How good are Dropzone springs?

[Helms]

I apologize in advance making a thread that has already been addressed (I searched and found threads on these springs), however, there are still mixed emotions about these springs. I've been told not to cheap out on my suspension, and these springs are extremely cheap (around 100 bucks only) but some people are actually approving of them even though they are cheap.

Just want to clarify, are these part of the "cheaped out" suspension components or not? I'm not looking for an exceptionally great ride or anything, I just want to be lowered and still ride fine and be safe.

What are safe, affordable struts I could pair these with? I feel like Koni's are the only way to go since I'm "cheaping" out on the springs and it lowers about 2.25 so Tokicos and KYB's are out of the question right?

[Vex]

No one can tell you if they are for you or not. More like if you should take the risk or not.

From what I have heard from many members on here and from friends, they ride like poop.

Save your money, do it right or don't do it at all. Get a good strut+spring combo or a good coil-over set and know that you did it right and have nothing to worry about. Also you shouldn't drop the damn thing if you cannot afford an alignment. That is one problem when dropping a car and cheaping out on it, most likely the cheap bastard won't get the car alinged.

[deevergote]

Dropzone products nearly killed me. They are definitely low quality garbage.

If you want a quality spring, you're going to need to spend more money. H&R, Neuspeed, Tein, and Eibach are the most commonly used brands on here, and they are all very high quality. There is a "sticky" thread in the suspension section of this site that lists different springs in terms of ride height and spring rate (higher spring rate = stiffer spring.)

And yes, anything over 1.5" and/or a spring rate 15% stiffer than stock will require good shocks... better than KYB GR2 or Tokico HP. Koni Yellows or Tokico Illuminas are your best options.
As I'm sure you've read in other threads... don't cheap out on your suspension. Your life is depending on that, as are the lives of anyone in your car, or anyone in your path.

[Helms]

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=114459

This is the thread that made me contemplate getting them, it doesn't seem negative, and on other threads the only problem was people paired them with struts that were only meant for around a 1.5 inch drop so their struts got blown out. Apparently they ride like stock and are decent for the price. But thanks guys, I'll just save up another paycheck and get H&R Race's or Neuspeed Races, there are too many threads like this finding the easy way out on suspension and I'm sorry for that. You guys are always repeating don't cheap out on suspension and do it right the first time, so I'll finally give in and listen.

[deevergote]

We've come a LONG way since 2008!

But yes, the springs probably won't kill you as long as you use them with properly matched struts. But cheap springs will sag and wear unevenly. They could potentially snap as well (though that's rare, even among the worst of them.)
BUT, you'll be much happier and safer with a higher quality brand. H&R and Neuspeed are pretty much identical in their offerings for our cars... can't go wrong with either. I've had both, and I'm quite pleased. I prefer the milder sport drop myself. Paired with Koni Yellows.

[Quashish]

this one made me laugh

my girls ride is on used dropzone lowing springs on blown shocks and it rides pretty good.

[deevergote]

As I said, we've come a long way!
Petey is my buddy, but yeah... that's the sort of statement that is just dumb. "rides good" is one thing, but the dangers present the minute you're required to make an emergency maneuver or slam on the brakes are considerable with such a crap setup.

Of course, I'm just repeating myself... (the more I say it, the more people might actually read it!)

[Quashish]

maybe haha

[F22Chris]

Deevergote, I can't tell you how many times I've seen you post "don't cheap out on suspension, you might die or kill people"

One word my friend.

Darwinism.

[deevergote]

If innocent passengers and bystanders were not potentially at risk, I would agree. Let the idiots remove themselves from the world. But the people they're carrying, or the people they hit... that's a different story.

[honda2014]

It's better to save up and get a good set of lowering spings/struts or coilovers. Sace up about $400-$600 and look around in the classifieds. You can always find suspension for sale there.

[ktaylor660]

You can buy the Fucntion Form Type 1 Coilovers for $599. I was looking springs/struts, but for about $100-$150 more I could get a true coilover. It was a no brainer for me.

[deevergote]

I still can't figure out why a "true coilover" is supposed to be superior to quality springs and shocks.

Koni shocks and H&R springs have a LONG history of performance. They have passed rigorous tests, met strict requirements, and proven themselves on customer cars for decades. Koni's shocks can even be found as original equipment on some high end vehicles. They have been manufacturing high-quality shock absorbers since the 50s.

Here's some very interesting reading:
H&R's history
H&R's tech articles (read through the links to the left, too.



Now, nobody seems to complain about Function & Form Autolife (who here even knows that is the full name for "F&F"?) BUT where are they made? How are they made? The little company in California certainly doesn't manufacture them. No. They have them manufactured and assembled overseas. I've searched, and I have been unable to find where they are made. MOST common coilover systems are pretty much the same (save for Tein, made in Japan, and H&R, made in Germany) are likely going to be made in cheap facilities in China or Taiwan.
Don't get me wrong... I think F&F is a great company, and I have yet to hear a serious complaint about the quality of any of their products... but hardly a "no brainer", IMO.

While I don't understand why anyone would want a full coilover that they do not have the need, knowledge, or tools to properly adjust... I'd be wary of buying products manufactured by some unknown company, in location that has no performance history (and therefore, no real test tracks in which to develop their products), using inexpensive machinery, labor, and materials to create an "affordable" suspension system. People see "full coilover" and "low price" and are instantly in love.
Personally, if I'm going to modify my suspension, I'm going to use components that I'm 100% certain are made by a company that knows what they are doing, who tests their products thoroughly, and makes a product that will last a very long time. Anything less, and I could be risking my life.
Here's an option:
http://www.hrsprings.com/products/coil-overs/
Sadly, we only get their most mild full coilover option for our cars.

[ktaylor660]

You were the one that talked me into the F2's. Now I'm rethinking my purchase.

[deevergote]

They're among the better options, based only on reviews (most of which are from people that know no more than anyone else.) There are some truly horrid full coilovers out there.

Honestly, you should do your own research, and arrive at your own conclusions. If my words had swayed you previously, and now they're doing so in the other direction... that simply means you're taking my word for it, and not learning what you need to know for yourself.
I know what I'm talking about to a fair extent, but I'm still very far from being an expert.