My findings on getting a better ride(suspension,shocks)

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07-06-2006, 09:28 AM

Justaguy

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My findings on getting a better ride(suspension,shocks)

Hi,

After reading thru days of information I think this is what I need for my 1998 maxima (automatic) to improve my suspension. I am not planning to lower the car. Just want a smoother ride and a little bit firmer…or more firmer. (My wheels are the factory 15” tires), and I'd love to hear your feedback.

From what I read I need to:

1. Get H&R and Tokico Illuminas
2. Replace the front strut bearings. Any Recommendations?
3. Get the KYB boots. (Yes? No?) (http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...del=Strut+Boot)
4. Someone once mentioned to get the front strut bars..I have no idea what this is. Recommended?

Is there anything else I need to change/replace?

Thanks

07-06-2006, 09:33 AM

MaximaSE96

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well H&Rs lower the car..not much...but they do.....KYB strut mounts include new mounts and bearings....Illuminas are OK KOni Yellows are better....get the boots/bumpstops from cattman.com

07-06-2006, 09:45 AM

Justaguy

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Okay, so your saying to buy the KYB boots/bumbstops from cattman which includes the strut mounts and bearings?

What about the front strut bars?

Sorry for my ignorance.

07-06-2006, 09:58 AM

MaximaSE96

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no i am sayign KYB has strut mounts which include bearings for the front....i got them from tirerack....and cattman has dustboot/bumpstops all 4 for 68 bux....strut bars will just stiffen things up a lil more...if ur just looking for a smooth ride....i dont think u need them

07-06-2006, 10:01 AM

mindlessoath

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http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaHandling

1. get front strut bar.
http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaFstb

2. rear anti-sway bar.
http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaSwayBars

3. ONE of the two...

Quote:

Tokico Illumina Shocks (adjustable)
Description: Tokico Illuminas are a 5 way adjustable shock. They are currently the most recommended shock for any spring. They are known to be the most comfortable of the adjustable shocks especially compared to AGX while retaining very good handling characteristics. Definately the most recommended shock due to it's very good ride and external adjustability. These will most likely last the lifetime of the car. Recommended starting settings would probably be 3 front, 3 rear for aftermarket springs.
Cheapest price: $450 SHIPPED from http://www.southwestautoworks.com, ask for the Maxima.org discount, $479 from http://www.shox.com, or $408 shipped from http://www.performancepeddler.com/ with "maxima" (without the quotes) wholesale login (if you call, talk to Brad and mention the maxima.org illumina discount)
Koni Yellow Shocks (adjustable)
Description: The Koni Yellow shocks are infinitely adjustable in the front and rear. The fronts can be adjusted at the top of the shock towers. The rear shocks are not externally adjustable and need to be taken off the car to be adjusted. The rear shock has 2 spring perches, a regular one, and one that is higher up for towing purposes. The front struts come without housings, so the stock strut housings need to be cut and used for installation which can be difficult. These shocks are known among the autocross and road race crowd as being the best performing shock at any price. They are known to ride less harsh with an equal level of dampening than the AGX. These will most likely last the lifetime of the car. Recommended starting setting is 3 half turns front, and 3 half turns rear for aftermarket springs. Information about adjustment is here MaximaKoniSettings
Cheapest price: $520.80 from http://www.shox.com/ or $526 from http://www.eatricezone.com/

4. Choose what ya like...
http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaSprings
(i have tokico blues and h&r. i get a loud noise sometimes when reversing and turning, basically the spring is touching itself - noted in other threads - do a search - doesnt happen to everyone tho).

5. Camber bolts
http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaCamberKits
cattman himself suggested to use BOLTS, not anything else... the thread he said this i cant find anymore - it was in the group buy section if ya wana search for it, but i belive it was deleted). the progress kit is what he was selling @ 35$ which i belive ended in june.

6. http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaLowerTieBar

http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaStrutMounts
MaximaStrutMounts

Information
When strut bearings wear out, they will make noises when you turn your wheel
All Generations
OEM Nissan Strut Bearings
These are the best replacements for your strut mounts
KYB Strut Mounts/Bearings
These aren't anywhere near as good as the OEM ones, and have been known to not work very well and wear out quickly.

07-06-2006, 10:10 AM

Justaguy

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Ahhh great summary mindlessoath!....what was #6?

Was it the KYB strut mounts?

THANK YOU!

07-06-2006, 10:22 AM

Justaguy

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sorry..my display messed-up,,now I saw the rest.

Thanks!

07-06-2006, 10:26 AM

MaximaSE96

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for the record i have had no troubles with my KYB front mounts

07-06-2006, 11:12 AM

JSutter

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If all you are looking for is a firmer ride, get illuminas and replace any worn out parts while you are in there.

07-06-2006, 01:47 PM

#10

dgeesaman

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JSutter

If all you are looking for is a firmer ride,

... Add 5psi all around and call it a day.

And next time you buy tires, buy a higher speed rating to get the stiffer tire wall.

Dave

07-07-2006, 10:23 AM

#11

mindlessoath

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dgeesaman

... Add 5psi all around and call it a day.

And next time you buy tires, buy a higher speed rating to get the stiffer tire wall.

Dave

isnt the case all the time... but good idea anyways. i suggest getting a higher speed rating and getting a differnt size tire for less sidewall. i had some tires that had less sidewall and wider, they performed great, however when i switched to stock tires (WITH higher speed rating)... it was and is the worst experiance ever.

also take a look at your bushings and replace some of the busings, and replace the sway bar endlinks if they look worn. you can get energy suspention bushings (poly urathan bushings) which will be much stiffer, but may ride much harsher, depending on the bushings being replaced (various other side effects, do the search thing first).