Different Types of Suspension Kits – Advantages and Disadvantages
You want to modify your car’s suspension to improve its look, handling, or capability, but you’re confused by the world of "kits." You see terms like coilovers, air suspension, lift kits, and lowering springs, and you don’t know where to start. Choosing the wrong kit won’t just ruin your car’s ride quality; it can also be a costly mistake.
The main types of suspension kits include: lowering spring kits for a stylish stance, lift kits for off-road ground clearance, coilover kits for high-performance handling, and air suspension kits for the ultimate in adjustable height and comfort. Each type has unique pros and cons and is designed for a specific purpose and driver.
As a suspension parts supplier, I witness the passion of car culture firsthand every day. From stylishly stanced Hyundai Avantes to off-road-ready Kia Sorentos, owners have very different goals for their vehicles. The components we supply cater to both factory-spec repairs and these exciting custom builds. Understanding the basics of each kit is the first step toward achieving your perfect setup.
What are the Different Types of Suspension Kits?
You see all the terms online and in magazines: "coilovers," "air ride," "lift kit," and "lowering springs." They all change a car’s height and handling, but they can sound similar. What’s the real difference between them?
The four main types of suspension kits are: lowering springs, lift kits, coilovers, and air suspension. Lowering springs are the simplest way to lower a car, lift kits are for raising a vehicle, coilovers are for improving performance handling, and air suspension is for on-the-fly height adjustment.
Here is a simple table to help you compare.
Simple Comparison Table
| Kit Type | Primary Goal | Main Advantage | Main Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowering Springs | Style / Lowered Stance | The most affordable way to lower a car. | Can result in a harsh ride if not paired with proper shocks. |
| Lift Kit | Off-Road Ground Clearance | Taller stance, allows for larger tires. | Can negatively affect on-road handling and fuel economy. |
| Coilover Kit | Performance Handling | Highly adjustable height & damping for superior control. | Can be too stiff for daily driving; more expensive. |
| Air Suspension Kit | On-Demand Adjustability | Ultimate control over ride height; very comfortable ride. | The most complex and most expensive option. |
Each of these kits is an excellent choice, but only if it aligns with your specific goals for your vehicle.
How Do Air Suspension Kits Work?
Air suspension can seem like magic. How can a car just raise and lower itself at the push of a button? The system is complex, but the basic principle is fairly straightforward.
An air suspension kit works by replacing a car’s traditional metal coil springs with durable rubber air bags (or air springs). An onboard electric compressor pumps air into a storage tank, and a system of valves then sends that compressed air to or from the bags at each wheel to raise or lower the car on demand.
You can break the whole system down into four key functional groups.
The Four Key Systems
- Air Supply: This consists of the compressor (the pump) and the air tank (which stores compressed air for quick use).
- Air Springs: This refers to the rubber air bags themselves, which are often integrated into a complete air strut that also contains a shock absorber. These are what physically replace your coil springs.
- Management: This is the "brain" of the system. It includes the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the valve block that controls the flow of air to each corner.
- Connections: This is the network of air lines that carries the compressed air from the tank to the air springs.
Unlike a steel spring, which has a fixed stiffness, an air bag’s "spring rate" can change with the air pressure inside it. This allows the system to be soft and comfortable for cruising or firmer for better handling, which is why it can offer so much versatility and superior ride quality.
Air Suspension Kits vs. Coilover Kits?
You want an adjustable suspension for your car and have narrowed it down to the two top options: air suspension or a coilover kit. They both allow you to change your ride height, but they are designed for very different purposes. Choosing the wrong one will be a frustrating and expensive mistake.
The primary difference is the type of spring used: coilovers use adjustable metal coil springs optimized for performance handling, while air suspension uses adjustable air springs optimized for comfort and maximum range of height control. Simply put, coilovers are for the track, while air suspension is for the street and the show.
The choice comes down to your main priority for the car.
Choose Your Priority: Performance or Versatility?
- Coilovers: A good coilover kit is designed with one goal in mind: to provide consistent, predictable, high-performance handling. They are perfect for the driver who wants the absolute best cornering performance for spirited driving or track days. While their height is adjustable, the ride is often very firm, as comfort is a secondary concern.
- Air Suspension: A good air suspension kit is designed for maximum versatility. You can have a comfortable, near-stock ride height for your daily commute, a super-low height for a car show, and even a raised height to help you get over steep driveways or speed bumps. The handling is often very good, but it is generally not as sharp or responsive as a high-end coilover. Both styles are extremely popular.
Which is the Best Type of Suspension Lift Kit?
You want to lift your SUV or truck for a tougher, more aggressive look and to fit bigger, beefier tires. As you start shopping, you see two main options: "body lifts" and "suspension lifts." You want to make sure you choose the best one.
The best and most effective type of lift kit is a true suspension lift kit. This kit raises the vehicle by replacing key suspension components like springs, struts, and control arms. This increases ground clearance and improves off-road performance. A body lift kit is a cheaper, purely cosmetic option that only raises the body off the frame and provides no performance benefit.
Let’s look at this crucial distinction.
Suspension Lift: The Functional Choice
This is the "real" way to lift a vehicle. By using longer coil springs, taller struts, and often redesigned control arms, you are actually increasing the distance between the vehicle’s axles and its frame. This gives you more true ground clearance (the distance between the ground and the lowest point of the vehicle’s frame). It also allows for more suspension travel and lets you fit much larger tires, which is essential for serious off-roading.
Body Lift: The Aesthetic Choice
This type of lift involves placing large pucks or spacers between the vehicle’s body and its steel frame. The suspension, wheels, and frame all remain at the factory height. It is a less expensive way to get a lifted look and can allow you to fit slightly larger tires, but it does not increase your ground clearance or improve your off-road capability in any way. For popular Korean SUVs like the Kia Sorento1 or Hyundai Palisade, a modest suspension lift2 is a far superior option for getting both a rugged look and improved real-world capability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right suspension kit for your car is all about your primary goal. Whether you’re chasing track-day performance with a set of coilovers or want the ultimate on-demand adjustability of an air suspension system, understanding the core pros and cons of each option is the key to a successful and satisfying upgrade.
Contact GSW now to get the effective information you care about most. We are dedicated to serving you.
