Generally you want to do both. I use these Arrma springs: Arrma Springs. They are the stiffest I can find and help my 6s Outcast immensely. They are appropriate for both front and rear though its the rear suspension that will benefit the most.
there is also a part inside of the shock (i forgot what it is called) that looks like a small plastic circle with holes in it. i think out of the box it came with a bag of extras with different numbers of holes in them. how does changing those affect performance? (edit: I looked it up and they are called shock pistons.)
This is the correct way. Shock pistons as well.
would shock pistons with smaller/less holes negatively affect the handling in any way?
I love/hate to say it but, that depends. It's difficult to answer a question like this as the answer will depend on how your car is currently handling and what, if anything, you're looking to change.
basically im just wanting more compression resistance so that concrete landings arent as harsh, and so that the truck is more responsive to throttle input.
As I said earlier, shock fluid is more about controlling how fast the shock rebounds after compression. That's not to say that it has no influence on compression at all but, generally speaking, springs control compression, shock fluid controls rebound. The other thing is, trying to prevent the chassis from slapping on the ground can cause things like bent shock shafts and other broken suspension parts. I don't know if you're familiar with Judo at all but, one of the first things you learn (might even be the very first) is how to fall or land on the ground properly by slapping your underarms against the ground as you hit to disperse some of your opponents throwing energy. The chassis slapping the ground works in a similar way. The question is more regarding the severity of how hard it's hitting.
This. This is what I'm talkin' 'bout.
That seems like a plan, if your fluid is too thick and/or the shock pistons holes are too small the chances of bending shock shafts go way up.Ok thank you all so much for your help! yall gave me the info i needed to make some decisions. i think ima start with stiffer springs as yall were saying, then adjust shock fluid and pistons from there.
Good to know. Thanks!
And if you can't, the springs are too stiff.