I recently purchased H&R Springs and KYB AGX struts for my '98 Maxmia. I haven't installed them yet and was wondering do I need to buy the KYB dust boots and bump stops as well? I don't want any noises from the suspension, but don't know if I will be fine without them or if they are a must to have as well. What other things should I look out for before I install as well.

Also, I like the more agressive look and my 5speed Max seems to sit lower in the rear then the front which bugs me. I've recently read a thread by njmaxseltd (Tom)and he said he used a special busing on spring to help correct this. Has anyone else corrected this problem or have any suggestions.

One, more thing...I'm looking for someone in the Atlanta area to do the install that knows what they are doing and won't charge an arm and a leg. Anyone in Atlanta want to help me out or know someone?

Thanks,

Rahn

 

I would suggest that you stick with the OEM dust boots. I remember reading somewhere that the KYB dust boots don't fit on the stock strut mounts correctly. Those people who bought the KYB dust boots then bought the KYB strut mounts to correct this problem...which ushered in a bunch of other problems (longevity of the mounts, noise issues and the like). KYB strut mounts (at least for the Maxima) don't have a good rep to say the least.

Tips:
- Try to keep all the "secondary" parts OEM...that is, everything but the shocks/struts & the springs. You'll have less chance of running into fittment problems this way.
- Remember to use the spring isolator sleeves on the tops and bottoms of the springs to keep your car quiet.
- Make sure you re-assemble everything correctly and torque the nuts down properly when you are done. It's a pain to put everything together, take it for a drive, and then hear a loud banging noise because you forgot a bushing or whatever. Maybe keep one side assembled for reference while you work on the other just to be safe.

As far as your car sitting unevenly, I can't answer that. I have an auto and it sits fine, but maybe the 5 speeds sit differently....I would trust njmax's opinion, he knows a lot about suspension stuff.

Good luck.

Oh, you might want to post in the Southeast forum about this...there are some members in the ATL area that I'm sure would be happy to help.

 

The reason your 5 speed looks higher in the front is because the car's tranny is about 150 - 200 lbs lighter, making your 5 speed lighter in the front then us Autos.

The H&R's should make you sit almost level. I wouldn't do anything to H&R springs, they ride great and look great just like they are.

You can use all OEM dust covers / bump stops with H&R's or you can go with HYB dust covers / bump stops. I personally went the OEM way. You'll save a few $$ if you order all 4 KYB dust covers from Cattman.


Good luck with your install!

 

In your other post you highly recomended trimming the OEM or replacing with the KYB dust boots and bump stops (already trimed). If I don't do this will I get extra noise or harshness. How much does this help me to absorb Atlanta roads into my suspension instead of the body of the car.

Also can you get me a set of the bummer bushings? I'd still like to raise the rear a little even with the H&R's.

Rahn

 

OK if you want to stick with OEM dust covers do this. You can only trim the front bump stops with OEM stuff. You can't modify the rear unless you cut the assembly and glue it back together. Not recomended.

If you go with OEM up front, take out the yellow bump stop from inside the dust cover and trim off one ring. You'll know what I'm talking about once you see it. That will give you an extra 3/4 or so of an inch of suspension travel. H&R's don't sit that low, so you really don't have to do this, but it wount hurt either thats for sure.

As far as bushings go. Install your springs first then see how the car looks.

 

Tom and I did the same install on my car(auto) about a month ago. The best thing to do would be to get the KYB dust covers. With my car the front sits a tad lower then the rear. I think that the springs bushings wouldnt' even make a difference with H&R's becuase they're not that low in the back.

Kevin

 

Here are some pictures I took of the OEM parts that I bought for my suspension:

Bushings
http://www.bryanb.com/site/maxima/parts/parts01.jpg
http://www.bryanb.com/site/maxima/parts/parts02.jpg

Front Strut Bearing
http://www.bryanb.com/site/maxima/parts/parts03.jpg

Energy Suspension Endlink Bushings (Polyurethene)
http://www.bryanb.com/site/maxima/parts/parts04.jpg

KYB Dust boots with Bump stops
http://www.bryanb.com/site/maxima/parts/parts05.jpg
http://www.bryanb.com/site/maxima/parts/parts06.jpg
http://www.bryanb.com/site/maxima/parts/parts07.jpg
http://www.bryanb.com/site/maxima/parts/parts08.jpg


PS- Does anyone know what happened to the 4th Gen suspension Sticky?

 

good Stuff,

This is definately FAQ material!

Kevin

 

Thanks for all the help and advice.... I recently purchaced my Maxima and have been searching around for forums ect... This is awesome and I'm sure you'll be hearing more from me and updates on the install
as well as future upgrades

 

I've asked this question before and got no valid response........

 

Also, since you're new. OEM parts can be ordered for 25% off normal listed price. I've had good experiences with Courtesy Nissan. www.courtesyparts.com

Call in your order and mention you're a maxima.org member and you get the 25% discount (Website prices are 15-20% off list, but call and you get 25% off list).

 

I just had my AGX/Eibachs installed for $150 at Sengspeed Performance Shop. They are located on Forest Pkwy and Jonesboro Rd instersection. Haven't had a whole lot of time to enjoy the ride becuz I put the car in the body shop to get it painted. So far their the cheapest that I was able to find. Call NOPI shop for their number. They should be in the phone book.

Word of caution: When I raised the hood to check the settings on the front shocks I noticed that on one side the numbers were scraped off of the top. Looks like they weren't paying attention to when they slid the piston rod through the shaft. I plan on going back and taking it up with them. You have been forewarned.

 

That sucks!!! how are you going to figure out your settings and what not?

Kevin

 

I was wonderng too. Oh well. I'm going to try to get a comprehensive list of everything you need, part names, #'s, non-oem options, etc. Once I do this, I will put everything together into a suspension info page or something, with a how-to on changing suspension (yes, with pictures).

 

I will probably end up getting my suspension installed by someone, but I would really appreciate a parts list like that. There's like 9000 different threads with different info on different things you need. It seems like every day I see a new thread with a new part that I'm going to need to get.

 

Here is all the info you need for parts!

https://maxima.org/forums/showthread...spension+parts

 

Ahh, nice thanks a lot man, that's EXACTLY what I neeeded!

 

Is there a how-to on installing the energy suspension? Is this something you do by yourself or is it done professionally?

 

Do you mean the end link bushings? If so yes you can install it by yourself, but you'll need another person to help. basicaly get the front on Jack stands and unbolt the sway bar end link on both sides. Twist it up from both sides and install the bushings. do a searh for mr details

Kevin

 

Thanks! Is it unanimous that one should get new OEM dust boots instead of the the AGX dust boots? Moreover, do I need isolation sleeves for the back as well? Sorry about all these questions. I just want to get the perfect ride.

 

Get KYB AGX boots all around. Get OEM isolation sleeves from a 95-96 model, probably 2 for each side of the front and 2 for each side of the rear. the 95-96 ones are more heavy duty.

Kevin

 

Here is a picture of some of the parts.
http://www.bryanb.com/site/maxima/parts/parts.html

These are the KYB dust boots, and you can see they already have the shortened bump stop. Get the KYB, they are about the same or even cheaper then the OEM and they already have a smaller bump stop.

I also took a picture of the endlink bushings. Make sure you use an all purpose grease on them so that they don't squeak. As for the install, of the endlinks it was easy.

If anyone is doing a suspension change you might as well replace these bushings with the ES bushings at the same time. My original bushings were crushed, and looked like they should be replaced.

If you have any questions, just ask