petrock

No. Shocks/struts do not hold any weight. Its the springs that hold the car up. Shocks/struts just dampen the oscillating behavior of the springs.

To the OP, check the top & bottom spring isolators to see if they are installed. That can account for about a half inch. Next check the control arm bushings and make sure they are not squished/cracked/damaged/missing. That can account for an inch of drop and make your handling go to crap.

Good luck...