Can you lower your Max without replacing the factory shocks? I don't want to change the shocks, or mess them up or anything either. If this is safe, and possible, which brands should I look at, and how much do they cost? Thanks guys.

 

installing a good performance spring like h&r or eibach will lower the car. This is best done with shocks at the same time to maximise performance and save labor cost. Done without the shocks will cause more stress on the factory stuff and cause it to wear out quicker. It can be done, but you will spend more money in the long run. If you already have alot of miles on your shocks, you should just replace them.

 

How often should you change shocks?(after how many miles). So if I change the shocks and springs, it will be alright for the car...dont have to change the struts or nothing right?

 

You don't have too, but you may bounce a little. The stock struts just aren't able to control the higher rate springs. It won't mess up your car, but it won't ride right either.

 

Our car doesn't have shocks. We have struts and springs. Cars with double wishbone suspensions have shocks. When you replace the springs, it is normally a good idea the replace the struts also. It will actually help with ride quality. I didn't replace my struts, but I also install my own springs, so when I have enough money to buy struts, I will install them myself and save on the labor costs. Struts and springs are actually quite easy to install. Plus, when you install them yourself, it not only saves you money on installation, but it also gives you that "bond" and respect for the parts that you put on yourself. I have done all my mods myself, as a matter of fact, right now my Max is sitting in my garage with the tranny on the floor in front of it while I wait for my new clutch to come. Getting off topic here.

It is a good idea to replace the struts at the same time, but it isn't necessary. You will have to replace them sooner, however, because stock struts aren't valved to ride 1.5" lower. They will undoubtedly go out faster with the lowering springs. Just to give you a time frame of how long they will last, I installed my coil-overs at ~45k miles. I now have ~60k miles, and I need to replace my struts. I am also lowered 3".

 

If your car is a `96 the factory struts are probably pretty worn already. Replace 'em while getting the new springs installed. Your back and brain will thank you.