Suspension Springs
Is your car sitting too high in the wheel arches, or is the rear sagging after years of heavy loads? In this category we bring together springs for your suspension: lowering springs, lift springs and replacement springs for worn originals. This category is for you if you want to change ride height and handling, lift an off-road vehicle or restore the original ground clearance.
What springs do in the suspension
The springs carry the weight of the car and determine how high it sits and how much the wheel can move over bumps. The shock absorbers control the movement itself, so springs and shock absorbers should be matched. The category covers lowering springs, which can give a lower centre of gravity, lift springs for e.g. Ram 2500, Jeep Wrangler JL and Toyota Tundra, and replacement springs when the originals have sagged. There are also leaf springs, e.g. for Jeep CJ5, and individual springs by dimension.
How to choose springs
The choice depends on several factors together, not just how much the car is lowered or lifted:
- Spring rate: a stiffer spring can reduce body roll, but can also make the car more unsettled on poor roads.
- Characteristic: dual rate and triple rate springs change stiffness during their travel.
- Load: a diesel engine, extra equipment and a tow bar require a spring rated for the weight.
- Dimensions of individual springs: length, inner diameter and spring rate must match the damper, e.g. Eibach ERS with 14" length and 3.75" inner diameter.
Installation and subsequent adjustment
Springs are under high pressure and must be fitted using a suitable spring compressor. Replace them in pairs on the same axle. When the ride height changes, the wheel alignment also changes, so plan a wheel alignment afterwards. With larger drops or lifts, camber and caster kits or adjustable control arms may be needed to hit the correct values. In this category you will find brands such as AST, Eibach, H&R, Old Man Emu and Tein.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to replace the shock absorbers when fitting lowering springs?
It depends on the condition of the dampers and how much the car is lowered. Original dampers are typically not designed for shorter travel and stiffer springs, so worn dampers should be replaced at the same time.
Do new springs require approval for road use?
It depends on the product, the car and how much the ride height is changed. Check the documentation and any approval requirements for the specific part number, and check the rules for modified ground clearance and wheel/tyre combinations before driving on public roads.
What is the difference between dual rate and triple rate springs?
A dual rate spring has two stiffnesses, a triple rate spring three. The soft section can absorb small bumps, while the stiffer section takes over under greater load or travel. The exact characteristic depends on the product.
Why is the car leaning after installation?
New springs can settle slightly during the first few drives. A lean can also be caused by different weight on each side or incorrectly positioned spring seats and rubber isolators. Measure the height again after a short break-in period and before the wheel alignment.
