Raise Your Expectations with a RideTech Suspension

Despite the persistent chill in the air, spring is almost upon us, ushering in warm sunshine and countless auto events. Now hopefully, you’ve been taking advantage of the winter months, fixing up that hot rod and gettin’ it ready for a pageant debut at every show-n-shine between here and the great Mississippi. But as our friends over at RideTech point out, while those events are a gas, “the greatest rewards in hot rodding are driving across America, spending time with friends and helping others.”

Obviously, we’re always down for a road trip. But we gotta ask, did you upgrade that suspension yet? Because if you actually plan on driving that beaut—either around the country or just around town—it might be time to address ride quality. Luckily, our friends at RideTech have some advice on that, too.

Have You Met RideTech?

RideTech is one of the world’s largest aftermarket suspension companies, serving a variety of applications, from street to track and classic cruisers to daily drivers. (So, it’s safe to say they know a little about upgrading performance and ride quality.) Founded in 1996 after owner Bret Voelkel developed an air ride suspension for a 1970 Ford Mustang project car, RideTech, formerly known as Air Ride Technologies, has grown over the years into an industry-leading, full line suspension company.

The company is committed to providing the highest quality performance parts that display cutting-edge durability, reliability, and efficiency. All products are manufactured in the USA—mostly at the company’s facility in Jasper, Indiana—by a staff of self-proclaimed auto enthusiasts who proudly live the lifestyle they serve. The lineup covers everything from air suspension systems, coil overs, and shock absorbers to coil and leaf springs, control arms, sway bars, and much more. And the company is even active outside the aftermarket, diversifying with OEM, marine, and military applications.

But let’s hone in on those air suspension offerings, since that’s what this company cut its teeth on. (And since you’re looking for a comfortable and luxurious drive to all those car shows this season.)

RideTech Air Suspension Systems

A key benefit to upgrading to an air suspension, aside from feeling as if you’re floating on air that is, is the instant height adjustment you can have at the push of a button. RideTech offers several different systems so you can achieve the look and ride quality you desire. Check out RideTech’s patented Shockwaves®, which are integrated air spring and shock absorber assemblies that provide excellent stance, handling, and load capacity. RideTech also still offers one of its earliest suspension solutions, CoolRide kits. The company explains that these are “air spring and bracket assemblies for use as drop-in coil spring replacements, as well as for use in custom bolt-in and weld-in installations.”

Additionally, RideTech offers self-contained analog and digital compressor systems, air springs, tubular A-arms, Bolt-On or Weld-In 4-links, wishbones, and more. While it makes a conscious effort to provide solutions for every budget and skill level, “We never compromise quality or cut corners,” says RideTech. “We work really hard to ensure that parts install with ease and … that parts and systems are in stock for fast shipping.”

In fact, it’s this dedication to in-house quality control that has allowed RideTech to become a performance suspension specialist, with a virtually non-existent back-order rate. Better yet, everything’s backed by a competitive warranty. The company stands behind all of its shock absorbers with a 1,000,001-mile warranty as proof that RideTech truly “goes the extra mile.” And just in case you’re not convinced, RideTech promises that any driver who expires their RideTech shock warranty, “will get a picture of themselves and their car in a full-page ad in Hot Rod Magazine.”

Need Proof?

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out these real-world applications of RideTech suspension technology.

48-Hour Camaro Build

At Barret-Jackson’s 2018 inaugural auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, RideTech did a live-build of a Gen-2 Camaro in just 48 hours, using 100% bolt-on parts. Throughout the year, the impressive pro-touring build was taken cross-country for racing events and show-n-shines alongside its Track 1 Camaro sibling.

While the original build featured the company’s TQ Series triple adjustable coilovers, RideTech quietly swapped in the TQ Series Shockwaves air suspension during the spring of 2018. Continuing to race the 48-Hour Camaro, the company discovered that the car was just as fast—if not faster—due to easier adjustability!

Bonneville Project Car

This 1968 Pontiac Bonneville was built about 10 years ago—making it one of RideTech’s first pet projects! It features the company’s CoolRide suspension in both the front and rear, which RideTech says “has covered thousands of trouble-free miles” over the last decade. A RidePro-X Digital Air Suspension Leveling system was added over the years, providing seamless ride height adjustment that can easily be accessed via a simple smartphone app.

This 1968 Pontiac Bonneville was built about 10 years ago---making it one of RideTech's first pet projects!

The vintage V-8 recently saw an interior overhaul, adding a set of fifth generation Camaro power bucket seats with a matching rear bench seat—built from scratch. Luxury touches include premium leather and custom upholstery on virtually every surface, custom-milled cupholders, updated power windows, new stereo system, air conditioning, and even a hidden bar!

These Instagram snaps prove RideTech products suit every budget, every style, and every skill level.
This 1950 Cadillac features custom front and rear suspension comprised fully of RideTech components.
This 1950 Cadillac features custom front and rear suspension comprised fully of RideTech components.

 

This C10 Chevy rocks a low RideTech suspension.
This C10 Chevy rocks a low RideTech suspension.

 

This 1988 Monte Carlo SS nicknamed "SicMonte" rides on Ridetech TQ (triple adjustable) coilovers.
This 1988 Monte Carlo SS nicknamed “SicMonte” rides on Ridetech TQ (triple adjustable) coilovers.

Stay Tuned

Looking forward, RideTech continues to invest in R&D and expand its engineering department resources, making its innovative suspension systems more durable and technologically capable. With a dedicated team focused on product development and customer satisfaction, backed by a true passion for automotives, RideTech is working hard to secure another generation of exciting suspension systems.

We bet your excited to put some miles on that hot rod now, eh?

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