How to know what lowering springs to buy?
The quickest way to know what lowering springs to buy is to match your car and your goals: choose a kit designed for your exact make, model, year and submodel, with a spring rate and drop that suit your driving style, and ensure compatibility with your shocks and alignment.
Vehicle fitment and compatibility
Before you shop, ensure the springs are designed for your exact car, including year, model, and trim. Different submodels, engines, and generations use different spring assemblies, and some require different top mounts or spacer considerations.
- Exact model/year/subtrim specified by the manufacturer or seller
- Front vs rear spring differences and correct side orientation
- Shocks/struts compatibility: whether to pair with OEM dampers or upgrade to compatible dampers
- Clearance with brake components, knuckles, and sway bars
- Wheel and tire size implications on rubbing and fender clearance
Verifying fitment with official fitment charts or a trusted retailer is essential; if in doubt, contact support or a professional installer to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Spring rate and drop depth: how they shape ride and handling
Understanding rate and drop helps you pick a kit that balances ride comfort with performance. A stiffer spring (higher rate) reduces body roll and squat but can make the ride feel harsh on rough roads; a softer spring (lower rate) improves comfort but may increase body motion in corners. The amount of drop alters suspension geometry, bump travel, and tire clearance, so choose a target that your chassis and wheel setup can accommodate.
Before the list, here are the key considerations to compare in catalogs and product pages.
- Target ride height (inches or millimeters) vs. stock
- Spring rate specification (usually given in lb/in or N/mm) and whether it’s linear or progressive
- Whether the spring kit is designed for use with stock dampers or requires new shocks/struts
- Impact on suspension geometry, including bump steer and camber change
- Warranty terms and the manufacturer's recommendations for installation
Choosing the right combination means balancing the desired stance with ride quality and safe handling. If you’re unsure, consult a shop or the spring manufacturer for guidance specific to your car.
Shocks, alignment, and installation considerations
Lowering springs often require evaluation of the dampers and the vehicle’s alignment. Worn shocks can’t control a lowered spring effectively, and improper alignment can cause uneven tire wear or handling issues. Some cars also need camber adjustment or control arms to maintain proper geometry after lowering.
- Assess the compatibility of stock shocks/struts with the new springs; consider upgrading dampers if needed
- Plan for an alignment after installation; aggressive drops may require camber/caster adjustments
- Check for tire clearance, fender rubbing, and brake clearance with the chosen wheel/tire setup
- Budget for installation or professional service if you’re not experienced with suspension work
- Review warranty implications and brand support in case of fitment issues
After installation, a full alignment check and a test drive are essential to confirm safe handling and even tire wear. If you notice rubbing or unusual noises, seek professional advice before continuing to drive aggressively.
Practical shopping steps
Turn your research into a purchase by following these steps to compare models and ensure compatibility.
- Identify your exact vehicle configuration (make, model, year, engine, trim)
- Define your target ride height and desired handling characteristics
- Check spring rate, type (linear vs progressive), and drop in catalog specifications
- Confirm damper compatibility and whether shocks/struts should be upgraded
- Review warranty terms, brand reputation, and retailer support
With a clear plan and verified fitment data, you can select a lowering spring kit that delivers the look and performance you want while maintaining safety and reliability.
Summary
Choosing lowering springs is about precise fitment, the right balance of drop and spring rate, and compatible dampers and alignment. Start with your exact vehicle data, define the stance and handling you want, verify compatibility with shocks and suspension geometry, and factor in installation and warranty considerations. Buy from reputable brands that provide clear fitment charts and support, and plan for a professional installation if you’re not confident with suspension work. A well-chosen kit can improve handling and aesthetics without compromising safety.
How to measure for lowering springs?
One of the most. Common reasons is because you've installed new springs. If it's a truck.
What happens if your spring rate is too high?
If springs are too stiff, ride quality will suffer, and your tires won't be able to do their job correctly on bumpy and uneven roads.
How do I know what spring rate I need?
To choose a spring rate, start by defining your vehicle's purpose (e.g., street, track, drag racing) and its weight, which can be found through corner weighting scales or online research. You can then use a formula or a chart to calculate a target spring rate, which is force (lbs) divided by compression (inches). Adjust the rate based on factors like intended compression percentage at ride height, the suspension type, and your desired balance between comfort and performance.
Step 1: Define your vehicle's purpose and weight
- Determine the vehicle's intended use: This is the most critical factor. A car for a smooth track needs a different spring rate than a daily driver or a drag car, which have different requirements for comfort and handling.
- Find the vehicle's weight: Weighing the car is the most accurate method. If that's not possible, research the front and rear weight distribution online or consult a chart, such as those from manufacturers like QA1, which often have a range of options based on vehicle type and weight.
Step 2: Calculate the spring rate
- Understand the formula: Spring rate is measured in pounds per inch (lb/inl b / i n𝑙𝑏/𝑖𝑛) and is calculated by dividing the force (in pounds) by the distance (in inches) it compresses.
- Calculate target compression: A common goal is to have the spring compressed between 25% and 35% of its free length when the car is at its ride height. For example, a 10-inch spring compressed by 30% would be compressed by 3 inches.
- Perform the calculation:
- If you have the weight per corner (e.g., 600 lbs front weight divided by two springs is 300 lbs per spring) and your target compression (e.g., 2 inches), you can calculate the spring rate.
- Using the example above: 675 lbs÷3 inches=225 lb/in675 lbs divided by 3 inches equals 225 lb/in675 lbs÷3 inches=225 lb/in.
- Another simplified formula for a straight axle can be: Front spring rate = Front weight÷10Front weight divided by 10Front weight÷10.
Step 3: Adjust for your specific setup
- Consider your suspension type: Independent suspensions will typically use higher spring rates than solid axle setups because of the leverage created by the suspension components.
- Adjust for ride height and shock travel: Some shock absorbers have a range of travel. A common target is to have the shock compressed between 40% and 50% at ride height. This ensures you have room for compression and rebound.
- Account for spring length: Longer springs will require a lower spring rate to achieve the same compression, and shorter springs will require a higher rate.
- Consider the trade-offs:
- Stiffer springs: Improve handling and reduce body roll but can lead to a harsher ride.
- Softer springs: Provide a more comfortable ride but can lead to more body roll. A stiffer sway bar can help compensate for a softer spring rate.
- Use progressive springs: If you need both comfort and performance, consider using a progressive spring that has a softer rate for small bumps and gets stiffer as it compresses further.
How do I identify the spring type?
How Are Springs Classified? Springs are classified based on their load type (constant or variable rate), shape (coil, flat, disc), and material (metal or non-metal). These classifications help identify the best spring for specific applications.
