Collection: Ridetech Suspension

Who Ridetech is

Ridetech is a suspension maker based in Jasper, Indiana. Its own site says it started in 1996 to build a better lowered car with air suspension, and it has been part of Fox Factory since 2019. Today the range covers air suspension, coilovers, shocks, tubular control arms, 4-links, subframes, sway bars and steering parts, built for muscle cars, classic and late model trucks, Corvettes and street rods.

It is best known for two things: ShockWave air shocks, which put an air spring and a shock in one unit, and complete bolt-on chassis packages that let an old car ride and handle like a new one. Ridetech's sister brands under Fox include BDS Suspension and Zone Offroad, which we also stock.

Ridetech product lines on our store

We list 294 Ridetech products. Prices below are from our store in October 2026.

Fitment coverage

Most of our Ridetech catalog is for GM. Chevy or Chevrolet appears in 118 titles, and Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile or GMC in 66, across the A-body, G-body and full-size listings. Ford has about 28 listings, including Mercury, Lincoln and Falcon parts. A few items are listed for Cadillac, Dodge and Mazda.

• Classic Chevy trucks: a 1963 to 1972 C10 HQ rear shock kit and 1971 to 1972 C-10 StrongArms. See our C10 and C/K lowering kits.
• Camaro and F-body: StreetGrip front springs, front subframes and coilover kits. Browse Camaro suspension.
• Corvette: 2 inch StreetGrip lowering springs and a MUSCLEbar front bar. See Corvette suspension.
• Pontiac and Buick: HQ coilovers, ShockWaves and StrongArms. See Pontiac and Buick pages.
• Ford F-150: HQ front coilovers with a 0 to 3 inch drop on OEM control arms, in RWD and 4WD versions. Pair them with our F-150 lowering kits.

Many Ridetech titles give a make but not a year range, so check the fitment details on each listing against your car before you order.

How to choose between Ridetech lines

HQ vs TQ

Ridetech says HQ (Handling Quality) shocks are single adjustable, with one knob for rebound. TQ (Track Quality) shocks are 3-way adjustable, adding low-speed and high-speed compression adjustment. Ridetech says its adjustable shocks are built with Fox Factory racing components. For a street car that sees the odd track day, HQ is plenty. TQ makes sense if you will actually tune compression at the track, and it costs more: our TQ ShockWave pair for Ford runs $2,710.99 against $1,206.99 for most HQ ShockWave pairs.

RQ, RQ-S and Q-Series

These are the lower-cost smooth-body shocks. RQ shocks are sold each and listed by make and axle at $321.99. RQ-S shocks are adjustable monotubes listed by extended and collapsed length at $237.99. Q-Series hot rod shocks ($297.99 to $381.99) suit custom builds where you pick the shock by length.

Coilovers, ShockWave air or StreetGrip

• Coilovers give you adjustable ride height and damping with no air system to maintain. Most front kits on our store cost $1,020.99 to $1,259.99.
• ShockWave air shocks let you air down when parked and air up to drive. You also need a compressor, tank and controls, such as the RidePro e system at $2,233.99.
• StreetGrip springs and bars are the budget route to a better stance: 2 inch drop front coils cost $309.99 a pair.

Not sure which way to go? Our guide to air suspension vs coilovers compares cost, ride and handling.

What else you'll need

• Springs for universal coilovers. Our Ridetech coilover springs are sold each, so buy two per axle. Use the spring rate calculator to pick a rate.
• Shock mounts and extensions ($94.99 to $118.99) when you change ride height or convert mount styles.
• Bushings and ball joints if the car is old. Worn rubber makes new shocks feel vague. See bad control arm bushing symptoms.
• An alignment after any arm, spring or coilover install.

Bolt-on shocks and springs are a home-garage job with basic tools. Subframes and 4-links are a bigger project, and many owners have a shop do them.

Ridetech vs QA1 and Detroit Speed

QA1 is the closest alternative on our store, with 276 products from $85.99 to $6,828.99. Its Stocker Star shocks ($231.99 to $392.99) and Proma Star coilovers cover many of the same classic GM and Ford cars at prices close to Ridetech's RQ and HQ shocks. Ridetech's edge is air suspension and full bolt-on packages that QA1 doesn't match. Detroit Speed is a smaller range here (31 products, $86.99 to $1,880.99) that adds caster and camber plates, leaf springs and steering racks. Compare all three on our coilovers page.

Popular picks

• Ridetech HQ front coilovers for RWD Ford F-150, $1,199.99. For a lowered F-150 that keeps its stock arms.
• Ridetech HQ rear shock kit for 1963 to 1972 C10, $782.99. For classic C10 owners after better rear damping.
• Ridetech HQ front coilover kit for Chevy, Pontiac, Buick and Oldsmobile, $1,081.99. A core part of a GM muscle car build.
• Ridetech TQ ShockWave front air shocks for Ford, $2,710.99. For an air build that also sees the track.
• Ridetech StreetGrip 2 inch front lowering springs for Corvette, $309.99. The low-cost way to drop the nose.
• Ridetech RidePro e compressor system, $2,233.99. Compressor, 5 gallon tank, air lines and dash panel for ShockWave or CoolRide.

Warranty terms are set by each brand.

Related guides

• How to adjust coilovers: ride height, preload and damping
• How to lower a truck: drop spindles, flip kits, coils and shackles
• Spring rate explained
• What is a C-notch and when does a lowered truck need one?

Sources

• Ridetech: About
• Ridetech home page and product range
• Ridetech: Do you need adjustable racing shocks?