skeener51

bought an 04 civic lx with 18 inch rims and appears to be slightly lowered. struts went bad and bought new shocks and struts and was told that the springs determine ride height. when i brought car in for install, the mechanic told me i need a certain type of shock and strut because its lowered. the car might be lowered 1 to 1.5 inches. please help me with any info. thank you

xRiCeBoYx

iTrader: (22)

If it's lowered just by that amount, get some Tokico HP struts (also known as Tokio "blues"). I'd recommend those even if you aren't lowered

Edit: looking at your pic, it's definitively lowered

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Agree. Good option for not being lowered much.

xRiCeBoYx

iTrader: (22)

Tokico* not tokio. Autocorrect doesn't like brand names.

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

now, if it's a "coilover" set, them the springs/sleeves might not fit a stock replacement...

skeener51

i picked up some stagg brand shocks and struts. (on a budget, i know) and they are not coil over sets. can i reuse the springs on car now to keep ride height? when i asked seller about this he said it would be fine, but he was also trying to make a sale. i was thinking of buying new springs since i was changing shocks/struts anyway. not sure what size springs or how to check. thank you guys for all your help, couldnt do it without you.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Springs determine ride height so if you want to change that then you will need different springs. How much higher do you want it? Stock height?

Since you didn't get a performance shock a lowering spring is going to wear it out faster, for longevity raise it up.

xRiCeBoYx

iTrader: (22)

You most definitely can reuse the springs. However, if they're not rated to handle a drop, you're gonna need new struts probably after 20k miles.

How much did you spend on the bargain brand struts?

skeener51

i would like to keep same ride height. spent about 100 bucks on struts.