when installing lowering springs, is it mandatory to replace the shocks as well? Mine seem to be fine but I'm new to the whole lowering the car thing.....

 

I'm new to it too, but I would say might as well if your taking everything apart anyway...But I would say NO...you don't have to

 

If your shocks are relatively new. You don't need to replace them.

However, if you are lowering your vehicle, there are a few things that are needed.

Adjustable Panhard Bar (Recenter's the rear when the car is lowered)
Lower Control Arm Relocation Brackets (will help stop that wheel hop)
An Alignment wouldn't hurt either

 

I would replace them. I have only 34,000 miles on my car and my stock shocks are ruined after my lowering install. I have only about 2000 miles on the springs to. That is how fast they wore out. The stockers cannot really keep up with the performance gain that lowering springs demand and the valves will bust. My rear shocks can't even keep the piston up when they are out of the car and unloaded. You can watch them slide down.

 

with a big drop (2"...Intrax) does anyone recommend any particular shocks/struts or know what would be best suited for this drop??

i dont want to be replacing them every year and i dont need anything ultra high performance (slightly budget minded). this is a fun car, some track, most street, and some twisties. if i ever get into it serious ill get dedicated drag (or auto-x) shocks/struts.

adjustables would be nice but they are probaly too expensive im afraid.