Lowering Your Ride: How to Slam it Down Safely and Legally

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Welcome to Stance Auto Magazine, a hub for automotive enthusiasts who appreciate the art of car modification and customization. While our name may imply a focus on stanced cars, we want to make it clear that we cater to all types of modified and customized vehicles.

Lowering Your Ride: How to Slam it Down Safely and Legally

There's nothing quite like the look of a lowered car gliding down the street. Stanced out and almost skimming the asphalt, a well-executed lowered car is automotive art in motion. But before you start cutting coils or twisting torsion bars, there's a few things you need to know about lowering your ride safely and legally.

How Low Can You Go?

When it comes to lowering, the first thing to consider is just how low you can legally go. Vehicle height regulations vary from state to state, but generally, your car cannot be more than a few inches lower than the factory ride height. Going beyond those limits means you risk getting ticketed and fined. Always check your local regulations before modifying your suspension.

There are a few ways to lower your car safely and legally:

Coilover Suspension

One of the best options for maximum adjustability is a coilover suspension system. Coilovers allow you to independently adjust the height of each corner of the vehicle by raising or lowering the spring perch. Extended top mounts can allow you to go as low as possible within legal limits without compromising handling and alignment. High-end systems from brands like KW and BC Racing offer exceptional performance and ride quality even when slammed.

Lowering Springs

For a simpler and more cost-effective option, lowering springs will lower your vehicle 1-3 inches from stock ride height. Eibach, H&R and other brands offer spring sets designed specifically for certain models. Make sure to get an alignment done after installation to avoid uneven tire wear.

Air Suspension

The ultimate in customization and adjustability is an air suspension, which uses airbags instead of springs that can be inflated and deflated as needed to raise or lower your car. While expensive, it allows you to adjust your ride height on the fly to suit your needs. Systems from Airlift and AccuAir are top-notch.

Maintaining Driveability

When lowered beyond a certain point, you may need to address potential issues that can arise:

Camber Adjustment

Lowering your vehicle will increase negative camber, which can cause uneven tire wear. Adjustable camber arms or plates allow you to correct alignment issues and keep your tires wearing evenly.

Fender Rolling/Pulling

Depending on how low you go, you may need to roll or pull your fenders to prevent rubbing on the tires. This can be done professionally or DIY with some basic tools.

Raising Subframes/Control Arms

Raising subframes or adjusting control arm positions is sometimes necessary to achieve proper alignment and avoid tire, fender, or suspension component contact after lowering. Subframe spacers and adjustable control arms make this possible.

Other Considerations

Here are a few other things to keep in mind when lowering your car:

Suspension Travel/Wheel Spacers

Lowering reduces suspension travel, so be mindful of steep driveway entrances or large speed bumps. Small wheel spacers can help provide extra clearance.

Steering Angle Mods

Lower cars will have reduced steering lock, which can be increased with steering angle modifications.

Brake Lines

Depending on how much you lower the vehicle, stock brake lines may need to be replaced with extended lines to prevent binding or failure.

Skid Plates

Adding skid plates to protect vital components like oil pans and fuel tanks can be wise on a lowered vehicle.

Done right, lowering your ride can result in a head-turning style and improved handling without compromising drivability or safety. Always research your specific vehicle’s needs, and work with reputable brands and shops. Slam it down the smart way!

Other Helpful Articles:

Car Modifications You Didn't Know Were Illegal

What Counts as Modifying a Car? Understanding the Boundaries of Automotive Customization

The Most Tuner-Friendly Cars You Can Buy in 2023

Effects of Car Modifications on Your Insurance Policy: A Comprehensive Guide

Top 10 Value For Money Car Mods

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