well, i don't think anyone that has dropped w/ stock struts have said anything specific about ride deterioration yet.
but, i'd say when the ride is starting to get REALLY bouncy, it's time for newer (and stiffer) struts to compensate the higher spring rate of the Eibachs
I have heard of guys here on the board that have said that their stock struts lasted anywhere from 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles AFTER putting the springs on....so its pretty much up in the air...it really depends on the roads you drive on...the worse the roads...the faster they will wear out...if you drive on smoothe roads all the time...they will last a lot longer.
Just stay away from DC and VA. Dang potholes. I cracked a rim and thought I blew a strut out. Though, when I replaced them both rear struts compressed about the same. I swapped the struts about 30K.
I have had my stock struts in with eibachs from about 30.000(one year) about and i think its getting alittle boucny, its hard to say. It really depends on how and what you drive in. The will for sure last a year. Im gonna ungrade my struts some time in the next few months. And also. I drovefrom NY to CA 2 times with my car packed with my stuff. i hope that helps you..
Judging from your replies, I think I should be able to get away with just get new springs, since I can't afford struts at this time...but any comments on the dreaded "clunk"?
struts wears out slowly and most of the time you cant even tell until you change them. I say at 27k miles and with the Eibachs, change the struts too. Just do it one time and you will be alot happier.
