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methods
1For Leaf Springs
2For Coil Springs
3Replace Springs
4Hydraulic Cylinders
5Lower the Torsion Bar
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Article Summary
Co-authored byEd Beery
Last Updated: February 16, 2024
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There are several methods to use when lowering a car. Whether you prefer the sporty look of a slightly lower stance, or a more dramatic drop in height, learning how to lower a car is a straight-forward process which requires manipulating the vehicle's suspension. We'll show you what it's all about.
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Method 1
Method 1 of 5:
For Leaf Springs
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1
Alter your vehicle's leaf springs. Leaf springs consists of thin strips of spring steel banded and bolted together.
2
Remove the leaf springs from the rear suspension of the vehicle. Take them to a spring shop and have them de-arched, or use a reverse shackle.
- Another option is reversing the set up by placing the axle on top of the leaf spring, which is called a flip kit. This can be done by a home mechanic with common hand tools.
- To get even greater or increased drop, couple the flip kit with lowering blocks. These are available online or from your local auto parts store. They come in differing heights and will enable the vehicle to drop extremely low. They can be installed by a home mechanic. Depending on how low you go, you may have to install a C-notch above your real axle. The purpose of the notch is to give you a greater clearance between your frame and axle.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:
For Coil Springs
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1
Manipulate your car's coil springs. Coil springs can be found on a car's front and/or back suspension, and are attached onto the A-frame or the axles.
- You can remove the stock coil springs and replace them with shorter springs, or take your springs to a spring shop and have the coils softened and shortened.[1]
2
You can also cut the coils yourself.[2]
- Use a grinder, cutting wheel, or torch to cut them.
- Start with cutting in quarter- or half-coil-turn increments, because cutting a coil is a permanent action. You may have to install shorter bump stops or cut your stock ones to fit.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:
Replace Springs
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1
Replace the springs and shocks. Trade them out for adjustable airbag units[3] available at a local auto supply store or from an online auto parts seller.
- In addition to installing the airbags to replace the springs, this method of lowering your car also requires installation of air lines, an air compressor, air reservoir tank and system activation switch.[4]
- This process can be done at home.
- If you have rear leaf springs, you will need to get rid of them and replace them with a 4 link setup. This process usually needs a professional fabricator.
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:
Hydraulic Cylinders
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1
Replacing your car's springs with hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulics can be installed on 1, 2, 3 or all 4 suspension corners of your car.[5]
- Installing a hydraulic system also requires installing an internal control system, hydraulic pumps and batteries to operate the pumps.
- One drawback to this method of lowering your vehicle is the large amount of battery power required to operate each hydraulic pump in the system.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:
Lower the Torsion Bar
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1
Adjust your car's torsion bars down using the torsion bar key.
- This will sag your vehicle so it is lower to the ground.
- Torsion bars come factory equipped on vehicles and consists of a spring steel bar that's used in place of a coil or leaf spring. The torsion bar key is part of the torsion bar, which allows the vehicle ride height to be adjusted at the factory when the vehicle is built and as needed afterward.
- It's easily adjusted with a small hand wrench at home.
Community Q&A
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Question
How can I lower a Polo classic?
Community Answer
You should follow the instructions listed above.
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Question
I would like to lower a 2013 Nissan Quest a couple of inches. Can this be done without going broke and wrecking the van?
Community Answer
Yes, just get coilovers. That way you can adjust the height to your liking.
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Question
Which of these methods are considered dangerous for the car?
Community Answer
Cutting the springs on a vehicle will put too much stress on the shocks, which can cause the shocks to break. Spring compressors will lower your vehicle, but if the spring compresses too much, the compressors will fall off. If you're going to lower your vehicle, do it right, and buy a new set of springs and struts.
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Video
Tips
If using the flip kit method, make sure to buy a flip kit that compensates for the pinion angle change when lowering your vehicle.
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An advantage to installing the airbag system is that the vehicle can be raised and lowered while moving or sitting still. This enables the vehicle to appear almost sitting on the ground while still being able to be raised to clear speed bumps and other obstacles that could potentially damage the undercarriage.
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Warnings
If you don't have a basic understanding on how suspension works, do not lower a vehicle yourself.
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In some locations, it may be illegal to adjust the stance of your vehicle while in motion.
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Changing suspension elements may void some vehicle warranties. If in doubt, check with your dealership, insurance agent or finance company before proceeding.
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Make sure to look, observe, and move any line or electrical wires that may get crushed when your lowered ride hits a gnarly bump.
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Lowering a vehicle exposes it to road hazards which unaltered vehicles are typically positioned high enough to avoid.
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Replacing your springs with an airbag system requires a lot of fabrication, from removing the existing springs to plumbing the new air system and its components. Air bags also provide a rougher ride.
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After lowering your vehicle many factors change and if you don't compensate for the changes, parts will break. Ex- if you don't compensate for pinion angle, then you will go through universal joints like no other.
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References
- ↑ https://www.chevyhardcore.com/news/the-correct-ways-to-lower-your-coil-spring-front-end/
- ↑ https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/cutting-coil-springs/
- ↑ https://www.carid.com/articles/how-low-can-you-go.html
- ↑ https://www.carid.com/articles/how-low-can-you-go.html
- ↑ https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/79-lincoln-continental-mark-v-hydraulics-install79-lincoln-continental-mark-v-hydraulics-install/
About This Article
Co-authored by:
Ed Beery
Automotive Specialist
This article was co-authored by Ed Beery. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. This article has been viewed 506,919 times.
10 votes - 64%
Co-authors: 13
Updated: February 16, 2024
Views:506,919
Categories: Car Maintenance and Repair
Article SummaryX
To lower your car, remove the leaf springs from the back and place the axel on top of the springs instead of below them. If you want to reduce the height even more, purchase lowering blocks online and install them on top of the axel. Alternatively, remove your car's 4 coil springs from the front or back suspension and take them to an auto shop to have them shortened, or cut them yourself with a grinder. Another option you can try is to adjust your vehicle's torsion bars with a torsion key. For tips on how to replace your springs with hydraulics to lower your car, read on!
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Victor Hopkins
Aug 26, 2016
"The coil-lowering steps worked perfectly for my 2015 Camry."
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