When the spring i am looking at has a relatively soft spring rate? I was looking at the tanabe NF210 which has a increase of spring rate over stock by about 5%. it lowers the car 1.5"

are spring rates the only thing that affect shock wear? the shock stroke will be shorter with the smaller spring, will this cause more wear and eventually blow out the shock?

if this is the case, i'll just get the tanabe pro-oc-s coilovers

 

If you are changing springs you want to swap shocks/struts as well.

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-tires-wheels-suspension-130/eibach-pro-kit-blew-my-stock-shocks-help-726596/
I know it's not the same spring as you are looking at, but all too many of these threads over the years makes it a no-brainer to save yourself some time and just do one install instead two installs back to back

 

Shock wear is more affected by the fact that the springs lower the car, and put the shock out of its normal range of motion. Instead of being at its normal length, it sits at a more extreme end of motion, and this is what wears it out. Your shocks may last for a couple years with no problems, or a couple weeks. It's a gamble. I have Tein S-Techs with a 1.7" drop, and have been on stock shocks for a year now with no problems.

 

i think a lot of depends on how many miles are already on your stock shocks as well as driving style, road conditions, even the amount of passengers/weight you regularly have in the car.

 

You don't have to, but you should. It's like changing your oil filter at every oil change. It may not be necessary, but it certainly couldn't hurt.

 

odannyboi -- I asked myself the same question when I put the Tein H-Tech springs on, and they have probably the mildest drop and OEM-like spring rate available (1.1"F, 0.7"R). I didn't change my shocks.

A week later, I wish I did. The ride was bouncy, and getting progressively worse. Once I moved into my own house with a garage, I was able to remove the springs and install Tokico HP shocks on the Tein springs and the ride has been transformed 100%. I am pissed at myself for not doing that the first time.

Do it right, don't do it twice.

 

ah-so

you just made my decision for me

tanabe coilovers it is (or maybe some H&R springs with koni yellows)...