Ok so I just looked at my P3D- OEM shocks and you really can't even fit a finger between the shock & the OEM bump stops in the rear - the front doesn't seem much different. No clue how they're not "permanently engaged" for you guys lowering, but I've never lowered a car using springs before, so maybe there's something I'm missing.
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Awesome post - thanks for looking into it. Can you confirm if the suspension is loaded or unloaded in your pic?
I think the reality is that these cars on lowering springs with stock bump stops are riding them very frequently.
But, these cars seem more like BMWs where the stop is truly an integrated part of the suspension...not just there to prevent bottoming out. So, unless you REALLY compress the stop, it maintains reasonable comfort and shock rebound. That is my theory at least.
Cutting the stop gives you more headroom but also changes the “spring rate” of the stop, risking a much rougher ride when you do contact them.
If my setup becomes uncomfortable over time I’ll just use that as an opportunity to move to adjustable coils.