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How is the ride?

Old Apr 18, 2006 | 04:03 PM
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How is the ride?

Since I've owned my 91 SE it's struts have been shot. They still haven't leaked out any fluid but for the most part need replacing. I'm wondering how the SE is supposed to ride and what to expect when I get new ones. Can some of you describe the ride in a 3rd gen SE with fresh suspension. I plan on replacing OEM struts with KYB's with new mounts, bushings, etc all around. How does it ride compared to other cars? I've never really felt a normal suspension in my car.
Old Apr 18, 2006 | 06:06 PM
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cant wait to find out. im replacing mine in two weeks. no leaking but they make tons of noise and feels loose. im getting eibachs too, you might want to do that since its only an extra $220
Old Apr 18, 2006 | 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by 91WBSE
Since I've owned my 91 SE it's struts have been shot. They still haven't leaked out any fluid but for the most part need replacing. I'm wondering how the SE is supposed to ride and what to expect when I get new ones. Can some of you describe the ride in a 3rd gen SE with fresh suspension. I plan on replacing OEM struts with KYB's with new mounts, bushings, etc all around. How does it ride compared to other cars? I've never really felt a normal suspension in my car.
I dont know about a SE but my GXE rides pretty nice after I replaced:
\
Struts
Control arms and ball joints
Tie rod Ends
Sway bar end link bushings

Put it this way it rides nicer than the daughters 2000 Corolla but not as nice as my brothers 2002 Maxima. So I guess I am no help at all.
Old Apr 18, 2006 | 09:02 PM
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After I had new struts put in the car at least it did not feel like every little hole was going to break it. However, I think the ride is stiff compared to other cars. I never had that floating on cushions feeling, but the ride is still quite nice with new struts.
Old Apr 18, 2006 | 09:06 PM
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Are you kidding, Dreamy.... :-). KYBs with stock springs, for now.
Old Apr 18, 2006 | 10:48 PM
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if your suspension is up to par, these cars drive great. keeping a steady curve is very easy, and it's pretty damn responsive for a sedan. you feel completely in control. one of the best aspects of these cars is it's handling and suspension. even if kept stock...
Old Apr 19, 2006 | 12:31 AM
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Right now I have the floaty ride.....not bobbing up and down continuously but def too much movement....my steering is still tight as hell tho.....
Old Apr 19, 2006 | 09:25 AM
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If you want a nice stiff yet tolerable ride at a decent price get KYB GR2, i bought mine off Brian at a decent price..I just changed mine 2 days ago and COULDNT be any happier. Those damn cartriges are a pain when you dont have the right tools. I was finally able to not get passed by another car on a curve at high speed on my way to school yesterday..cant wait to do the front even though its still not bouncing or loose, but when I'm going 90mph+ I notice it bounces slightly more than the GR2s.
Old Apr 21, 2006 | 04:58 PM
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Replaced the struts all around this Jan with KYB's. Garage wanted to use Monroes - but I have had them in the rear and they DO NOT LAST.

Now the beast is 14 yr old; I don't remember what the ride was like when it was new, but with KYBs it's pretty stiff - one does feel the bumps.

On the bright side -- all of that wonderful control and handling are back. I no longer have to micro-drive the car around curves, compensating for suspension bounce, and downhill curves that I used to have to slow down for can now be taken at regular speeds.

Keep in mind that I'm 58, and don't hammer a car the way I used to. <g>

So - go with KYBs - you'll be pleased.
Old Apr 21, 2006 | 06:04 PM
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New struts, bushings make the ride night and day, especially if your floating like a boat. Don't wait - do it now!!!
Old Apr 21, 2006 | 06:06 PM
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i had my eibachs taken out cause the ride quality was horrible. I still have Koni Red shocks installed, and I'm thinking about replacing them with OEMs, cause the ride is still a little stiff.
Old Apr 21, 2006 | 06:07 PM
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i had my eibachs taken out cause the ride quality was horrible. I still have Koni Red shocks installed, and I'm thinking about replacing them with OEMs, cause the ride is still a little stiff.
Old Apr 22, 2006 | 01:11 PM
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So what would you recommend as a quality lowering spring then?
Old Apr 23, 2006 | 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by KeithD
So what would you recommend as a quality lowering spring then?

eibachs are very good for handling and they don't lower your car too much (1.2" front and back), but just with any lowering springs, they're stiffer and thus the ride is bumpier than with OEM springs.
Old Apr 24, 2006 | 03:36 AM
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stock they are still fun to drive (assuming everything is in good shape)

modified they are an absolute blast to drive
Old Apr 24, 2006 | 06:03 AM
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Originally Posted by MrGone
stock they are still fun to drive (assuming everything is in good shape)

modified they are an absolute blast to drive
I get more grins out of my BONE STOCK camaro then I did my modded max.

well as one of my former coworkers put it:
"I've known you through the birth of 2 of your kids and this is the biggest smile I've ever seen on your face"
Old Apr 24, 2006 | 06:22 AM
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Originally Posted by internetautomar
I get more grins out of my BONE STOCK camaro then I did my modded max.

well as one of my former coworkers put it:
"I've known you through the birth of 2 of your kids and this is the biggest smile I've ever seen on your face"
Dusty dirty camaro with crap stacked all over it ftl...
Old Apr 24, 2006 | 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by MyGreenMax94
Dusty dirty camaro with crap stacked all over it ftl...
carwashed camaro out of garage for summer FTW
Old Apr 24, 2006 | 10:58 AM
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Brian, you better take me around the block in that Camera this Summer
Old Apr 24, 2006 | 11:31 AM
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I just got the insurance card for it
now I need to find the garage key
Old Apr 24, 2006 | 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by internetautomar
I just got the insurance card for it
now I need to find the garage key

It's in my car
Old Apr 24, 2006 | 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by MyGreenMax94
It's in my car

lol, FedEx overnight
Old Apr 24, 2006 | 11:40 AM
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Fedex Same DAY!!!!
Old Apr 24, 2006 | 11:41 AM
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Originally Posted by internetautomar
Fedex Same DAY!!!!
Are you kidding? that'll cost what your maxima did!
Old Apr 24, 2006 | 11:49 AM
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so? it's a beautiful day whay waste it waiting for keys!
Old May 1, 2006 | 07:30 PM
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If you're looking for a decent ride stick with the OEM specs...even if you are lowered. I went with KYB's all the way around alond with urathane bushings, my ride went to sh*t. I now went back to OEM.....Happy camper.

KYB's are great if you race and what a stiff suspension.

And I'm rolling on rubber bands...30 seires tires
Old May 2, 2006 | 04:55 PM
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It's now April, and I've had three months on the KYB's. They've not softened up much, if at all.

If Iwas doingit again, I'd think seriously about pricing original equipment struts at the dealer, if they can still be had. Keep in mind I'm 58, and the KYBs are a little joltier than I anticipated.

Cheers - Miles
Old May 2, 2006 | 05:21 PM
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Originally Posted by maxatlantic
It's now April, and I've had three months on the KYB's. They've not softened up much, if at all.

If Iwas doingit again, I'd think seriously about pricing original equipment struts at the dealer, if they can still be had. Keep in mind I'm 58, and the KYBs are a little joltier than I anticipated.

Cheers - Miles
You will get BENT over hard at the dealer.
Old May 2, 2006 | 05:40 PM
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Dealers sucks! Jesse James says Autozone! OEM Specs. Lifetime warranty replace them whenever you want for free!
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