I want to drop my car about 1.5 inches. I want to get the eibach pro kit springs and mm cc plates. I know it is recommended to get new ball joints, bumpsteer kit and shocks/struts when doing this. But I dont have lots of money to spend.How essential are the shocks/struts? I don't want to leave important parts out, but I dont want to spend extra money if I dont really need too. Anyone know where I can get a package deal on just cc plates and springs? thanks

I would say the most essential component when lowering is the shocks & struts. Second to that would be the Caster/Camber plates....

Your stock shocks are probably totally gone right now, if you have over 15-20k miles, the stock motorcraft shocks just start to degrade, leak, etc.

The bumpsteer kit, balljoints etc. are all tuning devices that will help improve the steering, handing that much more, but arent as crucial as the above components...