Ground Control suspension is an aftermarket coilover system that replaces your car's factory springs and dampers with adjustable components
Ground Control makes bolt-on suspension kits designed to lower your vehicle and let you tune how stiff the suspension feels. Instead of the fixed springs and shock absorbers that came from the factory, you get adjustable coilovers — a single unit combining spring and damper — that you can modify without welding or cutting. The system mounts to your existing suspension geometry, so installation typically takes a few hours at a shop familiar with the brand.
The main reason owners choose Ground Control is adjustability. You can change ride height by turning the collar on the coilover body itself, and you can adjust damping (how much the suspension resists movement) by turning a dial on the shock. This matters if you track your car, autocross, or want to dial in handling for street driving without the cost and complexity of a full suspension rebuild.
Key Takeaways
- Ground Control coilovers bolt onto your existing suspension points and lower the car while letting you adjust both height and damping independently.
- Installation requires removing the factory springs and shocks and bolting in the new coilovers, a job most suspension shops can complete in a day.
- You can change ride height and damping settings yourself after installation, which is useful if you drive different roads or change how you use the car.
- Ground Control kits are more affordable than full suspension rebuilds but cost more than springs or shocks alone, typically ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the vehicle.
How Ground Control coilovers differ from factory suspension
Factory suspension uses separate springs and shock absorbers tuned for a broad range of drivers and road conditions. The spring rate (how stiff the spring is) and damping are fixed — you cannot change them without replacing parts. Ground Control combines the spring and damper into one unit, and both are adjustable after installation.
The height adjustment works by turning a collar at the base of the coilover. Lowering the car changes the angle of the suspension arms and reduces body roll in corners, which is why track drivers and autocrossers use it. The damping adjustment — usually a dial on top of the shock — lets you control how quickly the suspension compresses and rebounds. Stiffer damping reduces body movement but can make the ride harsher on rough roads; softer damping feels smoother but allows more body roll.
Factory suspension cannot be adjusted this way. If you want to lower a stock car, you replace the springs. If you want to change how it handles, you replace the shocks. Ground Control lets you do both with one part and fine-tune it later.
Installation, cost, and what to expect at the shop
Installation involves removing the wheels, unbolting the factory springs and shocks, and bolting in the Ground Control coilovers. The process is straightforward on most cars because Ground Control kits use the factory mounting points — no welding or cutting required. A shop with suspension experience typically completes the job in four to eight hours, depending on how corroded the old parts are and whether the car needs an alignment afterward.
You will need a wheel alignment after installation because lowering the car changes the angles of the suspension geometry. Most shops include this in the labor estimate or charge separately. The total cost for parts and labor varies widely by vehicle and shop rates, but Ground Control kits themselves usually cost between $600 and $1,500 per axle, with labor adding another $400 to $800.
After installation, you can adjust the height and damping yourself using basic tools — usually a wrench for the height collar and a screwdriver for the damping dial. Many owners make small adjustments over time as they learn how the car feels at different settings.
Ground Control suspension for street driving versus track use
Street drivers and track drivers use Ground Control kits differently. On the street, most owners set the damping to a middle ground — stiff enough to reduce body roll in corners but soft enough that potholes and rough pavement do not jar the car excessively. Height is usually set low enough to look intentional but high enough that the car does not scrape on driveways or speed bumps.
Track drivers and autocrossers often run stiffer damping settings to minimize body movement during hard cornering and braking. They may also run lower heights to lower the center of gravity. Some adjust settings between sessions depending on track conditions — softer for a bumpy surface, stiffer for smooth pavement.
The advantage of Ground Control for both uses is that you do not have to buy two different suspension setups. You adjust the same kit to suit your driving that day.
Common reasons to choose Ground Control over other suspension options
Owners choose Ground Control when they want adjustability without the cost of a full suspension overhaul. A complete suspension rebuild — new control arms, bushings, and geometry changes — can cost several thousand dollars. Ground Control gives you lower ride height and tunable handling for a fraction of that price.
Ground Control is also popular because it uses factory mounting points. Some aftermarket suspension systems require welding or cutting the frame, which is permanent and can complicate future repairs. Ground Control bolts on and can be removed or replaced without modifying the car.
If you plan to track your car or autocross regularly, the adjustability matters. You can dial in the exact stiffness and height that works for your driving style and the specific track or course. Street drivers who want a lower, more responsive car but do not want to commit to a single fixed setup also prefer Ground Control for this reason.
Maintenance and long-term durability of coilovers
Ground Control coilovers are sealed units, so you cannot service the internal damping fluid or springs the way you might with older shock designs. If a coilover fails — usually a loss of damping or an internal leak — you replace the entire unit. This is more expensive than replacing a single shock, but it is also less common because there are fewer moving parts to wear out.
The height adjustment collar can seize if it is not cleaned and lubricated occasionally, especially in areas with road salt. A light coat of silicone spray or penetrating oil on the collar threads every few months prevents this. The damping dial rarely fails, but if it becomes hard to turn, it usually means the internal piston rod needs cleaning — a job for a suspension shop.
Most Ground Control coilovers last as long as factory shocks if they are not abused. Bottoming out the suspension repeatedly (hitting the bump stops hard) or running them bone-dry of fluid shortens their life. Regular inspection for leaks and keeping the adjustment mechanisms clean extends their service life significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Ground Control coilovers myself if I have basic mechanical skills?
The installation itself is straightforward — removing bolts and installing new ones — but you will need a jack, jack stands, and a way to compress the springs safely. Most people take the car to a shop because the job requires holding the suspension in specific positions while bolts are tightened. A professional also ensures the alignment is correct, which is critical for tire wear and handling.
Will Ground Control suspension make my car ride rough on the street?
Not necessarily. Ground Control kits come with damping settings you can adjust. Many street drivers run them on softer settings that feel similar to factory suspension. The lower ride height itself does not make the ride harsh — the damping setting does. You control that dial.
Do I need to replace Ground Control coilovers if I sell the car?
No. You can remove them and reinstall the factory suspension before selling, or leave them on the car. Some buyers prefer coilovers; others do not. If you remove them, keep the factory parts in good condition so you have the option to reinstall them.
How often do I need to adjust the height or damping?
Height adjustment is usually a one-time decision after installation. Damping can be adjusted anytime, but most owners set it once and leave it alone unless they notice the car handling differently or they change how they drive. There is no maintenance schedule for adjustments.
What happens if a Ground Control coilover leaks?
A slow leak usually means the damping will gradually feel softer over weeks or months. A fast leak is obvious — the car will sag on one corner and feel unstable. Either way, you replace the leaking coilover. Most shops can do this without removing the entire kit, though it depends on which coilover is affected.