Do I need new shocks with 2 inch coil drop?

[gabe713]

So I have a 93 Ranger 4 cyl and I'm going to buy some 2 inch lower coil springs for the front end.

My question is, do I need to but the lowering kit with the new shocks or if I just get the springs is that going to affect the suspension so that it's noticeably worse?

I still want a smooth ride after lowering but i'd also like to save some money and don't really want new shocks if the old ones will still work fine.

Thanks guys.

 

[stmitch]

For a 2 inch drop new shocks are recommended but not required. The drop will be tougher on the stock length shocks, and may shorten their life, but they should still work for awhile.

 

[RonD]

Shocks dampen spring compression and bounce(rebound).

Shocks have a maximum extension length and compression length, travel.

If you shorten the suspension travel then you could bend a shock that is too long if it bottoms out, shocks are not made to support weight, just dampen motion.
If you lengthen the suspension travel then you could break the shock by pulling it passed its maximum extension.

Can you use stock shocks after lowering, yes, but avoid bottoming out the suspension on bumps, and you may notice it is a "stiffer" ride, since shock are more compressed.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I don't see how shocks would be stiffer? Is the fluid somehow going thru progressively smaller orifices? I could see that happening bit is it?

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[stmitch]

I don't see how shocks would be stiffer? Is the fluid somehow going thru progressively smaller orifices? I could see that happening bit is it?

The shocks don't really get stiffer, but the ride can feel stiffer or more harsh due to the reduced travel. They end up bottoming out sooner and more often since their travel is reduced by the amount of drop.

 

[gabe713]

I kinda figured if I lower the front it'll have a stiffer ride. I guess there's always a give and take with everything. Do you think it will really bottom out with it being 2 inches lower?

 

[ILLEGALCONCEPTS]

2" coils and stock length shocks will be fine. Anything over a 2" change in suspension travel is when you'll need to change shock length. I've had shocks designed for lowered vehicles and never really liked them. They always seemed sloppy to me and never seemed to last. I preferred a performance oriented shock and stock length has work flawlessly for me for years.

James