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Lowering Springs

Car culture term

Lowering Springs
Photo: MatthiasWiki95 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

What is Lowering Springs?

Stiffer, shorter replacement coil springs that reduce a vehicle's ride height, improving handling and aesthetics without the cost of a full coilover system.

Lowering springs are aftermarket replacement coil springs with a shorter free length than the factory springs, designed to reduce ride height by 1-2 inches typically. The shorter spring also compresses the suspension travel range, which usually translates to increased spring rate (stiffer ride) even if the manufacturer does not dramatically change the spring rate itself. The stiffer spring reduces body roll and improves handling response at the cost of some ride comfort.

Lowering springs are one of the most accessible handling modifications because they work with the factory shock absorbers (dampers). However, this is also a limitation. Factory shocks are valved for factory ride height and spring rate. When paired with stiffer, shorter lowering springs, the shocks may be operating outside their optimal range, leading to a bouncy or unsettled ride. Progressive-rate lowering springs (which get stiffer as they compress) can partially mitigate this mismatch.

For best results, lowering springs should be paired with matching performance shocks or sport-valved dampers, often sold as a matched kit. The quality of results varies by brand and vehicle. Well-regarded brands include Eibach Pro-Kit, H&R Sport Springs, Tein S-Tech, and Swift Springs. Lowering springs are a budget-friendly step toward improved handling and stance before committing to a full coilover setup.

Related terms

CoiloversBagged SuspensionCamberSway barStanceWeight transfer

Frequently asked questions

Can I use lowering springs with stock shocks?
You can, but results are suboptimal. Factory shocks are valved for factory spring rates and heights. Stiffer lowering springs may work the shocks beyond their design range, causing premature wear or a bouncy, unsettled ride. Replacing shocks with sport-valved dampers at the same time gives a much better result.
How much do lowering springs drop ride height?
Typically 1 to 1.5 inches (25-40mm) for street-oriented springs. Some aggressive springs drop 2 inches or more. Drop amount depends on the brand, specific model, and the vehicle's corner weight. The actual drop may vary slightly from published specs based on individual vehicle weight and options.
Are lowering springs reversible?
Yes. Lowering springs can be removed and the factory springs reinstalled. This requires compressing the spring to remove the strut or shock assembly. Any shop that does suspension work can perform the swap. Keep your factory springs if you want the option to return to stock.
Do lowering springs affect alignment?
Yes. Lowering the car changes the suspension geometry, typically increasing negative camber and altering toe. An alignment is always recommended after installing lowering springs. Depending on the vehicle, you may need camber adjustment bolts or other correction hardware if the stock adjustment range cannot compensate for the change.
Are coilovers better than lowering springs?
Coilovers allow adjustable ride height and damping, which lowering springs do not. Coilovers are significantly more expensive (typically $800-$3,000 or more vs $150-$400 for springs). For someone who wants a fixed drop, a quality spring-plus-shock kit is a reasonable budget choice. For anyone wanting fine-tuned adjustability, coilovers are the better long-term investment.
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