when do you know its time to get new shocks? my car doesn't ride as smoothly as it used to and makes a subtle creaking noise when i get in and sit down

 

Well you have alot of choices shock and strut wise. So it depends on what you want a smooth handling car or maybe stiffer so it handles better, or maybe adj. so you can change it for the track etc... you gotta know what you want first.

 

you know you NEED them when the car rebounds more than twice from any serious suspension jounce. So... if you have stock springs then force each corner down as hard as you can (maybe even a couple times if you need to) and see how many bounces it takes to settle down.

Once you've decided that you do or don't need them, or do or don't WANT them then tell us how you use your car... track time, street only, driven hard, driven light, nice roads, bumpy roads, etc. With that info we'll be able to give you some options. Also tell us about any other suspension mods you've done.

 

i haven't had it long so i don't have any modifications. everything is completely stock. i am not very hard on it at all. the most i do is drive 80 mph and take highway corners pretty quickly. thats about it. i just want it to ride smoothly. my job pays terribly so i can't really mod it...maybe when i get my degree

 

bounce test. LMK how it comes out.