What Is Shock Ride Height and How to Measure It

Every gearhead knows the sweet spot – that perfect balance between stance and performance that makes a car look as good as it drives. But here’s the thing about ride height: get it wrong, and you’re leaving serious performance on the table. 

At Aldan American, we’ve spent over four decades perfecting the art of suspension, and we’re here to show you exactly how to dial in that perfect setup.

Do Shocks Affect Ride Height? The Real Story

Let’s cut straight to the chase. Do shocks affect ride height? Sort of – it depends on what type of shocks. Shocks are essential, but it’s actually coilovers –  a type of shock absorber-  that affect your ride height. This is sometimes referred to as “shock ride height.”  

Our aerospace-grade 6061-T6 billet aluminum shocks aren’t just about absorbing bumps – they’re precision instruments that help determine how your ride sits, handles, and performs.

Think of your suspension like a heavyweight boxer’s stance. Too high, and you’re unstable. Too low, and you can’t move effectively. The sweet spot? That’s where Aldan American engineering comes into play. 

Will New Shocks Raise Ride Height? The Truth About Suspension Dynamics

Here’s something to keep in mind about ride height. In a standard suspension, replacing worn shocks with new ones won’t raise your vehicle – for that, you’d need new springs. However, upgrading to coilovers gives you complete height adjustability.

When those old springs give way, your ride height drops with them. Coilovers will bring you back to proper specs, and with Aldan American’s coilovers, you can dial in exactly the height you want.

Let’s break it down by scenario. Running a classic Chevelle that’s sitting too low in the back? Our coilovers can bring that rear end right back to factory height or give you that perfect rake you’ve been chasing. Got a modern Mustang that needs a more aggressive stance? Our adjustable coilovers let you drop it just right without sacrificing performance.

But here’s where it gets interesting – our aluminum-bodied coilovers don’t just nail the height you’re after. That lightweight construction sheds heat like a race car in the cool-down lane, while fighting corrosion better than traditional steel ever could. Match that with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, and you’ve got a setup that’ll maintain your perfect stance for years to come.

The real magic happens when you’re fine-tuning. Want to go low for the show, then back to street height for the drive home? Our adjustable coilovers make it happen. 

Looking for that perfect launch height at the strip? We’ve got you covered there, too. No compromises, no guesswork – just pure American engineering doing exactly what you need it to do.

How to Measure Ride Height: The Aldan American Way

Ready to dial in that perfect stance? Measuring ride height isn’t just about grabbing a tape measure and calling it a day. Let’s break down the process that separates the pros from the pretenders.

Start at all four corners of your ride. You’re looking for consistent measurements from the ground to your reference points – typically the fender lips or rocker panels. 

But here’s the pro tip: always measure twice, and always measure on level ground. Your garage floor might feel flat, but trust us – a proper level surface makes all the difference.

The Art of Measuring Ride Height

Getting those measurements right is where the magic happens. Our pre-set, single-adjustable, and double-adjustable coilover shocks give you options based on your goals. 

Street warriors might love the set-it-and-forget-it reliability of our pre-set coilovers. Track dogs? Our double-adjustable setups let you fine-tune both rebound and compression for the ultimate in performance.

Want to know what sets our systems apart? It’s all in the details:

• Smooth or threaded bodies for your specific needs
• Polyurethane bushings when comfort matters
• Spherical bearings for maximum precision
• Complete tunability for perfect performance

The Street to Strip Advantage

From classic Chevys to modern Mopars,  ride height plays a key role in how your car handles the street or strip. Our engineering team has poured over 40 years of experience into every spring and coilover we build. 

The result? Suspension systems that deliver:

Perfect Stance: Whether you’re cruising to a show or attacking the track, you’ll get that ideal ride height that turns heads and promotes performance.

Superior Control: Our aluminum construction doesn’t just look good – it keeps temperatures in check when you’re pushing hard, lap after lap.

Ultimate Adjustability: From street-friendly pre-set coilovers to full race-ready double-adjustable units, you’ll get exactly what you need for your application.

Installation and Setup of New Shock Absorbers

Getting it right isn’t just about the parts – it’s about the process. Let’s walk through how to nail that perfect setup, step by step. 

First things first – you need a clean, level surface. Not just for installation, but for measuring ride height. Take those initial measurements and write them down. You’d be surprised how many folks skip this crucial step and end up chasing their tail later! Now measure from the ground to your reference points at all four corners, and document everything.

Before you start wrenching, gather your tools. You’ll need:

• A quality floor jack and jack stands
• Torque wrench for precise specifications
• Basic hand tools for removal and installation
• Wheel chocks for safety
• Plus a helper – this is a two-person job

Now here’s where the magic happens. With your car safely supported, install one coilover at a time. This keeps your suspension positioned naturally and makes reinstallation a breeze. Our coilover shocks come with specific torque specifications – follow them exactly. Those numbers aren’t suggestions; they’re the key to perfect performance.

Got a specific height in mind? Coilovers are designed to get you there without compromising performance. We suggest you start at the middle setting. This gives you room to fine-tune in both directions. Remember, ride height affects everything from handling to tire wear, so take your time getting it right.

The break-in process matters too. After installation, take it easy for the first hundred miles. Let those bushings settle in, let the springs cycle through their range of motion. 

Check all your measurements again after a week of driving – sometimes you’ll need a minor adjustment as everything settles into place.

The Bottom Line On  Ride Height  

Understanding ride height control through quality coilover systems can truly unleash your car’s full potential. Every Aldan American coilover  is crafted right here in the USA, built to perform, and backed by decades of engineering excellence.

Ready to transform your ride’s stance and performance? Our team of suspension experts is standing by to help you choose the perfect setup. From street machines to race cars, we’ve got the technology, experience, and American-made quality to take your ride to the next level. That’s the Aldan American difference – performance you can feel, quality you can trust, and support that never quits.

Still Need Help? Ask About Our 7-Step Factory Rebuild

Every set of Aldan American shocks is built for a lifetime of performance, backed by our premium factory rebuild service. When it’s time for a refresh, our suspension experts put your shocks through a meticulous seven-step process. 

We start with a comprehensive inspection, then strip each unit down to its core. Every internal surface gets a precision cleaning – piston, shaft, and body. Fresh O-rings, wipers, and seals go in, along with new shock oil. Finally, we dial everything back to factory specs before final assembly. Your shocks come back to you performing like the day they left our factory floor.

But here’s an insider tip that’ll save you some serious cash – our trade-in program. Got an old set of coilovers gathering dust? Doesn’t matter if they’re Aldans or another brand – send us a picture of your current shocks, and you might qualify for up to a $100 credit toward a fresh set of Aldan American coilovers and springs.