Coilovers vs Lowering Springs: Which Should You Buy?
By Shane Allen · · 2 min read
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Lowering springs are the cheaper way to get a fixed drop. Coilovers cost about four to five times as much but let you set ride height and, on most kits, damping. On our store most lowering spring sets cost $189 to $274 and most coilover kits cost $995 to $1,095, checked on October 19, 2026.
Side by side
| Lowering springs | Coilovers | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Four springs that replace the factory springs | A complete strut or shock and spring for each corner |
| Ride height | Fixed by the spring | Adjustable on the body |
| Damping | Uses your current shocks | Adjustable on most kits |
| Typical price at Lower HQ | $189 to $274 | $995 to $1,095 |
| Best for | A mild drop on a daily driver | A set height, track days, or a bigger drop |
When lowering springs make sense
Springs suit a daily driver that only needs a modest drop, usually around an inch to an inch and a half. They work with healthy factory shocks, although shocks wear faster when they spend all their time compressed. If your shocks are already tired, budget for new ones, which closes much of the price gap with coilovers.
When coilovers make sense
Coilovers suit a car that needs an exact height, a bigger drop, or tuning for the track. Because the spring and damper come matched, you avoid running stock shocks below the height they were built for. Most kits also add damping adjustment, so you can soften the ride for the street and firm it up for a track day.
What both need
- An alignment after installation.
- A check of wheel and tire clearance at the new height. Use the wheel offset calculator and tire size calculator.
- Sometimes camber parts and bump stops on a bigger drop.
Shop by car
See lowering springs by car, including the Mustang, Civic and BMW pages, or browse every car page A to Z for coilovers. For the full cost of each option, read how much it costs to lower a car.
FAQ
Are coilovers better than lowering springs?
For adjustability and handling, yes. For a cheap, mild drop on a daily driver, springs are usually the better value.
Do lowering springs ruin your shocks?
They make factory shocks work in a shorter range, so the shocks tend to wear faster, especially on a bigger drop.
Can I put lowering springs on my coilovers?
No. Coilovers use their own straight springs sized for the coilover body. Lowering springs fit the factory struts.
