jimgood50

I'm having trouble locating a new pair of coil springs for my 83 Maxima diesel. I've found sevral places on the internet that say "all except diesel". I don't want to lower it, just keep it the normal height. I've heard that 280 ZX struts & springs will interchange with the Maxima. I need to know if this is correct before I order a set. Anybody have any ideas?
Thanks

coachgeo

Just touching base with another diesel owner. Did you get this answered? I dont know the answer but it is information I may need to know in the future.

Have a good day
82 diesel Maxima

maximase86

iTrader: (24)

Umm...the coil springs are the exact same for a gas-pot or diesel. The only difference is the motor.

S

coachgeo

OK thanx.. wasnt sure. Typically a diesel motor is heavier than gas ones so often the supension is beefed up some to accomidate the beasty within. Guess not on the Die..Max

Thanx again.

Bleach

That may be a little true for the Maxima. The only tighter springs that I know of do lower the Maxima one inch. If you have some money, you could change to coilovers and get some tighter springs for that. Then you can adjust your ride height however you want.

GundamWZero

They don't make Adjustable coilovers for our yr model cars, remember?

Bleach

http://www.zcarparts.com

They make adjustible coilovers for the 1982-83 280ZX. that is the year and model range that matches the suspension of the 81-84 Maxima. Just don't tell them what you are installing them on. Springs work the same. Some companies say the 280ZX lowering springs don't work for a 2+2 but many 2+2 owners have used them and they are fine. Should work the same on a Maxima. The 1st gen Maxima is about 50 lbs lighter than my 280ZX 2+2!

GundamWZero

So you think that those adj. coilovers would work without much modifications? Are they available for the 86 280zx? What about the 86 300zx?

Bleach

The 280ZX was made from 1979-83 and then the 300ZX started from 1984-89 / 90-96 for the newer model.

Anyway, I think they do make the coilovers for the 84-89 300ZX, but I've never had one of those Z's so I never looked. I suppose you are thinking maybe the 300ZX suspension would be close to the 2nd Gen Maxima? I really have no idea though.

I would be as bold to say that the 280ZX coilovers should "bolt in" to a 1st gen Maxima. Again, the 82-83 brakes/struts are slightly different design than the earlier 79-81 280ZX suspension. So if you want to match the 1st Gen Maxima setup, ask for the later 82-83 280ZX struts.
I don't have the money for coilovers, and I plan to use the tighter 1 inch lowering springs on my 280ZX and my Maxima. That will be just fine for street driving.