Originally Posted by JamRWS6

Like Sam mentioned to you, Bilstein HDs don't have enough rebound damping to control a lowering spring like the Strano springs. When you have a lowering spring, usually they are shorter than a stock spring and are accompanied by a higher spring rate. Due to that higher spring rate and a shorter distance to dampen the spring, you need a shock w/ good rebound damping. This is why the Koni SA are a popular choice. You can adjust rebound to your heart's content w/ these and get the exact feel and damping you need.

Bilstein makes good shocks. But the valving on the HDs doesn't have the necessary rebound damping for a lowering spring. They are great for stock height springs and if you were staying stock height I would recommend them as your lower cost/best option. For lowering springs, you could get these revalved, but as has mentioned before to buy the Bilsteins and then get them revalved, cost wise you would just be better off going w/ the Konis IMO. Figure $100 a shock and then $65 each to get revalved plus shipping/handling and you are looking at the same price as a Koni shock but w/ the Koni you'd be able to adjust the shock to fit your tastes.

Not to mention when you put a shock that is underdamped on a lowering spring all it will do is wear the shock out faster. This is why some people say the car feels great upon lowering w/ Bilstein HDs only to come back later to say the shocks can't control the spring anymore after only a short time.

Regardless, in your price range the KYBs are your best bet for a lowering spring IMO. While the adjustability isn't the best as you are adjusting compression and rebound simultaneously, at least you do have adjustment with these. The KYBs should be able to control a lowering spring although note that KYB won't warranty their shocks on a lowering spring...just be aware. Best of luck.

Originally Posted by CaliforniaBoy5

I am going to be different here;

I suggest strongly you look at edelbrock IAS shocks; just for credibility I have the koni/strano combo and my friend has edelbrock IAS.. I must tell you, the edelbrocks are way more comfortable and still offer a great upgrade. Better than AGX shocks too. I would easily call them #2 on the list; unfortunately they don't get much love on this site but they are a great shock IMO.

Originally Posted by jroc2312

no one mentioned the SLP spec bilsteins, i'm not sure how these compare to the HD's but strano offers "SLP Tuned Bilstein shocks + SLP Eibach spring combination" that gives approx. 3/4" drop. Could be any option, or the shocks could work with strano springs. I myself is in the market for springs/shocks, just wondering if anyone has any experince with these shocks or or the package.

Originally Posted by slp223

I read this entire post and now one mentioned slp blilstiens. Except in the last post. That is the route I went with years ago on my car with lowering springs.

Originally Posted by CaliforniaBoy5

I am going to be different here;

I suggest strongly you look at edelbrock IAS shocks; just for credibility I have the koni/strano combo and my friend has edelbrock IAS.. I must tell you, the edelbrocks are way more comfortable and still offer a great upgrade. Better than AGX shocks too. I would easily call them #2 on the list; unfortunately they don't get much love on this site but they are a great shock IMO.