All you lowered folks, do you replace shocks too?

[KadcoBeverages]

I've been told many times, and generally follow the advice, that when lowering a vehicle the shocks should be be changed as well. This is specifically because shocks are shocks are designed to operated within a defined travel height and modifying the travel causes premature wear / poor performance.

For those of you going with Eibach springs or whatnot, do you also upgrade / replace your shocks? Any recommendations or advice?

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[CurtisB]

You should get new shocks (struts) when buying a complete system. Sometimes people will buy the springs online due to a good price and install them without the proper struts. It is better to have the corresponding struts due to improper wear (not the right travel distance). Of course, there will be those that never have and swear it doesn't make a difference. But for me, I would get the proper shocks (struts).

 

[KadcoBeverages]

The plot thickens. I was doing a bit more searching around and wasn't finding any real specifics about people changing shocks so I started lookin if the official sites said anything. Then I found this on Eibach's website:

 

[Rroba8822]

I’ve lowered many of my cars, I’ve always used Eibach springs, and I have never changed my shocks. I have never had any issues.

 

[BeardedMarine]

Nope, left my stock shocks on. No problems. I don't think anyone is producing a shock or strut to use on a Maverick with lowering springs.

 

[ShadowChas]

I've been told many times, and generally follow the advice, that when lowering a vehicle the shocks should be be changed as well. This is specifically because shocks are shocks are designed to operated within a defined travel height and modifying the travel causes premature wear / poor performance.

For those of you going with Eibach springs or whatnot, do you also upgrade / replace your shocks? Any recommendations or advice?

I’m not sure of anyone that actually makes different shocks yet, so that answers your questions… I used to change them depending on how low I went, but for my Maverick I am using the HR super sports & no problems (I also have over 60k on since lowered/100k miles total on mine since I had to wait a year for them to make Maverick specific springs) and I live in Michigan with horrible roads & winter conditions. If you’re interested in getting the coilovers or air kits is a little different.

 

[CurtisB]

The plot thickens. I was doing a bit more searching around and wasn't finding any real specifics about people changing shocks so I started lookin if the official sites said anything. Then I found this on Eibach's website:

I stand corrected. This is good.

 

[CurtisB]

I’m not sure of anyone that actually makes different shocks yet, so that answers your questions… I used to change them depending on how low I went, but for my Maverick I am using the HR super sports & no problems (I also have over 60k on since lowered/100k miles total on mine since I had to wait a year for them to make Maverick specific springs) and I live in Michigan with horrible roads & winter conditions. If you’re interested in getting the coilovers or air kits is a little different.

Thanks for the clarity!

 

[CurtisB]

Nope, left my stock shocks on. No problems. I don't think anyone is producing a shock or strut to use on a Maverick with lowering springs.

Good to know, Thanks for this!

 

[MetalsGeek]

As long as you don't reach the shock's travel limits by bottoming (or topping) out, I cannot imagine ANY reason they would care which portion of their travel range is commonly used. The only difference the hydraulics would notice is a slight change in average internal pressure created by the volume of the shaft in its new location. That's not to say that a change in spring rate wouldn't warrant different damping for optimal traction over bumps, but even this would be pretty small. My experience with replacement shocks indicates that their damping rates vary quite a lot between different manufacturer's offerings for the same exact application. e.g. KYB shocks seem to damp much better than Monroe, but either will keep your tires from cupping. The pressure in "gas charged" ones varies quite a lot between identical parts, too. So... if you're not racing and need the finest suspension tune, I would not sweat the shock damping rate too much. "Stiffer" shocks can certainly suppress the rebound of bumps & dips better, but damping rates in engineering units (lb-sec/ft) are not typically published so it's really hard to know what you're going to get before you try it out.

 

[BennyMav]

I kept with the stock shocks using Eibach lowering springs. No issues.

 

[CurtisB]

I kept with the stock shocks using Eibach lowering springs. No issues.

So, if I am understanding everyone, if I want to lower my Maverick, all I have to do is buy shorter springs and keep the same struts and shocks? That's it?

 

[KadcoBeverages]

Thanks for the input. I'm just gonna roll with the Eibachs for now and ignore the rest. Looking forward to a street truck.

 

[BennyMav]

So, if I am understanding everyone, if I want to lower my Maverick, all I have to do is buy shorter springs and keep the same struts and shocks? That's it?

Yes indeed. I did install the bump stops as well per Eibach instructions, front and rear.

 

[CurtisB]

Yes indeed. I did install the bump stops as well per Eibach instructions, front and rear.

Ok, I knew something else had to be put into place due to a lower clearance. Bump stops makes sense.

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