RideTech Triple Adjustable Shocks

[bret]

I have done some reading on these shocks. It says that they have built in bumpstops for both compression and extension. Are these designed to be the only bumpstop in your suspension setup or more like a last measure of protection where a primary bumpstop is needed?

In reality, ANY bumpstop - internal or external - is meant only for incidental use. About the second time you hit the compression stop you should be thinking about either a stiffer spring rate or more compression valving, or both. Determining when you hit the extension stop is a bit harder but not nearly as stressful because of the lesser forces involved.
The compression stop on the ridetech shocks is a fairly thick [1/2"] poly washer that also acts as a compression indicator. After you get the shocks installed, move that bumpstop/washer down the shaft until it hits the body of the shock. The next time you look under the car check out the position of that washer. If it is shoved all the way up to the top, then you have hit the bumpstop at least once and need to consider a stiffer spring rate. Anything short of that...you're good.
The extension stop on the ridetech unit is a simple O ring that is embedded into the bottom of the seal cap assembly. It is meant eliminate metal to metal contact upon full shock extension. Extension forces are not nearly as destructive as compression forces, but should be avoided in general, mostly to eliminate poor ride quality and handling performance.
If you allow any shock to bottom out or top out with regularity you will damage it eventually, not to mention incur a terrible ride quality in the process.