Your vehicle and driving style is unique, what someone thinks is soft, you may think is sloppy. What you may consider controlled and stable, others may consider too firm or harsh.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Hengguang.
These are the ideas and feelings we address through our testing.
There is a shock for you and your style, and Shock Surplus aims to find you the best recommendations whether you daily commute on harsh roads, work the family farm or construction site, or hitting the trails on the weekend.
Our blog also highlights these real-world testing efforts in detail, which then informs the recommendations found in our shock buyer’s guides. At the time of this writing, we’re deep into the development of many suspension guides including: Nissan Xterra, Ram Power Wagon, Ford Bronco, Ford Ranger, Chevy Silverado, Dodge Charger, and the Toyota 4Runner... with more to come soon!
Choosing the right coilovers can make or break your build — whether it’s for drifting, canyon carving, daily driving, or full track use. But with so many options and setups, it’s easy to get lost in spring rates, damper types, and marketing buzzwords.
This guide simplifies it all. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the best coilovers for your car, goals, and driving style. Let’s dive in. ????
Coilovers are suspension systems that combine a coil spring and shock absorber in one adjustable unit. The best ones let you adjust ride height, damping (softness/stiffness), and sometimes camber, preload, and rebound — all critical for tuning handling and comfort.
Need a refresher? Check out What Are Coilovers?
Are you building a:
Want more information on custom lowering springs? Feel free to contact us.
Knowing your goal helps narrow down spring rates and valving instantly.
Spring rate (measured in kg/mm or lb/in) controls how stiff your ride is. Too soft = body roll. Too stiff = bouncy nightmare.
Use Front / Rear Spring Rates (Typical) Street 6K / 4K Drift 8K / 6K Track 10K / 8K or higher Stance Varies (depends on aesthetics)Pro Tip: If in doubt, go with mid-range rates and tune damping to suit.
Good coilovers offer 1-way or 2-way damping:
1-way is plenty for street, drift, and most track days. 2-way is for advanced tuning and race use.
Pick coilovers with independent preload and ride height adjustment. That way, you can lower your car without messing up spring tension or travel.
Set your height: Drop 1–1.5" for daily/drift, 2+" for stance, track use varies.
SLR Drift Spec Coilovers check every box:
Whether you’re fine-tuning a drift missile or upgrading your daily, SLR has a setup ready for you.
The best coilovers are the ones built around your goals. Don’t chase the lowest price or stiffest setup — look for balance, adjustability, and long-term durability.