• (855) 599-7247
  • Find a Dealer

Go back home
Go to Support Page
Go to Account Page

Shop

Air Suspension
Universal Air Springs
Coilovers & Conversion Kits
Replacement Parts
Closeout
Shop All
Air Suspension Kits Vehicle
Need help? Use our configurator to build your full kit!
Build Full Kit
Performance Series Menu Dropdown
The perfect balance between styling and practicality
Explore Performance Series
ALP4 Management
3H/3P Management
Manual Management
Configurator
Customize Your Ride's Control with Our Management Configurator
Configure Your System
3H/3P Controller in dash
Achieve precise control with air management technology
Explore 3H & 3P Systems
Intro to Air Lift Drop Down Image
Intro to Air Lift

Discover the history and innovation behind Air Lift's industry-leading suspension solutions.

Air bag next to coilover
Air vs. Coilovers

Compare our air suspension and coilovers to find the perfect setup for your build.

FAQs Drop Down Image
FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about our products and installation.

Blog Drop Down Image
Blog

Explore the latest in air suspension tips, builds, and industry insights.

With Air Lift Performance’s coil to air upgrade kits, take your existing ALP coilover kit to a dynamic, adjustable system.

Coilovers vs. Air Suspension: Why You Don't Have to Choose

8/8/2026

If you're building a performance vehicle, one of the biggest suspension decisions you'll make is choosing between coilovers and air suspension.

Coilovers have long been the go-to choice for enthusiasts who prioritize handling, adjustability, and a lowered stance. Air suspension, on the other hand, offers the flexibility to raise or lower your vehicle at the touch of a button while still delivering impressive driving dynamics.

But what if you didn't have to choose?

With Air Lift Performance Coil-to-Air Upgrade Kits, you can start with Air Lift Performance Coilovers today and upgrade to full air suspension later — without replacing your entire suspension system. It's a smarter, more flexible approach that lets your suspension evolve as your build does.

Coilovers vs. Air Suspension: What's the Difference?

Both systems are designed to improve handling and vehicle stance, but they offer different advantages depending on your goals.

Coilovers

Performance coilovers use threaded spring perches and precision dampers to provide adjustable ride height and suspension tuning. They're ideal for enthusiasts looking for responsive handling, improved cornering, and a performance-oriented driving experience. Air Lift Performance Coilovers feature vehicle-specific valving, 32-way damping adjustment, and premium monotube dampers engineered for both spirited driving and daily comfort.

More Recent Articles

This manifold is installed incorrectly upside down.

7 Air Suspension Installation Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Build

VW Golf Rs

Three Volkswagen Golf R Air Suspension Builds in South Africa

Get The Latest from Air Lift Performance

Want first access to big sale events, performance suspension news, and exclusive drops that sell out quickly?

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Coilovers are ideal if you want:

Air Suspension

Air suspension replaces traditional coil springs with air springs, allowing ride height to be adjusted instantly through an onboard air management system.

Need to clear a steep driveway?

Raise the vehicle.

Heading to a show?

Lower it with the touch of a button.

Driving home?

Return to your preferred ride height.

Air suspension offers a level of versatility that static suspension simply can't match.

The Problem Enthusiasts Often Face

Many enthusiasts begin their build with coilovers.

Months — or even years — later, they decide they want the versatility of air suspension.

Traditionally, that meant removing the entire suspension system and starting over.

New air struts.

New suspension.

More expense.

More installation time.

Air Lift Performance looked at that problem differently.

Introducing Coil-to-Air Upgrade Kits

Instead of replacing your entire suspension, Coil-to-Air Upgrade Kits allow you to convert compatible Air Lift Performance Coilovers into a complete air suspension system.

Each vehicle-specific kit includes:

Once the suspension conversion is complete, simply pair the system with the Air Lift control system of your choice for fully adjustable ride height

Why Upgrade Instead of Starting Over?

Protect Your Investment

If you've already invested in Air Lift Performance Coilovers, there's no need to replace the entire suspension system.

Coil-to-Air Upgrade Kits build on the suspension you already own, allowing your investment to grow with your vehicle.

Enjoy Push-Button Ride Height

Air suspension gives you the flexibility to adapt your vehicle to changing road conditions.

Lower it for the perfect stance.

Raise it for:

Maintain Performance

The conversion retains the engineering behind your Air Lift Performance Coilovers while adding the functionality of adjustable air suspension. Vehicle-specific valving, premium dampers, and handling characteristics remain at the heart of the system.

Designed Specifically for Air Lift Performance Coilovers

Unlike universal conversion systems, Air Lift Performance Coil-to-Air Upgrade Kits are engineered exclusively for compatible Air Lift Performance Coilovers.

That means:

Coilovers vs. Coil-to-Air Upgrade

Feature

Air Lift Performance Coilovers

Coil-to-Air Upgrade

Ride Height

Adjustable during setup

Push-button adjustable

Handling

Performance-focused

Performance with added versatility

Daily Drivability

Excellent

Excellent

Show Stance

Static

Fully adjustable

Suspension Replacement Required

Yes, to switch to air

No

Vehicle-Specific Engineering

✔

✔

Compatible with Air Management

Future upgrade

✔

Is a Coil-to-Air Upgrade Right for You?

A Coil-to-Air Upgrade Kit is a great option if you:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert any coilovers to air?

No. Air Lift Performance Coil-to-Air Upgrade Kits are engineered exclusively for compatible Air Lift Performance Coilovers and are not designed for other manufacturers' suspension systems.

Do I need to replace my entire suspension?

No. The upgrade converts your existing compatible Air Lift Performance Coilovers into an air suspension system using vehicle-specific components.

Will I lose handling performance?

No. Air Lift Performance designed these upgrades to maintain the sporty driving characteristics of the original coilover system while adding the flexibility of adjustable ride height.

Is installation difficult?

The conversion can be completed by an experienced DIY enthusiast or an authorized Air Lift Performance dealer. Installation involves removing the coil springs and upper mounts, installing the air spring assemblies, and pairing the system with your preferred Air Lift control system.

Which control system should I use?

Coil-to-Air Upgrade Kits are compatible with Air Lift Performance air management systems, allowing you to choose the control solution that best fits your vehicle and driving style.

Ready for What's Next?

Your suspension shouldn't limit where your build goes next.

Whether you're chasing improved handling today or dreaming about adjustable ride height tomorrow, Air Lift Performance Coilovers give you a suspension platform that's ready to evolve.

With Coil-to-Air Upgrade Kits, you don't have to choose between coilovers and air suspension — you can have both, on your timeline.

Use our Dealer Locator to find an authorized Air Lift Performance dealer, or explore our growing lineup of Coil-to-Air Upgrade Kits to see if there's an application for your vehicle.

Shop My Vehicle
Air bag next to coilover

  • Exceptional handling
  • Adjustable ride height during installation
  • Daily-driving comfort with performance tuning
  • A clean, static stance
  • A suspension that's ready for the next step
Coilover to Air Bag Transition

  • Air springs
  • Required mounting hardware
  • Vehicle-specific brackets (where applicable)
  • Everything needed to convert your existing Air Lift Performance Coilovers to air
Raise It Up

  • Speed bumps
  • Driveways
  • Uneven pavement
  • Daily driving
Air Lift VW Mk5/Mk6 Threaded Body Performance Kit

  • Vehicle-specific engineering
  • Bolt-on installation
  • No suspension fabrication
  • No guesswork
  • No universal compromises
Lowered Blue Car

  • Already own Air Lift Performance Coilovers
  • Want adjustable ride height
  • Plan to evolve your build over time
  • Want to avoid replacing your entire suspension
  • Want the versatility of air suspension without sacrificing performance
  • Shop
    • Shop All
    • Air Suspension
    • Air Management
    • Search Your Vehicle
    • Parts and Pieces
    • Merch/Swag
    • Closeout
  • Support
    • Get Support
    • Installation Manuals
    • Warranty
    • Warranty Registration
    • Warranty Claim
    • Contact Us
    • FAQs
    • Troubleshooting
  • Company
    • About
    • Testimonials
    • Careers
    • Terms of Service
    • Return Policy
    • Privacy Policy
  • Shipping Policy
  • Ambassador Program
  • Affiliate Program
  • Air Lift Company
  • Dealer & Installers
    • Find a Dealer
    • Become a Dealer
    • Dealer Portal Login
    • Unauthorized Dealers
    Go to Air Lift Performance homepage

    © 2026 Air Lift Performance. All rights reserved.

    #lifeonair
    Follow Us