Alignment Products
Air Suspension typically replaces the OEM Spring and Shock or aftermarket coilover setup with an air bag and a coilover. The air bags can be inflated for full ride height, or deflated to lower the car to achieve that stanced/caricature look. The stanced look originally reserved for the Euro/VAGS is now commonly seen in the Jap car scene with Liberty Walk and Rocket Bunny, slamming their cars to the ground for serious visual impact. A lot of purists dislike air suspension for a track car, however, the majority of cars with air suspension are show cars, with the occasional track day under its belt.
Air suspension systems consist of several key components that work together to provide adjustable suspension control:
Some of the most respected and commonly used brands in the air suspension market include:
We've installed air suspension on our RB26 powered Altezza and our Kazama S15 (RIP) . So if you have any questions on air suspension please contact us and we'll try to help you out
The cost of an air suspension system for a truck varies *wildly* depending on the components and whether you install it yourself. Budget around $1,500 - $3,000 for a basic kit, including air springs, compressor, tank, and some hardware.
However, that’s just the starting point. Full systems with electronic controllers, adjustable dampers, and professional installation can easily exceed $5,000 or even $10,000+. Trucks often need more extensive modifications to accommodate an air suspension setup than cars.
Consider your needs: are you looking for basic load leveling, a comfortable ride, or the ability to slam your truck? The features you want will significantly impact the price. Don’t forget to factor in installation costs if you're not tackling it yourself—labor can add $500 - $1,500+.
Like any modification, air suspension has pros and cons. It’s not inherently ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ it depends on your needs and priorities. Let's be honest—it’s more complex than traditional springs.
The benefits are significant: adjustable ride height, improved comfort, better handling potential, and a unique aesthetic. However, air suspension systems are typically more expensive to install and maintain than coil springs or leaf springs. They require more components (compressor, tank, lines) that can fail over time.
If you prioritize comfort, adjustability, and looks, air suspension is worth considering. If you're a hardcore track driver who wants the simplest, lightest setup possible, you might be better off with traditional springs or coilovers.
It depends on where you live and how you set up your system. In many places, simply *having* air suspension isn't illegal. However, modifications that violate safety standards are.
The biggest issue is often ride height. Most jurisdictions have minimum ground clearance requirements for road legality. Slamming your car too low can result in a failed inspection or even a ticket. It’s crucial to check local laws and ensure you can raise the vehicle to meet those requirements when needed.
Also, improper installation of air suspension components – faulty lines, damaged bags, etc. – is illegal because it creates a safety hazard. If you're unsure, get your system professionally installed and inspected annually.
Air suspension replaces traditional coil springs with air springs – essentially airbags. The main goal? Adjustable ride height and a smoother, more comfortable drive. Think about it like this: regular springs are fixed; air lets you fine-tune how soft or firm your ride is.
You can lower the car for better handling and aesthetics (that 'stanced' look), raise it to clear speed bumps, or even automatically level the vehicle when loaded with passengers or cargo. Beyond comfort, a good air suspension system improves handling by reducing body roll and providing more consistent tire contact with the road.
It’s especially popular for trucks and SUVs that tow heavy loads because you can maintain a consistent ride height regardless of weight. While it's great for show cars, modern systems are capable enough for mild track use too.
