Thinking about a lowered Honda Ridgeline? You’re not alone. This unique modification is gaining traction among owners who want a sportier, more street-focused look for their versatile truck. It’s a big decision that changes the vehicle’s character completely. Let’s look at what you stand to gain and what you might give up.
A lowered Ridgeline sits closer to the pavement, trading some of its stock utility for improved handling and style. It’s a popular choice in the urban truck scene. But it’s not the right move for everyone. This guide will walk you through the real-world pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right path for your Ridgeline.
Lowered Honda Ridgeline
The phrase “Lowered Honda Ridgeline” represents a specific build philosophy. It’s about prioritizing on-road performance and aesthetics over rough-terrain capability. This modification typically involves either lowering springs or a full coilover kit to reduce the factory ride height. The result is a truck that looks and drives more like a sporty SUV while retaining its core functionality.
The Advantages of a Lowered Ridgeline
There are several compelling reasons why owners choose to lower their trucks. The benefits are immediately noticeable and can significantly enhance the driving experience for certain lifestyles.
Enhanced Street Presence and Aesthetics
Let’s be honest, a big part of the appeal is the look. A lowered Ridgeline loses its slightly nose-up, utilitarian stance. It gains a sleek, planted, and aggressive appearance that turns heads. The wheel gaps are reduced, making even factory wheels look better. Many owners combine the drop with aftermarket wheels to create a truly custom vehicle that stands out from the stock crowd.
Improved Handling and Cornering
This is the biggest performance gain. Lowering the center of gravity reduces body roll significantly. The truck feels more stable and planted through corners and during lane changes. Steering response often feels sharper and more direct. The overall driving experience becomes more car-like and engaging, which is a major plus for daily driving on paved roads.
Better Aerodynamics and Fuel Efficiency
A minor but real benefit is a slight improvement in aerodynamics. A lower profile reduces wind resistance, especially at highway speeds. While you won’t see massive gains, a small improvement in fuel economy is possible. Every little bit helps, and this is a nice side effect of the modification.
Easier Loading and Access
A practical upside that’s often overlooked is easier access to the bed and cabin. A lowered truck is simply easier to step into or load heavy items over the bedside. For folks who use their Ridgeline for hauling gear to the job site or the home improvement store, the reduced lift-over height can be a genuine convenience on a daily basis.
The Drawbacks and Challenges
For all its style and handling benefits, lowering a Ridgeline comes with real compromises. It’s crucial to understand these before making any changes to your vehicle.
Reduced Ground Clearance and Off-Pavement Capability
This is the most obvious con. You are sacrificing the truck’s factory ground clearance. This means steep driveways, speed bumps, and potholes become genuine hazards. Any serious off-roading or even rough dirt roads are now off the table. The Ridgeline’s all-wheel-drive system remains, but its effective terrain range is now limited to light snow and gravel at best.
Potential for a Harsher Ride Quality
Unless you invest in a high-quality, adjustable coilover system, the ride will likely become firmer. Lowering springs often have a higher spring rate. You’ll feel more of the road’s imperfections. For some, this is a welcome trade-off for better handling. For others, it can make long drives less comfortable, especially if your local roads are in poor condition.
Increased Risk of Undercarriage Damage
With less space between the road and your truck’s vital components, you risk scraping or damaging the undercarriage. The front air dam, exhaust components, and even the oil pan become more vulnerable. You must develop a new, more cautious driving style, angling over bumps and navigating entrances slowly.
Warranty and Insurance Considerations
Modifying your suspension can void portions of your factory warranty, particularly related to the drivetrain and suspension components. It’s essential to check with your dealer. Also, you should always inform your insurance company about significant modifications. While it might increase your premium, failure to disclose it could risk a claim being denied later.
How to Lower Your Honda Ridgeline: Methods Explained
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to proceed, you have a few main paths to choose from. The method you select depends on your budget and goals.
Lowering Springs
This is the most common and cost-effective entry point. Springs replace your factory ones and provide a predetermined drop, usually between 1.5 and 3 inches.
* Pros: Affordable, relatively simple installation, improves looks and handling.
* Cons: Ride quality is often stiffer, drop height is not adjustable, may require complementary parts like new shocks for best results.
Coilover Kits
A coilover system replaces the entire strut and spring assembly with an adjustable unit. This is the preferred method for a serious build.
* Pros: Fully adjustable for height and often damping (ride stiffness), allows for fine-tuning and leveling, typically offers the best overall performance and ride quality when properly set up.
* Cons: Significantly more expensive, installation is more complex, requires alignment and potentially professional tuning.
Drop Spindles
Less common for the Ridgeline, but a good option if available. Spindles relocate the wheel hub downward, lowering the truck without altering the factory suspension geometry or spring tension.
* Pros: Maintains factory ride quality and suspension travel, preserves ground clearance for components like the control arms.
* Cons: Limited availability and typically offer a more modest drop, can be costly.
Essential Steps and Tips for a Proper Lowering Job
Doing it right is everything. A poorly executed lowering job can ruin your truck’s driveability and safety. Follow these key steps.
1. Research and Purchase the Right Kit. Match the kit to your goals. Read forums and reviews specific to the second-generation (2017+) or first-generation Ridgeline, as parts are not interchangeable.
2. Gather Necessary Supporting Parts. You will likely need new camber adjustment bolts or a full alignment kit to correct the wheel angles after dropping. Don’t forget these.
3. Professional Installation is Recommended. Unless you are highly experienced with suspension work, have a qualified shop perform the installation. Proper torque specs and alignment are critical.
4. Get a Precision Wheel Alignment Immediately. This is non-negotiable. Lowering changes the suspension geometry. A precise alignment prevents premature tire wear and ensures the truck drives straight and safe.
5. Consider Wheel and Tire Upgrades. The new stance may call for different wheel offsets or tire sizes to achieve the perfect look and avoid rubbing. Plan for this potential extra cost.
Living With a Lowered Ridgeline: Daily Realities
Ownership requires some adaptation. You’ll need to be mindful of where you drive. Planning routes to avoid known bad roads or steep entries becomes second nature. Carrying a couple of pieces of wood to place under the jack is a smart trick for emergency tire changes, as a standard jack may not fit under the lowered frame. The trade-off, for many, is absolutely worth it. The joy of a sharper-looking truck that handles with confidence on your daily commute can outweigh these minor inconveniences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a lowered Honda Ridgeline practical?
It depends on your usage. For purely on-road driving, hauling light to moderate cargo, and urban living, it can be very practical. If you need to traverse rough terrain or have severe weather, it’s less practical.
How much does it cost to lower a Ridgeline?
Costs vary widely. Lowering springs can cost $250-$500 plus installation. A full coilover kit can range from $1,000 to $3,000+ installed. Always budget for a professional alignment ($100-$200).
Can you reverse a lowering modification?
Yes, in most cases. You can reinstall the original suspension components. However, if any factory parts were modified or cut during the installation, reversal may be more difficult or costly.
Will lowering my truck damage it?
Not if done correctly with quality parts and a professional alignment. However, the increased risk of scraping the undercarriage is a form of wear-and-tear you must manage.
Does a lowered Ridgeline still have good towing capacity?
The factory tow rating is not officially changed, but a lowered suspension may sag more when loaded. Using air bags or helper springs within the rear coils is highly recommended if you plan to tow or carry heavy loads regularly.
What’s the best lowering kit for a Honda Ridgeline?
There’s no single “best” kit. Popular and reputable brands include Eibach, H&R, and Tein for springs or coilovers. The best kit is the one that fits your specific budget, desired drop amount, and ride quality expectations.
Making the choice to create a Lowered Honda Ridgeline is a personal one that balances desire against daily function. By understanding both the exciting benefits and the real compromises, you can make an informed decision. Whether you opt for a subtle drop or a dramatic stance, proper planning and installation are the keys to enjoying your uniquely modified truck for miles to come. Remember to drive carefully and enjoy the new personality your Ridgeline gains.