420motorsport. Suspension Parts – Shock Absorbers, Springs, Coilovers

What the suspension does for your car

The suspension keeps the tyres in contact with the road and controls how the body moves under braking, acceleration and cornering. The springs carry the car's weight and determine ride height, while the shock absorbers dampen the springs' movements. Control arms, ball joints and links hold the wheel in position, and an anti-roll bar can reduce body roll in corners. Worn parts can typically be felt as a floaty ride, imprecise steering or uneven tyre wear.

How to choose suspension parts

Start with what the car will be used for. A road and track project has different requirements than a pickup that needs to be lifted for bigger tyres. Pay particular attention to:

Ride height: lowering kits and coilover kits lower the car, while lift kits raise it. Coilovers are often height-adjustable, depending on the model.

Adjustment: some dampers have adjustable damping, others are fixed. Adjustability allows fine-tuning but requires time for setup.

Comfort versus control: a stiffer spring can give less body roll, but also a busier ride on poor roads. Spring rate, damping and tyres need to work together.

Wheel alignment: when the height changes, camber and toe typically change too. Camber and caster kits can make it possible to correct this.

Fitment and installation

The parts are developed for specific car models, model years and drivetrains, so always check the part number against your car. This can be seen, for example, with dampers for the Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty 4WD, which are available for different lift heights, and with kits for the Cayman (981) or Fiat 500X. After fitting springs, dampers or control arms, the car should have a wheel alignment, and working with compressed springs requires the correct tools. If you hear knocking or feel play, the cause may also lie in the bushings and mounts.

Brands and maintenance

In this category you will find parts from brands such as Moog, Bilstein, QA1, KYB and AST. What suits your project is determined by car model, use and desired ride height rather than by brand alone. Look out for leaking dampers, cracked shock absorber boots and play in ball joints, and inspect adjustable parts regularly, especially after track or off-road driving.

Frequently asked questions

Does the car need an inspection after lowering or lifting?

It depends on the car, the product and how much the height is changed. Changes to the suspension and ride height may require an inspection or documentation, so check the requirements and any approval for the specific part number before you fit it.

What is the difference between a lowering kit and a coilover kit?

A lowering kit typically consists of shorter springs, possibly with matched dampers, and gives a fixed ride height. A coilover kit combines spring and damper in one unit and is often height-adjustable, some also in damping.

Should shock absorbers be replaced in pairs?

It is typically recommended to replace dampers in pairs on the same axle so that both sides damp equally. A new damper next to a worn one can cause uneven behaviour under braking and in corners.

Why does the car need a wheel alignment after installation?

New springs, dampers, control arms or a change in ride height can alter camber, caster and toe. Incorrect alignment can cause uneven tyre wear and affect steering, so a wheel alignment should typically follow the work.