If I lower the car and keep the stock shocks will it still handle ok? I don't have the cash to put down for new shocks but want the lowered look. What would you do?

Scott

 

yes. i lowered mine (1 1/4") with stock shocks and it's fine. so i would imagine you should be too (unless you plan on having your car body dragging the ground that is). i ended up changing them later because they were worn, but i'm pretty sure that the new shocks i put in are stock size. if you can afford it, its easier replacing the front shocks while youve got the springs off so you only have to get the alignment done at one time (the rear doesnt make a bit of difference wether or not you got the springs off, the springs and shocks are completely seperate. you'll see) . make sure you do get it aligned regardless if you do springs or springs and shocks. if you got a firestone locally, pay $99 bucks for unlimited lifetime alignment (or $40 per time). if you can afford it. anyways, you should be okay with what you got.
dave

 

Make sure they are quality shocks. I lowered my firebird 1.5" and kept the stock shocks, looks great!!! Try DMS springs, that what I have, love em.....http://dynamicmotorsports.com/

 

If all you are concerned about is looks, then sure you can use the stock shocks.
The stock shocks are not calibrated for the higher spring rates of lowering springs and are even more mismatched when they are old. If you want your suspension to work its best, new shocks would be in order.

 

I'd say yes....but since I hate Decarbons...(if that's what you have) NO! It will not work! take that lowering cash and Get Better shocks first! Decarbons worse Pieces of Sh*t on the planet!


But if you don't have Decarbons....yeah you can lower your car with regular shocks...shocks have little to do with lowering...it's all in the springs.

 

Now wait a minute. Not to be a thread jacker or nothing, but whats wrong with de carbons. Mine got 150,000 miles on them and still operate like new. I agree with Bud, your rate will be wrong. But as shocks go, theyre ok. Not to be a jerk or anything, but it seems i see heat maker on the board ever day or two saying Pos this, and Pos that, JMHO, but after a while you have to ask yourself.....................maybe its me. Prorac1

 

I'd split the difference and say the DeCarbons are 'adequate'. They're by no means a great shock, but not total junk either.

They're definitely not designed to deal with as much lowering as some folks go with them.

 

what does the price of a install useally cost, will you need a alignment with eibach pro kit?

 

LOL's yeah..but my POS this and that's are becasue of bad experiences I've had with products..... Just wait till you try a different brand of shock on your car...you'll see what your missing.

 

You can use the stock shocks and lowered springs, but you won't get the full potential of the springs without a higher rate shock.

The good thing is that you can put the springs in the rear and change the shocks later. In the front, you should do both at the same time, because the install is a major pain.

Dan

 

as far as install prices are concerned, i dont really know. i did it myself because it really wasnt that difficult. then again, i have access to a shop with a spring compressor (that helps a little). and as far as the getting it aligned, even with the eibach kit, i would suggest it. unless your next big purchase is going to be tires . when your making modifications to your car, it is sometimes best to wait until you can do everything needed all at one time as apposed to do a piece here and there. (for instance- putting in springs, get alignment, wait a few months and buy new shocks, get another alignment).

 

Also, you will most likely have to cut the little nut off of the front shocks, rendering them useless. I would at the very least order some SLP decarbon take offs or some NAPA ones for around 35 or so, or else you will be waiting around for new shocks anyway. I don't know of anyone who was able to reuse their front shocks, esp when that nut becomes rusted.

 

ya i just bought new tires, Ill look into ordering the shocks at the same time as the springs.

 

VERY good point. You will probably damage the stock shocks in front anyways because the top nut is always so rusted on. I had to cut mine off. No way I could have reused my front shocks.

Dan