What Are Coilovers?

What Do Coilovers Do?

Similar to a strut, a coilover is a suspension assembly that combines a coil spring, damper, and mount into a single unit. However, coilovers have one significant benefit over struts—adjustability. 

Coilovers are engineered for maximum performance. Since every individual and their vehicle are different, coilovers must also be adaptable to meet the needs of the largest group of drivers. For this reason, coilovers are typically adjustable in terms of preload, ride height, rebound, and damping. 

Coilovers are generally installed to take advantage of this adjustability. Whether you’re piloting a modified coupe around an autocross course or a heavily-modified pickup truck through the Baja 1000, coilovers enable drivers to fine-tune their suspension to meet their specific needs.

Do Coilovers Improve Ride Quality?

Yes and no. Coilovers are typically viewed as a performance option that improves ride quality when driving a vehicle aggressively. However, this doesn’t always translate into a smoother, more comfortable ride on the street. Often, coilovers actually do the opposite, making a vehicle ride rougher and stiffer during typical street driving. 

Fortunately, coilovers can be optioned to fit your driving style and vehicle. They can be built to softer, more compliant specifications for daily drivers, or they can be built stiffer and more aggressive for use on race-ready applications. Ultimately, it comes down to your individual needs and preferences.

Do Coilovers Improve Handling?

Absolutely. Whether you’re optioning your coilovers to a compliant, daily-driver spec or an aggressive, track setup, coilovers will always perform better than conventional shocks and struts—so long as they’re set up appropriately. 

One of the primary reasons enthusiasts upgrade to coilovers is for the significant improvement in handling performance. With substantial upgrades like adjustable ride height, stiffer springs, and performance dampers tuned to match the spring’s rate, coilovers help to reduce body roll, squat, and dive on lowered applications. On off-road rigs, coilovers can be tuned to better absorb a wide range of terrain types—from low-speed wheeling to high-speed rips through the rutty desert.

Types of Coilovers

Not all coilovers are created equal. In fact, there are several types on the market offering different levels of adjustability and performance at alternate price points. Understanding these differences will help you to make an informed decision about the coilovers you need, whether you’re looking for daily driver comfort or hardcore off-road performance.

Full Coilovers

Full coilovers, also known as true coilovers, are complete assemblies that comprise a strut and spring with matching rates, ensuring they function optimally together. Most high-performance or premium coilover systems fall into this category. 

Sleeve-Style Coilovers

Coilover sleeves are a popular budget-style suspension setup. These kits include springs and adjustable perches that slip over your existing shock or strut assembly, enabling you to adjust your vehicle’s ride height. While affordable, coilover sleeves offer little to no adjustability for ride quality. 

Adjustable Coilovers

Not all performance coilovers are adjustable—however, most feature options for ride height, preload, damping, and rebound/compression. These systems are ideal for those seeking to maximize the benefits of their suspension system, as the adjustability enables drivers to tailor their suspension to their driving style, the type of terrain they’re traversing, and more.

Coilovers vs. Shocks and Struts

While coilovers, shocks, and struts are all related components in a suspension system, they don’t serve the same purpose. They also aren’t interchangeable—let’s learn about the differences that set them apart. 

Shocks and struts are similar components in a suspension system, as they both dampen the movement of the suspension. By slowing the rate of rebound or compression, shocks and struts significantly ease ride quality and performance. 

Where these components differ is in their design and roles. Whereas shocks only dampen movement, struts serve as integral structural components that help support a vehicle’s weight and maintain its alignment.

What Sets Coilovers Apart?

Coilovers, on the surface, look similar to struts. They feature a coil spring surrounding a shock's body and offer structural support to the suspension. However, what sets them apart is their adjustability. Most coilover kits offer ride height, rebound, and preload adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune your ride far more than with conventional struts or shocks. For additional information on the differences between these three components, consult the chart below.

In short, shocks and struts are suitable for restoring the factory ride quality, while coilovers are ideal for enhancing performance beyond factory levels.

Coilovers vs. Lowering Springs

When lowering a vehicle with conventional strut assemblies, you’ll be stuck with one of two options—coilovers or lowering springs. As we know, coilovers are a premium, performance-based option that offers extensive adjustability. However, they typically come in at a premium price tag. 

Alternatively, lowering springs are an affordable option, though you sacrifice adjustability for value. Lowering springs replace the coil springs on your vehicle’s stock strut assembly. With shorter lengths and typically stiffer spring rates, lowering springs lower the suspension while simultaneously reducing body roll and sway. 

Where lowering springs suffer is their complete lack of adjustability. They can also be complicated and dangerous to install, requiring a spring compressor to disassemble and reassemble the strut assembly. 

In short, choose lowering springs if you’re looking for a subtle drop and solid performance for daily driving. If you’re looking to take complete control over your vehicle’s suspension and plan to push it to its limits, go with coilovers. 

Want a deeper dive into this comparison? Check out our full Coilovers vs. Lowering Springs article.

Do I Need Coilover Suspension?

With all this being said, how do you know if coilovers are right for your ride? 

This upgrade is highly versatile—it’s not just for track cars or dedicated off-road rigs. As long as your goals are beyond stock performance levels, coilovers are a wise upgrade. If you want improved handling paired with adjustable ride height and stiffness settings, coilovers will do the job exceptionally well. 

It’s also worth noting that many enthusiasts eventually upgrade from lowering or lift springs to full coilovers. If you suspect this may be a route you’ll go down, it’s best to save your money and invest in coilovers from the jump. As the adage goes, “buy once, cry once.”

Coilover Suspension FAQs

Still on the fence about whether you should upgrade? Read through our FAQ section to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from enthusiasts looking to upgrade to coilovers. 

Q: How expensive are coilovers? 

A: Coilovers can range significantly in price, from entry-level road-ready kits ($500–$900) to high-end off-road kits ($2,000+) and everything in between. While these systems can cost considerably more than conventional shocks, struts, or lift/lowering kits, you’re getting much more performance and adjustability. 

Q: How difficult are coilovers to install? 

A: Coilovers aren’t a difficult install for a veteran DIY-er, so long as you have the appropriate tools and time. Plan out a weekend and be sure to have a quality floor jack, jack stands, and a socket set. Also, don’t forget to have your vehicle aligned afterwards to prevent tire wear and poor driving characteristics. 

Q: How long do coilovers last? 

A: Properly maintained, street-driven coilovers can last upwards of 50,000 to 100,000 miles before requiring a replacement or rebuild. However, if they’re frequently abused off-road or on the track, expect a reduction of this lifespan.

Shop Reliable, Performance-Oriented Coilovers at RealTruck

Regardless of your needs, whether you’re seeking improved handling, greater control over your vehicle’s suspension, or the ideal stance, coilovers are one of the most impactful suspension upgrades. 

At RealTruck, we offer high-quality coilover kits from leading manufacturers such as FOX, Bilstein, Eibach, and Superlift. Whether you’re lowering a street truck or lifting a trail rig, we’ve got the coilover kit for your needs.