Im working on picking up some used ST lowering springs. Im working on HP upgrades, but now i want the suspesion for it. So what order should i start to upgrade my suspension? Im going to get it all, sways, strut bars, subframes, shocks, the works. Im goin to get a FSTB with some rims in the spring. So any help with what to get first would be much appreciated.

 

Springs and shocks are the major ones. I did them first and at the same time. Factory springs tend not to hold up very well against stiffer lowering springs. I went to the solid ST anti-sways next.

 

I'd do springs and struts at the same time to save labor. You'll have to take apart all the same things anyway so you might as well do them at the same time.

Other than that, there's no real order to ugrading, since just about all of those mods can stand alone. Just do whatever your pocketbook allows!

 

you've been FAQed.....


to quote one of our allustrious moderators

"READ THE DAMN STICKIES"

 

Good point on the labor part of it. I'd also have it re-aligned after they've taken that much apart. I'm replacing my shocks this spring and I'm having mine re-aligned again.

 

What kind of shocks should i get with my springs? How much do they run?

 

The BEST thing to do on this is SEARCH for the following types of shocks (struts) for our car:

KYB - the most inexpensive, but some claim to be only a bit better than stock SE shocks.

Tokico - pricey, but more performance.

Koni - even pricier, I don't know about performance. Can be modified ($$$) to be adjustable I think...

Search on these with another word or phrase of some sort to avoid finding 17921759 matches! You'll get lots of opinions that way.

 

the konis are adjustable from the factory.. but you have to modify the stock struts in order to use them. (cut the tops off, slide the konis inside them.). When you want to adjust the konis, you have to pull it all apart, as the adjustor screw is on the bottom of the insert.

and I'm sure you've already used the search function, but I would highly recommend a Strut tower brace for your first mod, then stage I and II subframe connectors after that. then start replacing springs and struts and swaybars.

 

Hey guys thanks for all the help.

 

What's your goal for your car? High speed driving (mountain/canyon runs), autox (low speed, lotsa hard turns and braking), straightline drag, or just show? Or maybe just cruising on the highway with family?

funny how nobody mentioned rims and tires. I suggest you get those first before you do any lowering...that way you will have a better idea of how low you can safely/comfortably go. You will also feel a huge diff if you get lightweight rims and fat grippy tires. I suggest 225/45-17...nice and wide and slightly smaller diameter than stock so u can lower your car better than 225/50-17. Be aware that your ride will be slightly harsher and may increase road noise. @ the bottom of the post you'll find a list of tire sizes you can consider.

Next I'd get fstb. Cheap mod and you can definitely feel the diff when you take right turns at 20+mph. it's like the front of the car sticks to the turn-in better, decreasing understeer slightly.

3rd, I'd do rsb. You can say bye bye to understeer! imo, this's the best bang-for-buck suspension mod.

4th, springs and struts. coilovers only if you need to adjust your ride height. Otherwise, just get the springs w/the springrate and drop you want (hint: eibachs have progressive springrates = comfy ride, killer performance, 1.2" drop). the stiffness will keep your car from rolling when taking turns, so your inside tires will grip better.

5th: sub frame connectors? I'm still new to this idea...haven't had any experience w/them

6th: going on a limb here, but maybe try beefier front sway bar...I would think this would increase understeer though, so maybe it's not such a good mod.

7: remove power steering. You'll get incredible steering feel and some nice muscular arms. Random Thoughts Racing just came out with a kit for the sentra club. I'm sure it won't be hard to make one for the Maximas.

PLUS ZERO
205/65-15
215/60-15
PLUS ONE
205/55-16
215/55-16
225/50-16
PLUS TWO
215/50-17
225/45-17
225/50-17
PLUS THREE
215/40-18
215/45-18
225/40-18
PLUS FOUR
225/35-19

Jay

 

Many people have also gone with 235/45/17 tires with aftermarket springs. That's as wide as you can go on the Max and it's the closest to stock diameter. It's just a matter of getting the right offset. Search for the Mustang rims talk and/or shoot me a PM.