is anyone here running stock struts with aftermarket springs? im getting maxspeed springs and wondering if i need to replace my stock struts. please let me know...

and what kind of struts should i get? something inexpensive...



Tae

 

It depends on how many miles you have on your stock struts. I am currently using them with Sprints (the harshest spring), but they only have 60k miles on them. They are holding up fine so far (they have been professionally checked several times). On the other hand some people put softer springs on newer struts and they blow. So you're really taking a chance, nobody can tell you for sure if they will last. And if I recall correctly there have been people with Maxspeeds on stock struts doing fine.
-Cyrus

 

i just hit 90000 miles yester day... and i have SE

 

Then if I were you I would hold out until you can afford a set of new struts. Maxspeeds may not be very firm but any lowering spring will put more wear on the struts. Sorry but it's better to play it safe, driving with blown struts is a hazard.
-Cyrus

 

Cyrus is right, at 90,000 you need to replace the struts now too.

 

thanks guys for the output......
now.. can you help me what kind of brand i should get? something inexpensive..

Tae

 

KYB AGX all the way. Check out www.CustomMaxima.com for more info. You can get them for $350 shipped.
-Cyrus

 

if you kept the same struts...what would make it "blow out", just the more constant compression?...and do you think it would blow out,,..or gradually weaken over time becoming an even softer ride....which is actually what I want. I do a lot of traveling...and want a ride like a towncar.

 

Cyrus knows his suspension stuff! Listen to him...

 

They're listed at $380 right now w/o shipping.

 

i believe there's a group deal for KYB AGX for $350 shipped.. from Nick Bauer.. i just bought it from him last week.. he's very reliable.. try search and i'm sure you could find his info

 

What makes them blow is the fact that they are not designed to control the added force a lower spring puts out. They fail quickly, especially if they are worn a bit.

If you want a ride like a town car, don't lower your car.

Just replace your stock struts and rear shocks with Tokico Blue performance replacements. They ride really nice.

If you still want to lower your car but want a very smooth ride, H&R springs are your only choice and I'd go with either the Tokico or KYB GR2 struts and shocks.