Up next
Author
Share article
Facebook 0
Twitter 0
Mail 0

Dropping the Tesla: Air Suspension Install on a 2020 Model 3

Air Suspension Install on a Tesla Model 3

When it comes to pushing the boundaries of what a Tesla can do, Chris Salvo from The Electrified Garage is no stranger. His latest project? Dropping a 2020 Tesla Model 3 with an Air Lift Performance air suspension kit, taking it to the next level both in looks and performance. This isn’t just about getting low; it’s about doing it right and keeping the Tesla’s sleek, futuristic vibe intact.

Air Lift Performance engineered this kit to give you that show-stopping stance without sacrificing the legendary ride quality Tesla is known for. With a drop of up to 4.5 inches (112 mm) up front and 5.7 inches (145 mm) in the rear, this system lets you cruise at the perfect height for any situation—whether you’re rolling low and slow at a car show or raising it up to tackle speed bumps and steep driveways. All of this is at your fingertips with just the push of a button.

The Tesla Model 3 we just finished work on is owned by Chris Salvo from Electrified Garage. Chris had previously installed some lowering springs on this car so it already has a lowered stance. The ride quality and speed bumps are pushing Chris to embrace air suspension.

But it’s not just about getting low; it’s about handling, too. The kit features double-bellow air springs over monotube, threaded-body shocks that offer 30 levels of damping adjustability. So whether you’re looking for a cushy daily ride or a stiff setup for spirited drives, you’ve got options. And let’s talk about those FLO Airride billet tanks crafted from high-quality aluminum with a brushed finish. They don’t just perform; they add a polished, high-end touch to the build.

Installing this kit was straightforward, thanks to Air Lift’s detailed instructions. If you’ve got basic wrench skills, you can knock this out in a few hours. And once it’s in, you’ll know it’s built to last, with components torture-tested to one million cycles and backed by a one-year unlimited mileage warranty.

With this setup, Chris’ Model 3 isn’t just another electric car—it’s a statement. It’s proof that the future of driving can be as stylish as it is sustainable. Now

To prepare for the install, Chris and the crew at The Electrified Garage cleaned out the shop and put the car on the lift.
Engineered for the ultimate drop, the Air Lift Performance kit slams your Tesla Model 3 up to 4.5 inches (112 mm) in the front and 5.7 inches (145 mm) in the rear, all while maintaining top-tier ride quality. With 30 levels of damping adjustability and double-bellow air springs, this setup delivers a smooth ride and sharp handling, eliminating bottoming out with just a touch of a button—perfect for those who demand both style and performance.

The product was packed as well as expected from a high-quality company like Air Lift Performance. These FLO Airride tanks are super nice!
Air Lift Performance’s airbag shocks and struts offer 30 levels of damping adjustment, letting you dial in the perfect ride whether you’re cruising smooth or ready to hit the track. Lighter, cooler, and more responsive than twin-tube shocks, these bolt-on components are designed for easy installation with no need for major mods.
Air Lift Performance’s 3H and 3P air management systems offer precise control over ride height and air pressure, automatically adapting to cargo, passengers, and road conditions. With up to five customizable presets, you’re always ready for whatever the road throws your way.

With the product unboxed and the car on the lift, it was time to take off the wheels!
The first step in the process was to remove the frunk liner and disconnect the upper strut mount.

The crew could then unbolt the control arm joint and lower shock bolts.
The shock easily slid out of the wheelwell after a few bolts were removed.
Here you can see the difference between the factory lower shock bracket and the new Air Lift strut assembly. We swapped the upper shock mount and were good to go.

 

It took no time to unbolt the upper mount from the old strut assembly and mount it to the new Air Lift assembly.
After checking for any clearance issues, we were able to simply bolt the original hardware onto the new strut.
With the new shock mounted, the crew at Electrified Garage could now slip the strut assembly back into place and reinstall the factory hardware.
Just like that, the front was complete and the wheel could go back on. Let’s go do the back!
With the rear wheel removed, the lower suspension mounts are very visible and easy to work on.
They quickly had the rear strut removed and the new bag in place.

Now for the fun part—plumbing the airlines and running the wires. The carpet was pulled back in the trunk so everything will be hidden.

Next, we could mount the air management block in an accessible location for any future service needs.
The compressors needed to be installed next. One thing to keep in mind is airflow to keep them cool and ease of removal in case you ever need to take them out for any reason.
Don’t let the wiring scare you! Yes, this is an electric car, but Air Lift has done its homework to be certain it does not affect the performance of the car in any way.
A few last wires to hook up and air hoses to connect before we could lower the lift.
The final part to go in the trunk was the precision-built air tank from FLO Airride. We wanted this to be seen so we mounted it in a visible location.
Even with these parts installed, we still had plenty of room to put boxes or luggage in the trunk of the Tesla.
It was time to get this car out of the shop and on the road. The full install time was only two days.
Before our first road trip, we used the Air Lift controller to set our ride and park heights. The presets make it easy to set your car where you want it when you want it.
Now that’s a smooth ride and a great stance! These air bags ride so much better than those stiff coilovers did.
The car looks so mean cruising at this height!
Now to air it out and get a look of the car on the ground. So wicked and cool looking!
The rear wheel is tucked into the fenders so much it looks like we modified the fenders, but we didn’t. This was just a simple suspension swap that you can do at home!

Here’s a close look at the wheels tucked into the fenders. Does it raise the hairs on your arm and give you goosebumps like it does to me? 38s

 

 

You May Also Like

Building the CyberRoadster: A DIY Enthusiast's Journey to Create the Ultimate Tesla Before Tesla

One Man’s Quest to Build the Ultimate Tesla—Before Tesla! When Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the Cybertruck in 2019, it was initially received with mixed […]

Holley High Voltage Experience: Electrifying Action and Innovation Unveiled

An Electrifying Experience The Holley High Voltage Experience debuted at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California. The location proved especially fitting given its proximity to California’s […]

Tesla Takeover 2023: A Grand Gathering of EV Enthusiasts in San Luis Obispo

Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley Take Over San Luis Obispo With this third edition, the Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley has definitely delivered the most […]

London Doctor's Tesla Model X Transformation: From Skeptic to Electric Marvel

Brit Doctor Facelifts the Model X to Perfection Andrew Dharman, a London-based general practitioner, admits it was originally his wife, Kasiika, who suggested they get a […]