How Much Does It Cost To Lower A Car Or Truck?

The cost of lowering a vehicle varies greatly and depends on the system used and whether or not it’s a DIY project, but the ballpark cost ranges between $100 and a few grand.

Dropping a car or truck means lowering the vehicle’s suspension, typically between one to three inches, for performance or aesthetic reasons.

There are at least a half-dozen ways to lower a vehicle, from replacing a few stock components to installing an elaborate hydraulic suspension. And because of various determining factors, the cost range can vary substantially.

Determining the cost of what you will spend to lower a car or truck is more about what you can manage and your technical capabilities.

In this uncomplicated guide, I will explain the procedures and associated expenses in more detail. Let’s get to it.

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How Much Does It Cost To Lower A Car Or Truck?

Lowered Truck

If lowering your vehicle involves a straightforward DIY swap of some springs, coils, or drop spindles, Amazon sells cheap lowering spring kits for under $50, with a reputable brand of replacement coil springs costing around $150 to $200 per side.

If you’re having a skilled mechanic handle the installation, add another $300-$700, bringing the typical cost of a professionally installed lowering kit to around $700-$1,000 for a high-end mod.

But if you’re lowering your vehicle to make it a show-stopping eye-catching car, you’ll spend a lot more because you’ll want the more impressive air suspension kit, which is the most expensive lowering option and can cost anywhere from $300 and $4,000.

Note: Prices mentioned in this guide are estimates. The exact cost to lower a car or truck depends on the make and model, shop rate, and method used.

DIY Or Go With A Pro? Cost Differences

There is a substantial difference in prices regarding the lowering system used and who’s installing it.

If you’re planning to do the job yourself, whether it involves installing a lowering kit or replacing individual coils or springs, you can save significant or even enormous dollars in labor costs.

Related aftermarket parts can be found at major auto retailers for as little as $40 for items like a two-inch lowering shackle kit to drop the rear suspension in a modest-size pickup truck.

Yet, kits designed to decrease quality utilizing springs, control arms, flip kits, and shock absorbers can cost anywhere from $100 to over $700.

Professional Installation Costs And Concerns

Car Mechanic

Labor costs for a pro installation of a basic arrangement, like swapping stock springs with shorter aftermarket springs, generally average around $300.

Of course, if you’re taking a more sophisticated approach to lowering your car or truck, such as using airbag suspension or hydraulic suspension, you’ll pay more for labor.

These extremely advanced lowering systems are more intricate than a basic exchange and will necessitate an extra $500 to $1,500 for the setup.

Additional Related Costs When Dropping A Vehicle

Portable Car Lift
A portable car lift can be used to lift the car up and is relatively cheap.

There are supplementary cost considerations when conducting a DIY mod, such as access to necessary equipment like a lift or spring compression tool.

The cost of renting or buying tools could affect your total outlay, but it doesn’t have to be by much. You can purchase a coil spring compressor for around $50 and rent a bay with a hydraulic lift for around $30-$75 an hour.

The car will also likely need a post-installation alignment, and if the expense is not mentioned in the initial quote from a shop, you’ll need to include an additional $150-$300 for alignment costs.

Also, some prominent auto shops may not allow you to use your own aftermarket products if they’re doing the installation, and they could require you to purchase from them at a heightened cost.

Will Lowering My Car Or Truck Affect My Warranty Or Auto Insurance Costs?

Automotive Insurance (Warranty) Service Check

Any modification done to a vehicle may affect its manufacturer’s or aftermarket warranty. So it is a sensible idea to check your warranty before beginning any vehicle-lowering project.

Equally significant is to check your auto insurance policy to see where your agency stands with vehicle modifications.

Some organizations may require receipts and pictures of the mods to determine if they fall within acceptable parameters.

Conclusion

You can lower a truck or car for a cost of anywhere from $100 for a DIY job swapping out stock springs or coils with aftermarket products up to $1,000 for a more technologically advanced air ride system or hydraulic suspension, which may require another $500-$1,000 for skilled labor.

That cost increases if it does not include associated work like a post-installation alignment, which can add another $150-$300 in additional expenses.

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David M. Ciminelli

David M. Ciminelli is a Southern California-based journalist and longtime auto enthusiast who has contributed to a plethora of popular automotive sites.