So, you’ve been thinking about lowering your car – maybe even slamming it down to the ground – but aren’t quite sure of how much this kind of project is going to set you back.
Well, you’re in luck!
In this detailed guide we are going to cover (almost) everything you need to know about lowering your vehicle and how much each method is going to hit your bank for.
By the time you’re done with the details below you’ll have a much better idea of which method makes the most sense for you and for your budget.
Let’s get into it, shall we?
How Much is it to Lower a Car?
The most important thing to realize when you are committed to lowering your car is that there are a whole bunch of different ways to tackle this project.
Some of them are relatively simple and straightforward – though they usually only drop your vehicle a couple of inches (max).
Others are a lot more involved, a lot more expensive, and take a lot longer. But you end up being able to slam your car right down to the ground with these approaches.
Below we highlight some of the most popular options for lowering your vehicle and how much you can expect to spend on them on average.
Leaf Spring Mods
Leaf spring modifications are (generally) the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to lower your vehicle a couple of inches.
If all you’re looking for is a 2 to 2.5 inch drop and aren’t looking to spend a small fortune along the way you’re not going to find a better solution than the leaf springs.
All in, you can expect a DIY lease spring lowering kit to run you anywhere between $100 and $200 – or maybe a little bit more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
If you want to go the professional route, though, expect to add another $100-$400 for labor.
Lower Spring Mods
Lower springs on your vehicle is another relatively straightforward modification you can make to drop your vehicle anywhere between one and three inches lower than the way it sits right now.
All you are really doing here is swapping out the springs that are already part of your suspension system for ones that are slightly shorter (and usually a little bit stiffer).
A DIY kit with brand-new lower springs will run you anywhere between $100 and $700 or so. It really all depends on the make and model of your vehicle as well as the brand-name behind those springs.
Should you decide to have professionals knock out this spring replacement for you, you’ll want to add another $200-$500 on top for labor costs.
Coilover Mods
Of course, you can always decide to go with a coilover modification – aftermarket suspension parts that swap out your stock spring coil and bring in a fully adjustable shock absorber with a spring set up around it.
Coilovers are a little more expensive than shortly suspension springs on their own. We are talking between $300 and up to $9000 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle as well as the complexity of the new coil or system.
Bring this project to a shop and you’re going to be looking at least $600 (and maybe a little bit more) to get everything up and running for you.
Drop Spindle Mods
Maybe you are in the market for a lowering system that isn’t going to affect any of your core suspension components, allowing you to get that OEM ride and feel you’re after while still bringing your vehicle significantly lower to the ground.
A drop spindle set up will help you get 2 to 3 inches closer to the ground without having to make any major modifications to your existing suspension.
These parts (the full DIY kit) will likely set you back between $150 and $1500 (and maybe a little bit more). You want to be sure that you invest in a high quality brand kit, though, as this isn’t anything you need to be fooling around with when it comes to less than top-quality parts.
Drop spindles are relatively simple and straightforward. Labor costs had a professional shop will probably be in the $300-$500 ballpark.
Spring Swap with Airbags
Perhaps you don’t only want the ability to lower your vehicle but are also hoping to be able to raise it when you need a little more clearance, too.
If freedom and flexibility to adjust the right height of your car are important a spring swap with airbags suspension components is the way to go.
This is a relatively simple system (as far as total suspension overhauls go) but it isn’t exactly a “paint by numbers” kind of project. No, you’re talking about completely replacing your traditional suspension system with between 3 and 5 inches of fully adjustable airbags suspension components.
DIY parts kits for the full swap are almost always going to set you back between $500 and $5000 (and sometimes a lot more than that).
Again, you have to be sure that you only ever by these components from trustworthy brands with rock solid reputations. Whenever you’re talking about rebuilding your vehicle suspension you cannot cut corners to cut costs.
Because you’re going to be replacing your full suspension system expect to spend more on labor than you would have replacing leaf springs or putting in new coilovers.
Anticipate a $1000 bill for labor (at least) when budgeting this project.
Hydraulic Suspension Swap
Like the idea of a fully adjustable suspension that airbags would give you but want a little bit more control and a little bit more range?
A hydraulic suspension swap is the way to go.
This kind of suspension swap made notorious low rider vehicles famous, giving them the ability to “hop” by switching the right height up and down on the fly.
Obviously, an advanced suspension replacement like this is going to cost you a pretty penny.
We are talking about tween $1500-$10,000 in parts alone, and at least $2000-$5000 or more just in labor.
At the end of the day, though, this gives you the most control and the most flexibility in your suspension set up. That might be worth it!