Lowering Springs, New Shocks/Struts Necessary Too?

[5thgearratchet]

I have an 02 Protege ES. I need a new strut. But I also want to lower it but of course can't afford a nice kit. So I just want to buy some lowering springs and replace strut/struts with stock. I was told if I get the springs then I have to get "shorter" struts. Is this true? Or can I use stock struts and lowering springs together? I only want to drop 1 1/2" - 2" whatever the springs allow for drop. Somebody pls reply as I do need to replace one strut and soon. Thanks

 

[tweety2300]

There's no such thing as shorter struts stock will be fine

 

[njaremka]

tokico illumina's are slightly shorter than stock. are they needed with a 1.5-2" drop? no.

 

[tweety2300]

No And how could they be shorter? Then they wouldn't fit. They are made to compress more for springs but you can still use stock springs

 

[5thgearratchet]

Thanks guys. Ya I never heard of shorter shocks for lowering springs, but I do remember hearing of people cutting their springs and still using their stock shocks. Much appreciated, would anyone recommend a good cost effective set that will lower 1 1/2" - 2"? I found a set of Tein S Tech Lowering Springs for $200 + shipping , will lower front 2" and rear 1.4" and I kinda like the raked look anyhow. Any thoughts on them anybody?

 

[njaremka]

No And how could they be shorter? Then they wouldn't fit. They are made to compress more for springs but you can still use stock springs

why wouldn't they fit? mounting location are the same?

the damper body is shorter by about 0.5-1", so that when the car is lowered you retain wheel travel. if the damper body was the same length as stock, with a 2" drop you'd be riding on the bump stops all the time. you can still use stock springs with illumina's, but they work better with lowering springs than do stock struts.

Thanks guys. Ya I never heard of shorter shocks for lowering springs, but I do remember hearing of people cutting their springs and still using their stock shocks. Much appreciated, would anyone recommend a good cost effective set that will lower 1 1/2" - 2"? I found a set of Tein S Tech Lowering Springs for $200 + shipping , will lower front 2" and rear 1.4" and I kinda like the raked look anyhow. Any thoughts on them anybody?

in my opinion, s-techs are the best aftermarket spring for the 3rd gen protege. ideal "functional" ride height, with a decent bump is spring rate to not be too harsh for daily driver, yet still firm enough to not bottom out.

 

[mazdalifestyle]

why wouldn't they fit? mounting location are the same?

the damper body is shorter by about 0.5-1", so that when the car is lowered you retain wheel travel. if the damper body was the same length as stock, with a 2" drop you'd be riding on the bump stops all the time. you can still use stock springs with illumina's, but they work better with lowering springs than do stock struts.



in my opinion, s-techs are the best aftermarket spring for the 3rd gen protege. ideal "functional" ride height, with a decent bump is spring rate to not be too harsh for daily driver, yet still firm enough to not bottom out.

i've got s-techs on mine and i'm in love with them. gives just enough low to function ratio.