ok, so ive been hearing a lot about how its important to get new shocks after lowering a car, and i know that this may be true but is it absolutely necessary? im planning on getting tein s-techs in the next 2 weeks, and ive been seeing a lot of other xA drivers say to get monroe sensatracs as well. do they lower the car more? where can i look into getting sensatracs, and how much do they go for usually? thanks, also pics with s-techs and sensatrac on an xA would be appreciated, so that i can compare. all input welcome!

 

They wouldn't lower it any more, but would have a longer life than your OEM shocks. The OEM ones generally are made to ride at the height they're at. They start losing life faster when you lower it.

 

Ive heard that the monroes are a shorter sturt that stock so they will lower the car. Crappy shock though.

 

so what wears out the shocks faster then... I have adjustable shocks and would like to know whether they are stressed more by being set to stiff or by soft??

 

adjustable shocks are made to take the beating you can through at them soft or hard it doesnt matter as long as you bought good quality shocks you should be good togo. As for the springs on OEM shocks, its not absolutely neccesary to change the shocks if your going to drop your ride, but it will kill the life. If you drive like a normal person, slow and careful the OEM shocks could last you years even with springs, but if you hit the car hard in the corners and take alot of bumps and potholes the OEM shocks will not last you very long. Im the kind of person that if your taking it out replace it with something better. If your going to spend the money to reomve the front shocks, might as well put something that you know you will never have to change.

 

Why not just ride the stockers until they blow?
I was riding on H-techs for about 18/19K with the stock suspension. I recenlty switched to S-techs. Put about 700 on them so far and plan on riding them until they blow. I did order the TRD shocks/struts so when the stockers go I will have the replacements handy. Nothing wrong with that.

 

yeah, im going to also just stick with the stock suspension until i have any problems, thanks for the input everyone

 

The rears (monroes) will make the most difference. Wait on the fronts till they wear out. You'll have a nice drop and a nice ride. Best of both worlds.