i dont know much about shocks and struts other than the basis on how they work. whats so special about coil overs that makes them so expensive? and what makes them better than gas or fluid filled shocks/struts?

 

Are you talking about FULL coilovers or shocks with coliover SLEEVES?

 

I'm pretty sure he's talking about adjustable coilovers, not shocks/struts with coilover sleeves.

 

complete coilovers:
-a ton of adjustability.... the shocks on them alone have a ton of settings (anywhere from 12-32 settings usually)
-convenience. You don't have to piece everything together.... you don't have to pull the stock suspension completely apart. You simply take off the stock struts and put the new ones on.

coilover sleeves:
-adjustable spring height
-with the right setup, they perform just as well, if not better than complete coilovers (usually for a few hundred $'s less)

 

so what all can be adjusted? are we talking ride height and stiffness or is there something else.

 

Some really really fancy FULL coilovers also have top hats that are able to adjust the angle at which the assembly rests at.

 

well there are so many shocks that are different.... some are adjustable and some are not... some are internaly adjustable which can be a PITA because you have to remove the struts from the car and springs to adjust the valving.... and some have a simple **** ontop or on the sides of the struts which is AWHOLE LOT EASIER to adjust!!!!



and with the springs.... those do not change the spring rate of course you just adjust how high or low they are to set the ride height....



to find the nicest setup in your price range read the reviews.
but with any adjustable coilover you typicaly get what you pay for! make sure its a good brand! the three ive read alot from is skunk, tein, and ground controls...
ground controls seem to have the best personal choice since you can pick your spring rates.