I just ordered some H&Rs for the max. I have a few questions. Once I'm done with installation I'm aware I will need an alignment. Can I just take it to Midas or any of their competitors for the alignment? 2ndly how bad will my alignment be off after I install it (its already off a bit)? Last but not least, when I get in my car and kinda just drop my *** on the seat I hear my shock(s) make a noise. The noise is the normal noise that you would imagine a shock doing if it did make a noise. The air gas shock absorbing noise. Kinda similar to the noise that some doors with that shock thingy on the top make. Like at school or bank. Is this a "bad" noise? Are the shocks suppose to be silent? Thanks....

 

The noises you are hearing are normal. When and wherever you take it to be aligned, make sure you get just a 2 wheel alignment..the maxima rear's do not need to be aligned and save your money to get new struts and wait and get it all done at the same time. the ride with H&Rs and stock struts is bumpy. I'm waiting to save for some KYB adjustables, while i beat the s**% out of my stocks. Good luck.

 

Are you suggesting for me not to put on the H&Rs until I get my KYB AGXs? This might be some time since I plan on getting a Y pipe and B pipe 1st. I'm talking about possibly 03'. Again, how badly unaligned will it get? The alignment is already jacked up.

 

I would just go get a liftime alignment at Firestone or something. I believe that even though the rear wheels have no adjustment, a good alignment will still measure all 4 wheels.

I have a lifetime alignment that cost me $120. Now whenever my car doesn't track strait, I get it aligned for free.

You need a well aligned car as a base. I think you should pass on other mods until you have a good alignment. Your car will drive much better.

 

You have a 96 and I'd imagain you have some miles on it too. Your factory struts are not going to handle the added force the H&R springs put out. Your struts could fail prematurely and your ride will be a bit bouncy. Not harsh, but you will get a bit of what I call mini after bounch.

IF you don't need the adjustability of the AGX's why not go for some GR2's? I don't recommend putting the H&R's in your car until your ready to change your struts/shocks at the same time.

Your car isn't going to ride so great. Why degrade the ride when what your really after is to make it handle and ride tighter? Your not going to accomplish this if you proceed in the order that you are.

 

Yeah, when I floor it its hard to keep the car going straight. Not to mention I constanly have to correct the car as I drive to make it go straight. I know a bad alignment will make your tires bald on one side, but once I get it aligned will the jacked up tires unalign it again? Or will it still go to one side but be aligned properly? In which case I would need new tires. I purchased H&Rs because I knew I wouldn't be able to afford KYBs just yet and they are suppose to be one of the most easy going springs on the struts unlike Sprints and Intrax.

 

What I was primarily attempting to do was to just "lower" my car. I know better handling come along with this, but it was not my main focus (not just yet). Well it seems I might just wait after all and get some shocks before I put those on, who sells the cheapest most affordable set of AGXs online (shipped)?

 

Are you installing the springs yourself? If so, simply mark the relation of the lower strut to the steering knuckle with a white ink pen. When you do that, your alignment should stay like it is. Your toe/caster/camber could be off though. If you constantly have to correct your steering, your toe could be off or your tires might be experiencing radial ply seperation. After you get an alignment, it should stay perfect unless you put the suspension components on wrong (not installing the top spring hat in the right direction) or if you if hit a curb or big pothole.

I went from Intrax to H&Rs last week and my alignment stayed absolutely perfect therefore there's no need for an aligment. I got lucky.


Dave

 

Yes I'm installing the springs myself at Nellis AFB's Auto Hobby shop. One of the techs will probably help me out. How bad would it be for me to install the H&Rs and leave my stock struts, and then get an alignment? Would this be okay? I know Cyrus runs stock struts with SPRINTS! He seems to be doing okay. BTW I have 83k on my struts as far as I know. I purchased the car used last Nov.

 

Dave, not to second guess you here, but I bet you 10 bucks if you put your car on the alignment rack, your toe is off. It may only be slightly, but I guarantee it's off. I'd be almost willing to foot your alignment bill if your car was still tracking perfect after changing suspension components. It just doesn't happen. Don't let a straight steering wheel fool you. Have it checked. If your toe goes out on both sides approx. the same amount, your steering wheel stays straight but your total toe is wrong.

Would be a nice demo for fellow orgy members don't ya think?

Tom

 

Blown shocks result in poor alignement/ride, which results in uneven tire wear.