Well expect to blow out your stock struts in roughly a year, could even happen in 2 months depending on what sort of spring rate the Drop Zones are rated at. To my understanding, they are a bit more bouncy than Ground Controls, and that means they will be working your struts that much harder. Id say save for some Ground controls if you go with coilover sleeves. Remember, especially with springs, you get what you pay for. But here's my real opinion on it. If you possibly can, try to save for a set of true coilovers. You absolutely won't regret it. Even if you got Koni Yellows to go with the Drop Zones, it still isn't ideal, because neither part is designed for the other. Where with coilovers, springs are exactly matched to appropriate stroked shocks for ultimate performance. When I decided I wanted to lower my ride, I was originaly going to get a set of Ground Controls, then s`ave up to get some Tokico Blues (which are half the price of the Yellows, but I later found out, not good for lowering on). Then I figured with all I'd spend on that (about $600), I might as well save up a little more, and do it right with some coilovers. Well after a long while of talking about it (always bragging I was gonna get them someday), I finally have my car dropped "2 on a set of Tein SS coilovers, I couldn't imagine going any other route with my suspension. With sleeves like Drop Zones, and even Ground Controls, you are stuck with whatever ride quality they give you, but with coilovers, if you get ones that allow you to do so, you can get up to 24-point adjustability of how still, or soft your ride feels going down the street. Something sleeves and even Yellows won't let you do. They won't come as close to stock feel at least, as true coilovers allow. But since you mention on a tight budget, still save a little more for Ground Controls, they will at least be a little easier on your stock struts, giving you a little more life out of them. Good luck with it!
