McGaughey's specializes in lowering kits, coil springs, and bolt-on suspension components for street and performance vehicles
McGaughey's is a manufacturer based in Southern California that makes aftermarket suspension parts designed to lower vehicles and improve handling. Their product line includes coil springs, lowering kits for specific vehicle models, control arms, and related hardware. Unlike universal suspension parts, McGaughey's components are engineered to fit particular makes and model years — a 1970 Chevelle kit will not fit a 1968 Chevelle, and a Dodge kit will not fit a Chevy.
The company has been in business since the 1970s and focuses primarily on classic American muscle cars and trucks, though they have expanded into some modern platforms. Their parts are sold through suspension shops, classic car retailers, and online distributors. McGaughey's does not sell directly to consumers through their own website; you order through a retailer and either pick up locally or have the parts shipped to you or to a shop that will install them.
Key Takeaways
- McGaughey's makes lowering kits and coil springs for specific vehicle models, not universal parts that fit multiple cars.
- You need to know your exact vehicle year, make, and model before ordering, because a kit for one year will not fit another.
- McGaughey's parts are sold through retailers and suspension shops, not directly from the manufacturer.
- Installation typically requires a shop with suspension experience, and labor costs often exceed the cost of the parts themselves.
- McGaughey's kits usually include springs, hardware, and sometimes control arms, but not shocks or struts unless the listing specifies them.
What McGaughey's product categories include
McGaughey's main product line breaks into a few core categories. Lowering kits are their flagship offering — these bundle coil springs, control arms, and fasteners into a complete package designed to drop the front or rear of a vehicle by a set amount, usually between 1 and 4 inches depending on the kit. The amount of drop is fixed; you cannot adjust it down to a smaller drop once installed.
Coil springs are sold separately and are used either as replacements for worn factory springs or as part of a lowering kit. McGaughey's springs are manufactured to specific rates (the amount of force needed to compress them) and heights. A spring for a 1970 Chevelle is not interchangeable with a 1972 Chevelle, even though both are Chevelles.
McGaughey's also makes control arms — the links that connect the wheel hub to the frame and allow the wheel to move up and down. Lowering a vehicle changes the angle at which the control arms sit, which can cause alignment problems and uneven tire wear if the original arms are kept. Many McGaughey's kits include revised control arms to compensate for this geometry change.
The company does not manufacture shocks, struts, or brake components. If your suspension project requires new shocks or struts, you will source those separately from another manufacturer.
How to identify which McGaughey's kit fits your vehicle
McGaughey's kits are catalogued by vehicle year, make, and model. A 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS and a 1970 Chevrolet Nova are different vehicles and require different kits, even though they were made by the same manufacturer in the same year. Similarly, a 1970 Chevelle and a 1971 Chevelle require different kits.
Before you search for a McGaughey's kit, write down your vehicle's year, make, model, and body style (coupe, sedan, convertible, wagon). If your vehicle has been heavily modified — for example, if the frame has been cut or welded, or if a different engine has been installed — a standard McGaughey's kit may not fit without additional fabrication work. Shops that specialize in classic car suspension can assess whether a kit will work on a modified vehicle.
You can find McGaughey's kits through online retailers by searching "[year] [make] [model] McGaughey's lowering kit" or by contacting a local suspension shop that carries their products. Many shops have McGaughey's catalogues or can order parts on your behalf. If you are unsure whether a specific kit is right for your car, a shop can confirm the fit before you pay.
What is typically included in a McGaughey's lowering kit
A complete McGaughey's lowering kit usually includes coil springs (front, rear, or both depending on the kit), control arms (often both upper and lower), fasteners and hardware, and sometimes bump stops or other small components. The kit does not include installation labor, and it does not include shocks or struts — those are purchased separately.
Some kits are front-only or rear-only. A front-only kit lowers only the front of the vehicle; the rear stays at factory height. A complete kit lowers both front and rear. The product listing will specify which end of the vehicle the kit affects.
McGaughey's kits are designed to work with factory or aftermarket shocks and struts. If your vehicle's shocks or struts are worn, you will need to replace them as part of the suspension work. A shop can inspect your current shocks and advise whether they are still serviceable or need replacement.
Installation and labor considerations
McGaughey's suspension kits are not bolt-on parts that a home mechanic can install in an afternoon. Lowering a vehicle requires removing the wheels, unbolting the existing suspension components, installing the new springs and control arms, and then having the vehicle aligned. The entire process typically takes a shop between 4 and 8 hours depending on the vehicle's condition and the complexity of the kit.
Labor costs at a suspension shop usually range widely by region and shop reputation, but installation of a lowering kit often costs more than the kit itself. Before you order parts, get a quote from a shop that has experience with McGaughey's kits on your specific vehicle. Some shops offer package pricing if you buy the kit through them.
After installation, you will need a wheel alignment — an adjustment of the angles at which your wheels sit relative to the frame. Lowering changes these angles, and an alignment ensures your tires wear evenly and the vehicle handles predictably. Alignment is usually a separate charge from installation and typically costs between $100 and $200.
Where to buy McGaughey's parts and what to expect
McGaughey's parts are distributed through suspension retailers, classic car parts suppliers, and online marketplaces. You will not find them on McGaughey's own website as a direct-to-consumer purchase option. Instead, you order through a retailer and either pick up locally or have the parts shipped.
Prices vary by kit and retailer, but a complete lowering kit typically ranges from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars depending on the vehicle and the amount of drop. Shipping costs depend on the weight and your location; suspension kits are heavy and shipping is not free.
When you order, confirm the exact vehicle year, make, and model with the retailer before payment. If you order the wrong kit, returns can be time-consuming and may incur restocking fees. Many retailers will not accept returns on suspension parts once they have been opened or inspected.
Common reasons to choose McGaughey's over other brands
McGaughey's has a long track record in the classic car suspension market, particularly for 1960s and 1970s American vehicles. Their kits are engineered specifically for the vehicles they are designed for, which means they tend to fit more precisely than universal or generic lowering kits. Shops that work on classic cars often stock McGaughey's parts because they know the quality and fit are consistent.
If you are restoring or modifying a classic Chevy, Dodge, Ford, or Pontiac, McGaughey's is often the first choice because the parts are available, well-documented, and widely supported by the classic car community. For newer vehicles or imports, McGaughey's may not have a kit available, and you would need to look at other manufacturers.
McGaughey's parts are not the cheapest option on the market, but they are not premium-priced either. The value proposition is fit and reliability for specific vehicles, not cutting-edge performance technology or exotic materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a McGaughey's kit myself if I have basic mechanical skills?
Suspension work requires specialized tools (spring compressors, alignment equipment) and knowledge that go beyond basic mechanical skills. Most home mechanics should not attempt this work. A professional shop is the safer and more reliable option, and the cost of a mistake — a misaligned vehicle, uneven tire wear, or a safety issue — usually exceeds the labor cost of doing it right the first time.
What if McGaughey's doesn't make a kit for my vehicle?
McGaughey's primarily serves the classic American car market. If your vehicle is not in their catalogue, you can look at other manufacturers like Ridetech, Hotchkis, or Belltech, depending on your vehicle type. A suspension shop can recommend alternatives based on your specific car and your lowering goals.
Do I need new shocks or struts when I install a lowering kit?
Not always, but often. Lowering changes the angle and travel of your suspension, and worn shocks or struts may not perform well with the new geometry. A shop can inspect your current shocks and advise whether replacement is necessary. If they are original factory parts on a classic vehicle, replacement is usually recommended.
How much lower will my vehicle sit after installation?
The amount of drop is fixed and specified in the McGaughey's kit description — typically between 1 and 4 inches depending on the kit. You cannot adjust the drop after installation without replacing the springs. If you want a different amount of drop, you would need a different kit.
Will lowering my vehicle affect its warranty?
If your vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty, lowering it with aftermarket parts may void suspension-related warranty coverage. Check your warranty documentation or contact the manufacturer before proceeding. For classic vehicles that are no longer under warranty, this is not a concern.