If you are interested in lowering your vehicle, you might be wondering what is the cost of putting hydraulics in a car. Depending on your state, there might be some legality issues with modifications, so think about this option very carefully.
In this article, I discuss the cost of putting hydraulics in a vehicle, and I provide all the different parts that will be used, and I give an evaluation on whether putting hydraulics will affect the car.
How Much Does It Cost To Put Hydraulics in a Car?
A basic hydraulic system for a car might only cost about $600, but a high-tech system can easily run $1,000 or more. And don’t forget about the installation cost, and you’re looking at another $75 to $150/hour.
Turning your car into a lowrider means being able to raise and lower the car fairly quickly. With some systems, you can jump a little, hop, and even bounce the car (think of cars at some shows dancing a little).
To achieve this look and function you have to install various pieces and parts. The more pieces and parts required the more money you are going to spend.
This has led some folks to think about using a basic kit to get started. While certainly cheaper, functionality is not the same.
In this case, you get what you pay for. It may make more since to save a little more money to get the kit you want and the professional installation your car deserves.
Parts of the Car Hydraulic System
#1. Rams.
The ram replaces the OEM spring and shock assembly on the vehicle. These rams need to be mounted to get the full customized setup.
These rams are filled with hydraulic fluid to make raising and lowering the car possible; if they are drained of fluid, the car will sit closer to the ground.
#2. Pumps.
Hydraulic pumps are the key to the lowering system. When you have heavy-duty pumps, you have the power to raise or lower the vehicle.
Some systems will have two pumps, while others may have four pumps. You will pay more for a system with more pumps, but a system with more pumps will have a response rate much faster than a system with fewer pumps.
#3. Springs.
To use a hydraulic system on a vehicle, the vehicle does not need to have springs. You can lower your vehicle without springs.
That being said, you can use springs on the vehicle, and springs are an additional cost to you. Springs absorb some shock to make your riding experience more enjoyable.
#4. Fluid Lines.
The hydraulic system uses multiple heavy-duty hoses to transmit fluid, and all hoses are attached with a metal connector.
Since a lot of pressure goes through the lines, the connectors must be strong and durable. If there is a leak, the high-pressure fluid will spray out heavily and make a mess.
#5. Electronic Components.
You can’t put a standard hydraulic system and expect it to dance and bounce to the music. A more advanced electrical system is required for that degree of capability, and then power considerations are required.
Many hydraulic suspension systems will run on multiple batteries, even upwards to 10 or more batteries, and then be connected with alternators and heavy gauge wiring.
You cannot expect your typical hydraulic suspension to run off a normal 12-volt system, since much more power needs to be produced, and you should expect a system closer to 24-volts, or even higher.
The average hydraulic system will not have much electronics, and that is one the reasons cost can be kept lower. But you won’t get the advanced effects you could get out of a normal standard hydraulic system with heavy amounts of electronics.
So, as you are factoring in the price, not only do you consider how much the parts are, and how many you need. The final consideration is how much labor will be needed. If you are able to install it yourself, you could save a decent amount of money.
If you need to find parts, for a custom hydraulic system, you can start to look at CoolCars, and start to get some parts you need.
Are Hydraulics Bad for Your Car?
In a short time, the hydraulics can start to wear out the suspension of the vehicle. The hydraulics will wear out the undercarriage of the vehicle too. However, if you use modern technology and make sure it is installed correctly, all of this will be less of an issue.
Also, you will want to think about handling after the hydraulics are on your car. The ride can become harsher and more difficult to handle. If you are not prepared for this, the ride could become dangerous to you, so that is a consideration.
Hydraulic Suspension Pros
#1. Firmer Ride.
Are you fed up with your car’s mushy, spongy feel? With a hydraulic suspension, you can create a more firmer feel that may be more comfortable for you.
With a suspension upgrade, you can set up the suspension to have more firmness but there ar also options where it relaxes the hydraulics a bit to give you the best of both worlds.
#2. Faster Reaction Time.
When comparing a hydraulic system to your regular coil springs, you will have a much faster reaction time. When you drive over a speed bump, you will notice more instant reaction from the car.
Your suspension’s hydraulic fluid reacts when it feels any shock. In the case you have an adjustable suspension you can alter how fast it reacts.
#3. Completely Customizable.
There is a hydraulic suspension for any need. You can customize the suspension settings to work for what functions you need it.
You can hold the shocks to a certain height where they would sit, or you can get as complicated as you desire to have some special effects, and a look that will turn heads.
Hydraulic Suspension Cons
#1. Expensive.
You have to be willing to shell out a good amount of cash for the hydraulic system. And don’t be misled into thinking you’re only going to spend money when you buy the hydraulic kit and install it.
You have to factor in what it will cost to maintain and repair the system in the future. In addition, it is hard to find technicians that will work on these suspensions.
#2. Leaks are Common.
You might have many bigger problems with the hydraulic system than you would with standard suspension. With all the pressure and lines installed, you might find that it leaks quite frequently.
It is pretty easy to find the leaks, in particular, the fluid sprays out and you see it when there is high-pressure. The repairs, however, can be costly and at times overwhelming.
#3. Bumpier Ride.
Ride quality is part of pros and cons. Yes, you will get a firmer ride with the hydraulic suspension which is something, some people want.
But for that reason, it will become more of a bumpy ride. If you spend the money and get a really nice set of shocks or springs, you might be able to lessen some of the harshness, but then again, you have more expense.
Are Hydraulic Systems Legal?
Certain states have strict regulations when it comes to hydraulic systems. While you should conduct you own research before make any modifications to your vehicle, below are some states with unique laws.
Texas
The headlight height of your vehicle needs to be between 24 to 54 inches off the ground. In addition, the taillights have to be 15 to 72 inches from the ground.
Along with that, you should know what height your rear reflector will be needed in the height range of 15 to 60 inches from the ground.
Several of the other lighting requirements also have rules you will want to verify on the Texas website so your vehicle is compliant.
New York
New York state also has regulations on the maximum height of a vehicle. A vehicle can be a height of no more than 13’1”.
However, you’ll want to confirm there is no minimum frame range and height. Make sure you are also following weight requirements for your vehicle to keep your vehicle legal.
Florida
Just like Texas has regulations on headlight height, all headlight heights in Florida have to be between 24 to 54 inches to the ground. However, Florida does not require any height for the taillight.
Florida also has a maximum bumper height clearance standard. While in Texas the item for measurement was standardized, the maximum bumper height is measured with the weight of the vehicle in mind.
So you will have to reference the guide on the website to determine how your vehicle aligns with the maximum clearance standard. Similar to Texas and New York, there are exceptions for hot rods, antique vehicles, and new vehicles, so consult the site in detail.
California
California has some of the most laws in place. It is suggested that you read through the state government website to make sure your vehicle is compliant.
The most important law is that no vehicle can have a body lift or frame height of more than five inches. Aftermarket lifts are allowed, and lowering kits are compliant and permitted.