what could the results be handling wise if you use lowered springs but don't use lowered uprated shocks. would things feel stiffer or softer? or normal?

The shocks would probably behave as normal, albeit with a reduced travel.
An exception would be if the suspension springs on the rear for example, were able to become dislodged as a result of lowering.
Then a short shaft shocker should be fitted to prevent the above.

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or a couple of cable ties

Eeeeeeeewwwwwww!

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Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
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graemes@internode.on.net

I was hoping some one would say that it will produce a harsh crashy ride over time. as that's what I am getting now.

I know I'm a little slow here, but if you haven't got it sorted, it could just be you shocks wearing out. The extra stiffness of lowered springs can be too much for stock shocks and sometime bushes, causing them to wear out faster as the suspension is harder to control in terms of bouncing. I'd be checking shocks, bushes and then probably ball joints, in that order.

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You are getting a harsh ride because the lowered springs allow the valves in your standard travel shock absorbers to get smashed against the bottom of the shock casing.

Edit: Way to dig up and answer a random ancient thread Johnno

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