How to Properly Lower a Car's Body?
3 Answers
Lowering the car body can be achieved by installing shorter springs, replacing coilover suspensions, or modifying with air suspension. Modifying with air suspension offers great convenience as it allows adjusting the height during normal driving without necessarily compromising comfort. Many high-end cars and luxury SUVs commonly use air suspension systems. Air suspension adjusts vehicle height through inflation and deflation. The system includes an air tank and pump, which are typically installed in the trunk for most modified vehicles.
Lowering the car's ride height is quite a nuanced process, and I've personally tried several common methods. The simplest approach is to install shorter springs, which can directly replace the factory parts to lower the car by 2-3 cm. It's cost-effective but requires attention to shock absorber compatibility and lifespan. For a more refined setup, coilover suspensions are the way to go—they allow adjustable height and damping stiffness. I've tuned over 30 levels of stiffness, and the chassis felt rock-solid on mountain roads, as if glued to the ground. There's also the high-end option of air suspension, where a controller inside the car lets you adjust the height on the fly, though maintenance costs can equal two sets of tires. After any modification, a four-wheel alignment is mandatory—I've seen severe tire wear from skipped alignments. Ground clearance takes a big hit too; speed bumps become a challenge best tackled at an angle. It's wise to keep the factory suspension as a backup for emergencies.
Lowering the car body requires careful steps and precautions. First, you need to prepare professional tools, with jack stands being essential. When removing springs, use a dedicated spring compressor to prevent them from flying off and causing injury. Start the operation from the rear wheels, as the front suspension is more complex and prone to errors. I recommend maintaining a height difference within 15mm between the front and rear when replacing shorter springs to avoid imbalance in the center of gravity. After modification, always test drive to check for abnormal noises. Once, I forgot to tighten the control arm screws and ended up with squeaking sounds. With reduced ground clearance, you must adjust your driving habits—avoid steep parking lots, and hitting potholes at high speeds may cause shock absorber leaks. Monitor tire wear over time and adjust the camber promptly if uneven wear occurs.
