By Daren Foertsch

Driving with Magnetic Ride Control or electronically adjustable shocks used to feel cutting-edge—seamless transitions from cushy highway cruising to firm, corner-carving handling at the twist of a dial. But with China’s recent clampdown on rare-earth magnets, parts for those systems are suddenly scarce and outrageously expensive. Rather than chase down hard-to-find sensors and backordered magnetic dampers, now’s the perfect time to swap in a traditional spring-and-shock or coil-over setup. You’ll save money, eliminate complex electronics, and regain confidence that your suspension won’t leave you stranded.

Why Magnetic Ride Is Risky Right Now

Magnetic-ride systems rely on neodymium-based magnets and precision sensors to vary damping. With China enforcing stricter export licenses on these rare-earth materials, suppliers are rationing stock. That means if a coil or sensor fails, you might wait months and pay far more for replacement parts. Even routine service can turn into a frustrating scavenger hunt: a single burned-out coil might force you to replace an entire damper assembly.

Advantages of Going Full Mechanical

• Stable Pricing and Availability: Mechanical coil-overs and performance shocks use no magnets or high-tech sensors—just steel springs and hydraulic cartridges. Parts for rebuilds (valves, seals, springs) are inexpensive and stocked by most shops. You won’t be slammed by sudden price hikes or indefinite lead times.
  
• Simplified Maintenance: Leaky seal? Sagging spring? A mechanical kit lets you swap components at home or at any reliable shop. No need to send dampers back to the factory or hunt down rare-earth-dependent sensor packages.
  
• Consistent, Predictable Performance: When you dial in a coil-over, the damping curve stays true lap after lap. Magnetic systems can feel awesome new but often decline as sensors drift or magnets weaken. Manual adjusters keep the feel repeatable and reliable.
  
• Easy Tunability: Adjust ride height, preload, and damping clicks with a simple wrench or knob. Want a stiffer track setup Monday and a smoother street ride Tuesday? Just turn a few clicks—no laptop or proprietary controller required.
  
• Future-Proofed Investment: Technology changes fast. Today’s electronic suspension could become tomorrow’s headache if parts go out of production. A mechanical kit is built on time-tested principles: springs compress, shocks resist motion. That never goes out of style.
  

How to Make the Switch

• Select Your Kit: At Legends Auto Parts, we carry coil-over packages for a wide range of models—sports cars, sedans, trucks, and SUVs. Each kit includes threaded shock bodies, quality springs, and valved dampers tuned for street, track, or off-road use.
  
• Install or Have It Installed: Most coil-overs bolt in with basic tools. If you’re comfortable with a spring compressor, you can tackle it at home. If you're not comfortable digging into it, our shop The LAB is here to help!
  
• Dial It In: Start with the recommended baseline settings. Drive a few miles to feel how the car behaves, then tweak rebound and compression knobs to your liking. Lowering ride height? Spin the spring perch—no special tools or codes needed.
  
• Enjoy Hassle-Free Performance: Once installed, your new suspension will deliver immediate improvements in handling, consistency, and ride quality—minus any worries about magnets, sensors, or supply-chain snarls.
  

If coil-over suspension has ever crossed your mind, now is the time. Our all-mechanical kits ensure you won’t be sidelined by magnet shortages. Whether you chase track records, tackle off-road trails, or simply crave a sharper daily driver, our suspension packages give you full control—literally and figuratively. Ditch the costly, hard-to-service electronic dampers. Embrace a straightforward, dependable coil-over setup from Legends Auto Parts and keep your ride performing at its best.