I feel really stupid asking this but..

What is the point behind having shocks and springs? If springs lower the car (or raise it..), then what exactly do the shocks do?

I am asking this because I want new suspension. Not sure what to buy though.. lowering springs, shocks, or both. Im sure both is the way to go, but would like to know why getting just springs would not be better.. I use the car as a daily and do not autocross, road race or drag.

 

you just want to do it for "the look" ? get springs then. Research and get good ones so you don't blow your struts.

You would get shocks if you were concerned about handling, and to be honest lowering the car does nothing to help it's handling characteristics.

 

there are dozens of videos around that explain suspension, but sometimes its better to start from the beginning and get the basics down. This would be a suspension 101.

from there you can crawl around and figure out more in depth about strut/shock technology and the different types of springs and also about spring rates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpfG_5m-QhE

 

The basic purpose of shocks is to get rid of bouncing. When yougo over a bump and don't have shocks or have crappy shocks your car will continue to bouncy until the energy dissipates. With good shocks, the car won't bounce, you will get the compression when the tires hit the bump and then the suspension returns to static height (this is the prefect scenario) without any excess bouncing

I you wanna learn more about proper suspension function, read these articles. They're written by a real degree'd engineer that holds multiple suspension patents, not just some Joe that went to a couple track days. The articles are listed from most recent to oldest, so the first one is at the bottom

http://www.motoiq.com/tech/the_ultim..._handling.aspx