Which component should be replaced if a vehicle's ride height is below the specified standard?

When a vehicle's ride height is below the specified standard, the component that should be replaced is the springs. Springs play a crucial role in maintaining the vehicle's ride height as they support the weight of the vehicle and help absorb shocks from the road. Over time, springs can weaken or sag due to fatigue or wear, leading to a decrease in ride height.

Replacing the springs restores the vehicle to its proper ride height, improving handling, comfort, and overall performance. While shock absorbers also affect ride quality and stability, they do not directly influence the vehicle’s static ride height as springs do. Control arms and ball joints are important for steering and suspension geometry, but they do not typically have a direct impact on the vehicle's ride height. Therefore, addressing the issue of reduced ride height is primarily a matter of replacing the springs.