noob shock question

[confused]

How much would a new shock set up affect the ride? does it make it stiffer? This is on the assumption that for some odd reason that you decided to put stock springs on your shocks. I understand the whole spring rate thing but am still kind of confused as to how shocks factor into the picture. I've searched but apparently no one is as dumb as I am so can anyone help me out?

[240Stilo]

Well at least you saved the trouble of other people calling you dumb....not me of course . What you said is kinda confusing but if I'm right this would be the correct question you meant to ask:

Would new shocks on stock springs affect the ride?

To this question, the answer is most definitely yes. Now, if you get some stock shock replacement like KYB GR-2 then it will ride like it did when it came out the factory; smooth. If you want more performance you get stiffer springs and some performance oriented shocks or better yet coilovers. I won't get too specific on different setups just know what you want from your car and let the research begin.

[aznpoopy]

Originally Posted by confused

I understand the whole spring rate thing but am still kind of confused as to how shocks factor into the picture.

ok think of it this way. if you take a big old spring and stretch it apart between your two hands, it gets long. when you let go it will shrink - then stretch again, oscillating as it were - basically 'bouncing' back and forth. in a car with no shocks, when you drive over a bump the springs will be compressed. after the bump they will bounce back, over extending. they will keep doing that... compress, extend, compress, extend... making for a very bouncy ride. thats where shocks come in. shocks 'dampen' the oscillation effect.

springs help to absorb the impact; the shocks keep the springs from oscillating excessively.

www.howstuffworks.com

[confused]

So would better/ more "aggressive" shocks make the ride harsher?

[96twofourty]

yes thats right, but too soft isnt good either

[confused]

Ok, thanks for the info, that's exactally what i needed to know