Springs with Factory Shocks?!

[986Jim]

Originally Posted by TriGem2k

Eventually all shocks will fail...however, to say 20k miles is a bit bold. I ran my car on Gemballa aka H&R springs with stock shocks for almost 35k with no problems at all. The stock shocks can take far more abuse than you think. Even nearing 35k my shocks showed no signs of wear.

That depends largly on the condition of your roads. I'm under promising and hopefully the shocks will over deliver. If you got 35k from them, thats excellent. I just was not going to build somebody's hopes of the shocks lasting forever on lowering springs.

I install a lot of spring kits on different cars with stock shocks and eventually they all show up for aftermarket shocks eventually cause the lowering springs blew them out. I have done everything from Audi, Mercedes, Honda, Ferrari, Porsche, and regulars like Honda/Acura, Toyota etc.. Supra's are really bad cause they squat so bad in the rear, the shocks die quickly on lowering springs... Any car 500+whp with lowering springs on stock shocks are back in weeks lol.. I tell them but they don't listen.

[Dfer]

Just got a Euro spec RHD 2001 S and am going to do a few mods.
I want to improve the suspension as I do 6 or 7 club events each year to keep my had in.
I'm tossing up between 1) just adding lower H & R springs to the stock (Euro) shocks ; 2) going to Bilstein PSS 9's or 3) a full H & R coilover set? I think I prefer the Bilsteins but, as I drive the car daily, am concerned that it might be a bit stiff? Anyone have an opinion ?

I want to buy the suspension , '03 clear light upgrade etc from USA as its cheaper that way vs buying direct here in Australia. Can anyone suggest a reliable supplier?

[mjw930]

Two things here.

1. Stock shocks are worth maybe 20K before they start to lose effectiveness. You will not feel them go since it's so gradual but trust me, they are going. Add the effects of a sharper spring (higher rate) and you will wear them out faster as they aren't valved to handle the higher frequency.

2. The costs. Replacing the shocks is not a trivial matter in the Boxster. The labor alone will typically be more than the cost of the replacement shocks. Take that into account when you decide to do the springs without the shocks. Double the cost of installation because you will need new shocks sooner rather than latter.

[Dfer]

Thanks for your thoughts mjw. The cars on done 13000 miles so the shocks are still in pretty good shape but I take your point on the installation costs.

I'm tempted to go the whole way now with the Bilsteins but dont want to be travelling around with rock hard suspension ?

Cheers
Dennis

[ralegen]

This may be a dumb question, but when replacing shocks, is it necessary to replace the springs?

[socratic]

Gee, from the way you guys talk, my shocks should be shot now. I've got 43,000 miles on my 01 Boxster. I've only had it for a year and a bit and to me it handles fines.

What would I get back from replacing the shocks? And as Ralegen asks, should I replace the springs too?

[986Jim]

Springs and shocks are seperated when they are pulled out together. You use a spring compressor to take some of the tension off and you can unbolt the shock as it runs through the center of the spring. You can then replace whatever piece you need, spring only or shock only whatever. Then you compress the spring again and put the shock through and bolt it all together again and re-install.

The stock shocks will last depending on your driving habits and road conditions. Eventually they will fail prematurly because they are operating in a zone now 1" or 1.5" less than they were originally designed to do. That put additional strain on the shock operating in a shortened travel distance and causes them to fail early. Who knows how long you will get you may get a long time like stock, you may not. Just watch the shocks for signs of scaring on the rod or leaking oil.