jrm7885

Will I be able to just swap out old springs and replace them with lower ones, or is there something else I need to know since I have the factory air ride?

trukn1

Since you have factory air ride, you will have to disconnect the factory system and go to a spring/shock conversion (simple bolt in). Most air ride owners do this when their air ride goes out on them. Is yours working? What are you trying to achieve, or is the system just worn out? If you are just trying to get the car lower, you may want to consider an aftermarket air ride controller. There are many discussions on this subject, just throw the key words into the search feature.

jrm7885

I just want the car lower, it only has 52k miles on it. I just hate how high it sits since I put 19's on it. Is it better to use a controller? I saw one on L-tuned.com for $800 but would it be cheaper to just do shocks and springs? What do you think it would cost to have a controller installed?

trukn1

$800 is about the going rate for one of those controllers. This will enable you to sit the car lower than the factory air ride will go, by itself, USING the factory air ride itself. It would not be a cheaper to do the shock/spring combo because that will run roughly $600-800 for just the parts alone, not including installation. You can save yourself some money here if you are handy with tools, if not then you will have to pay someone to install. Now when it comes down to the issue of REPLACING the air ride itself because one of the shocks failed, or the entire system has gone down then the shock/spring combo would be the better route. The air ride system from the factory is a VERY EXPENSIVE replace when it goes bad. Until then, I would just get the controller, if you want to stick to air ride, and ride that out until the suspension finally gives. Then look into the shock/spring combo once the system no longer works correctly. As far as installation goes, not too sure how much someone would charge for it.

jrm7885

Thanks, it sound like in the long run even though the stock susp still works it might just be better to remove it. I was quoted about $500 to install shocks and springs. Any ideas on what combo's (H&R,KYB.......)?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

KYB/H&R is good for mild lowering, slightly stiffer, but generally rides like stock.

Bilstein/H&R is great for those looking for something a little more bmw-esque in the handling department. still rides good.

KYB/Tanabe is for someone who wants it lowww but with near factory ride, very mushy.