QA1 suspension kits replace your factory shocks, springs, and related parts with adjustable performance components

A QA1 suspension kit is a complete replacement system made by QA1, a manufacturer of adjustable shocks and suspension parts. Instead of the fixed shocks and springs that came with your vehicle, a QA1 kit lets you change how stiff or soft the suspension feels by turning adjustment knobs on the shock bodies themselves. The kit typically includes new shocks, coil springs, and mounting hardware sized for your specific vehicle model.

QA1 kits are popular with people who want to lower their vehicle's ride height, improve handling on curves, or dial in the suspension to match how they drive. Unlike a basic shock replacement, which takes whatever stiffness the manufacturer chose, a QA1 kit puts that choice in your hands. You can adjust it stiffer for a track day or softer for a smoother daily commute — sometimes without even getting under the car.

Key Takeaways

  • QA1 kits include adjustable shocks, springs, and hardware as a complete package matched to your vehicle's year, make, and model.
  • The adjustment knobs on the shocks let you change how firm the suspension is without replacing parts, though some adjustments require removing the wheel.
  • Installation requires removing the old shocks and springs and bolting in the new ones, a job that typically takes a shop 4 to 8 hours depending on your vehicle.
  • QA1 kits cost more upfront than factory replacements but give you tuning options that last as long as the shocks do.
  • Your vehicle's alignment will shift after installation, so a professional alignment check is necessary before driving normally.

What comes in a QA1 suspension kit

A complete QA1 kit for a typical car or truck includes four adjustable shocks (one for each wheel), four coil springs matched to your vehicle's weight and intended use, and all the bolts, bushings, and brackets needed to bolt everything to your frame and control arms. Some kits also include bump stops, which are rubber or polyurethane pieces that prevent the suspension from compressing too far.

The shocks themselves have adjustment knobs or dials on the body. Turning these knobs changes the internal valve settings, which controls how much resistance the shock creates as it compresses and extends. A stiffer setting means the suspension resists movement more, keeping the body flatter in corners but creating a firmer ride. A softer setting allows more movement, which can feel smoother on rough roads but may let the body roll more in turns.

QA1 offers kits at different price points and stiffness levels. A basic kit might have a single adjustment knob per shock. A higher-end kit might have separate knobs for compression (pushing down) and rebound (pushing back up), giving you finer control. The springs are typically coil-over springs, meaning the shock body sits inside the coil spring rather than beside it, which saves space and lowers the vehicle's center of gravity.

How installation works and what to expect

Installing a QA1 kit requires removing your vehicle's wheels, unbolting the old shocks and springs from the frame and control arms, and bolting in the new ones. The process is straightforward in principle but time-consuming because you have to do it at all four corners and because the old springs are under pressure and must be safely released before removal.

Most shops charge between 4 and 8 hours of labor for a complete QA1 installation, depending on whether your vehicle has easily accessible suspension components or whether rust and corrosion make old bolts difficult to remove. Some vehicles require removing additional parts like sway bar links or brake lines to access the shocks. A shop will tell you the labor estimate once they see your vehicle.

After installation, your vehicle's ride height will be lower than stock (usually 1 to 3 inches, depending on the kit), and the suspension geometry will have changed. This means your wheel alignment — the angles at which your tires meet the road — will be off. You must have a professional alignment performed before driving the vehicle normally. Skipping this step will cause uneven tire wear and poor handling.

Adjusting the suspension after installation

Once the kit is installed and aligned, you can adjust the shocks without removing anything. Most QA1 shocks have adjustment knobs accessible from inside the wheel well or from underneath the vehicle. You turn the knob with a wrench or adjustment tool (QA1 usually includes one) to change the stiffness setting. The knob typically has numbered positions — for example, 1 through 16 — with lower numbers being softer and higher numbers being stiffer.

Start with a middle setting and take the vehicle for a test drive. If the ride feels too bouncy or the body rolls too much in corners, try a stiffer setting. If the ride feels harsh or the suspension seems to bottom out over bumps, try a softer setting. Most people find a comfortable setting within a few adjustments. You can also adjust each corner independently if one wheel is on rougher terrain or if you want different handling characteristics for different driving situations.

Some QA1 kits allow you to adjust compression and rebound separately. Compression controls how the shock resists being pushed down; rebound controls how it resists being pushed back up. Adjusting these independently takes more time but gives you more precise tuning. A shop or experienced suspension person can help you dial in settings if you are unsure where to start.

Cost and what affects the price

QA1 suspension kits range from roughly $800 to $3,000 or more for the parts alone, depending on the vehicle, the kit's stiffness range, and how many adjustment options the shocks have. A basic single-adjustment kit for a common car costs less than a dual-adjustment kit for a truck or a specialty vehicle. Installation labor typically adds $400 to $800 on top of the parts cost, and alignment adds another $150 to $300.

The price reflects the fact that QA1 shocks are adjustable and built to withstand repeated tuning and harder driving than factory shocks. A factory shock replacement might cost $200 to $400 per shock and cannot be adjusted. A QA1 shock costs more but lasts just as long and gives you tuning options for years. If you plan to keep the vehicle and want to experiment with suspension feel, the extra upfront cost often pays for itself in flexibility.

Some shops offer QA1 kits as part of a larger package that includes other suspension upgrades like sway bars, control arm bushings, or brake upgrades. Bundling can sometimes reduce the total cost compared to buying each piece separately, so ask your shop whether package deals are available.

When a QA1 kit makes sense for your vehicle

A QA1 kit is most useful if you want to lower your vehicle for appearance, improve handling for spirited driving, or dial in the suspension to match your specific driving style. If you drive mostly on smooth highways and want a comfortable ride, a factory shock replacement is usually cheaper and simpler. If you drive on rough roads or want maximum comfort, a QA1 kit's adjustability can help, but you will spend more money upfront.

QA1 kits are popular with owners of older vehicles, sports cars, and trucks used for both street and light off-road driving. Older vehicles often have worn-out factory suspensions, so a complete QA1 kit is a good time to upgrade everything at once. Sports car owners like the tuning options for track days. Truck owners appreciate being able to stiffen the suspension for towing and soften it for daily driving.

If your vehicle is still under warranty, check your warranty terms before installing a QA1 kit. Some manufacturers void suspension-related warranty coverage if you replace factory parts. If your vehicle is out of warranty or if you are comfortable with that trade-off, a QA1 kit is a straightforward upgrade that a competent shop can install in a day.

Maintenance and long-term durability

QA1 shocks are sealed units with no user-serviceable parts inside. They do not require oil changes or internal adjustments. The only maintenance is keeping the adjustment knobs clean and dry so they turn smoothly, and checking the bolts that attach the shocks to your frame and control arms once or twice a year to make sure they have not loosened.

The shocks themselves typically last 50,000 to 100,000 miles or more, depending on how often you adjust them and how hard you drive. Frequent adjustment does not wear them out — the internal valves are designed to handle it. However, if you drive on very rough terrain or use the vehicle for racing, the shocks may wear out faster than on normal roads. QA1 offers rebuild and replacement services if a shock fails, though rebuilding is usually cheaper than buying a new one.

The springs do not wear out in the traditional sense, but they can lose stiffness over many years if they are exposed to extreme heat or if the vehicle sits unused for long periods. This is rare and usually takes 10+ years. If you notice the vehicle sitting lower than it used to or if the ride becomes noticeably softer, the springs may have relaxed, and replacement springs are available from QA1 or your shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I adjust QA1 shocks myself, or do I need a shop?

You can adjust them yourself with a wrench or the adjustment tool QA1 provides. The knobs are accessible from the wheel well or underneath the vehicle. Start with a middle setting, drive the vehicle, and adjust based on how it feels. If you are unsure about settings or want professional tuning, a shop can help, but basic adjustments are a DIY task.

Will a QA1 kit make my vehicle sit lower?

Yes. Most QA1 kits lower the vehicle 1 to 3 inches compared to stock, depending on the kit and your vehicle's weight. The lower ride height is part of the design and improves handling by lowering the center of gravity. If you do not want the vehicle lower, a QA1 kit is not the right choice.

Do I need an alignment after QA1 installation?

Yes, absolutely. The suspension geometry changes when you lower the vehicle and install new shocks and springs. An alignment is necessary to set the wheel angles correctly and prevent uneven tire wear and poor handling. Do not drive the vehicle normally without an alignment.

How long does installation take?

Most shops complete a full QA1 installation in 4 to 8 hours, depending on your vehicle and whether old parts are rusted or stuck. Some vehicles are faster; others take longer. Ask your shop for a time estimate once they inspect your vehicle.

Can I use a QA1 kit on a daily driver, or is it only for track cars?

QA1 kits work on daily drivers. You can adjust them soft enough for a comfortable commute or stiffer for spirited driving. Many people use them on vehicles driven both on the street and at the track. The adjustability is the main advantage — you can tune it to your driving style.