I started off with a GLE, then swapped the springs for SE springs and swapped the stock GLE dampers to KYB GR2's. The GR2s actually feel harsh on my car - i don't know if it's because they are too stiff relatively speaking to the "softer" SE springs, but I just don't like the way the car feels. Also, the switch did not get rid of the "floaty" feel of the car. My sis has a completely stock 2002 maxima (obviously with stock Tokicos) and it doesn't feel floaty, it dampens nicely without being harsh nor bouncy. My original GLE Tokicos felt like weaker GR2's but i wonder if this is because they made for the GLE, and because they had 30k miles on them when i got the car.

Anyway, I was thinking of trying Tokico Illuminas so that I can just dial-in the exact firmness I want instead of guessing on which damper I might like. But I am wondering if the Illuminas will remove the floaty feel? I had read somewhere that illuminas have slightly higher rebound stiffness than compressions stiffness. I want smooth dampening and without floatiness. Do you guys with the illuminas notice that the floatiness is gone??

 

The Illuminsas are one of the best struts for our cars. My AGX's do not have the floaty feeling, but they sure do have the oomph feeling.

 

The GR2's are pretty firm, the Illuminas will give you the ability to dial in the ride your most comfortable with. With the stock springs, put them on 3 all around and go from there. That setting, on the stock springs, gives a really stable ride without being harsh.

 

Thanks guys, I am going to go with Illuminas for piece of mind of getting the best struts out there. What other suspension components should I replace while changing the struts? These are components I got from another thread:

Front

Strut Spacer 54329-39U00
Strut Bearing 54325-5V000
Strut Dust Cover (Boot) 54050-31U01
Rubber seat 54034-0W000 OR 54034-85E10 ??
Polyurethane sleeve 54034-85E10 OR 54034-31U01 ??

Rear

Strut Spacer 56218-61L10
Dust Cover (Boot) 55240-01A00
Rubber Seat 55034-31U00
Polyurethane sleeve 55031-33P10
Cover Washer 55248-01U00
Isolation Bushing 56218-61L10

Please help me understand what the following parts do and where they are:
1) Strut spacers
2) Rubber seats
3) Polyurethane sleeves
4) Cover washers
5) Isolation bushings

 

I've got four, brand new Illuminas for sale that will fit your Max.

$400 shipped. Let me know if you're interested.

 

why are you selling them.

 

Thanks for the offer but I already bought them off ebay a few days ago.


Can someone please help me understand the suspension parts that i listed in my post above?

 

Cannot afford to keep them (or the Tein H-Techs, either).

Heck I cannot even afford to get them installed.

Darn medical bills!!