Aftermarket Shocks and Struts
08-29-12, 05:28 PM
#1
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Aftermarket Shocks and Struts
Hi Guys,
The topic is aftermarket shocks and struts.
I'd like to purchase a set, but because my car is lowered, I'd like to be sure that any set that I buy will have more compression travel than my OEMs? In other words, if I could find a set of aftermarket shocks/struts that are 1-2" shorter (more specifically have 1-2" more compression travel before bottoming out compared to OEM), I should be good to go.
How can I be sure that any set of shocks/struts that I buy will fit this requirement.
Not interested in coilovers at this time.
Thanks
BayArea
The topic is aftermarket shocks and struts.
I'd like to purchase a set, but because my car is lowered, I'd like to be sure that any set that I buy will have more compression travel than my OEMs? In other words, if I could find a set of aftermarket shocks/struts that are 1-2" shorter (more specifically have 1-2" more compression travel before bottoming out compared to OEM), I should be good to go.
How can I be sure that any set of shocks/struts that I buy will fit this requirement.
Not interested in coilovers at this time.
Thanks
BayArea
08-29-12, 10:01 PM
#2
thats pretty hard to find out, as I think most after market shocks are just oem replacements, so they should be close to oem spec. Its mainly the spring that adjusts the lowering amount.
Coilovers would be the best option as you can adjust the height, to whatever you like without messing up the spring rates.
Coilovers would be the best option as you can adjust the height, to whatever you like without messing up the spring rates.
08-30-12, 12:15 PM
#4
maybe take a look at bilstein?
They have 2 perch settings which maybe will get you a quarter-inch if i remember, but this basically just has the effect of lowering/raising your car by that amount. I think the "higher" setting though is just stock.
But regarding the compression travel, once it's fully compressed, aren't you basically rubbing at that point? Isn't the point of the stops is to prevent your tires from hitting your vehicle.
That being said, the bumpstop is part of the assembly, not part of the shock. I suppose you can shave that down to get a little extra travel, but then you have less cushion when you hit it between metal-metal.
Shouldn't your the goal just go get a stiffer shock, so the same force doesn't cause it to compress all the way, Changing travel distance I would think means you're just raising your car.
They have 2 perch settings which maybe will get you a quarter-inch if i remember, but this basically just has the effect of lowering/raising your car by that amount. I think the "higher" setting though is just stock.
But regarding the compression travel, once it's fully compressed, aren't you basically rubbing at that point? Isn't the point of the stops is to prevent your tires from hitting your vehicle.
That being said, the bumpstop is part of the assembly, not part of the shock. I suppose you can shave that down to get a little extra travel, but then you have less cushion when you hit it between metal-metal.
Shouldn't your the goal just go get a stiffer shock, so the same force doesn't cause it to compress all the way, Changing travel distance I would think means you're just raising your car.
Last edited by raytseng; 08-30-12 at 12:19 PM.
08-30-12, 12:30 PM
#5
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maybe take a look at bilstein?
They have 2 perch settings which maybe will get you a quarter-inch if i remember, but this basically just has the effect of lowering/raising your car by that amount. I think the "higher" setting though is just stock.
But regarding the compression travel, once it's fully compressed, aren't you basically rubbing at that point? Isn't the point of the stops is to prevent your tires from hitting your vehicle.
That being said, the bumpstop is part of the assembly, not part of the shock. I suppose you can shave that down to get a little extra travel, but then you have less cushion when you hit it between metal-metal.
Shouldn't your the goal just go get a stiffer shock, so the same force doesn't cause it to compress all the way, Changing travel distance I would think means you're just raising your car.
They have 2 perch settings which maybe will get you a quarter-inch if i remember, but this basically just has the effect of lowering/raising your car by that amount. I think the "higher" setting though is just stock.
But regarding the compression travel, once it's fully compressed, aren't you basically rubbing at that point? Isn't the point of the stops is to prevent your tires from hitting your vehicle.
That being said, the bumpstop is part of the assembly, not part of the shock. I suppose you can shave that down to get a little extra travel, but then you have less cushion when you hit it between metal-metal.
Shouldn't your the goal just go get a stiffer shock, so the same force doesn't cause it to compress all the way, Changing travel distance I would think means you're just raising your car.
09-02-12, 10:47 PM
#7
Bilstein sport w/ eibach pro kit is what I am using... I drive all over the bay area and it is still very comfortable. I was shocked. I expected them to be harsher than the oem eibach setup... But just as supple with the firmness to eliminate that boat roll feeling. The car looks lower than stock but not low by any means. The perfect DD setup as far as I am concerned. Aka not concerned with bumps and parking lot entrance and exit. 243k on the dial and my oem shocks were all good except for the front right. I just changed to bilstein sports and couldn't be happier.
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02-14-13, 05:20 AM
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Bilstein sport w/ eibach pro kit is what I am using... I drive all over the bay area and it is still very comfortable. I was shocked. I expected them to be harsher than the oem eibach setup... But just as supple with the firmness to eliminate that boat roll feeling. The car looks lower than stock but not low by any means. The perfect DD setup as far as I am concerned. Aka not concerned with bumps and parking lot entrance and exit. 243k on the dial and my oem shocks were all good except for the front right. I just changed to bilstein sports and couldn't be happier.
Do you have any pics of your brake lights or a write up. I have a 98 and not a huge fan of the tail lights.
02-15-13, 09:35 AM
#9
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