Life Expectancy of standard Shocks

**ChaosMaster** · 20-01-2013 12:15 PM

Hey guys, I'm wondering how long are shocks expected to last? The reason I'm asking is because I'm looking to lower my car a little (Tein H-Tech), and I use my car solely on the street. So I'm wondering if I should change over to coilover kits instead of just the springs. The reason I'm against coilovers is because 1. Cost and 2. Ride. However, I'm not sure how much shocks cost alone, and people have been telling me that it could be cheaper in the long run. H-Tech only drop a little btw, so stuff about dropping the ride significantly reducing the life of shocks shouldn't apply.

**DakDak** · 20-01-2013 12:37 PM

Have you thought about getting aftermarket shocks to suit?

**ChaosMaster** · 20-01-2013 06:34 PM

Possibly, but latter on. Was looking at Koni's as well, but my budget doesn't want to stretch, and I believe the ride would be firmer as well. I know a lot of people say it's only a bit firmer, however I've moved from 16" to 18", add the fact that H-Tech are ~15% firmer as well, the result would be a lot firmer ride. If anything, I would prefer softer dampers.

**DakDak** · 20-01-2013 08:59 PM

A well matched shock and spring combo will be definitely more comfortable than a mismatched one.
But since you arent going that low I'd just run the gauntlet if I was you, dont think they'd drastically affect shock life.
You can get standard front shocks again for cheap at a wreckers.

**migoreng** · 20-01-2013 09:32 PM

Done 130,000km on a 1.5 inch drop and shocks still going strong...

**curtis265** · 20-01-2013 09:37 PM

Done 100 000km on koni yellows with a 1.5" drop and still going strong...

**aaronng** · 20-01-2013 09:40 PM

Depends on the conditions of the roads you drive through and the amount of lowering. Some lower by 2" and get blown shocks within a year, others lower slightly less but don't have problems. Personally if you can afford it, get matching shocks as well because lowered stock shocks have poorer damping compared to stock height. You get a floaty feeling going over bumps/corners.

**DreadAngel** · 21-01-2013 03:07 AM

This in turn affects everything from cornering and bump absorption/rebound as mentioned above, in extreme and unfortunate circumstances it may affect braking performance and tyre contact to road. Its similar to overly stiff springs and poor valving in cheap coilovers, the tyre's time in contact with the road is shortened when going over bumps therefore braking performance is reduced.

**ChaosMaster** · 21-01-2013 01:34 PM

Hmmm, well the Tein's drop 1.1"/0.7" so a fairly small drop by all means. Any recommendations for what dampers to go? I know Koni Yellow are very popular, but from what I've read, they seem to be fairly firm and cost nearly as much as basic coilovers. My mates say Monroe would do, although I've not really heard much about their quality yet.

**dougie_504** · 21-01-2013 03:29 PM

Main benefit to coilovers is the height adjustability.

If 1" isn't enough/too much you can just change it.

'stndrd' on this forum sells H Drive coilovers with your choice of spring rates so you can get a softer ride but still have full adjustability.

Otherwise just throw kings springs on and be done with it.

**aaronng** · 21-01-2013 09:06 PM

Coilovers are not always better than a good spring and shock combo. There are many combos out there that cost more than basic coilovers, which are poor for driving comfort anyway.