust the wheels so they are sitting at the same height they would be cruising down the road. Next, measure the distance between the upper and lower shock mounts you plan to use. This will be your shock's “ride height.”
What coilovers are best for daily driving?
Tein Flex Z are great daily driving coilovers. I've been very happy with mine.
How do I know what coilovers to get?
How to Choose the Right Coilovers
- Define Your Driving Goals. Your ideal coilover setup depends on how and where you drive.
- Check Fitment. We make coilovers for:
- Choose the Right Adjustability. Single Adjustable: Easy to adjust.
- Spring Rates Matter. Spring rate has a huge impact on how your suspension feels.
What is the difference between 2.5 and 3.0 shocks?
In the context of shocks, such as those utilized in vehicles like trucks and SUVs, the numerical designations (e.g., 3.0 and 2.5) typically denote the outer diameter of the shock absorber tube. A larger number generally indicates a greater diameter for the main shock tube.
