I've done a search and haven't hit on the answers I want. I really don't want to lower my car very much and I do want a close to stock ride with better handling. I want to keep my stock shocks for now. Which springs would you suggest considering my preferences, Maxspeed or H&R? How much and where can I find a good deal on H&R's?

 

For a smooth ride and a subtle drop, I suggest
H&R's. Where in VA do you live? I can take you for a ride if ya like
Cutlr7 has the same suspension setup; one ride in his car convinced me to get them. He can tell you where to get a good deal on these springs.

How many miles do you have on your stock shocks?

 

I live in Bristow (manassas basically). I work in Vienna. I have 7k on my car.

 

Ahhhhh, Man-as$-as, my home town. I'll be there this weekend. PM me if you'd like to meet up.

As for your stock shocks. You can get away with it, for now, but the ride probably won't be as good as it would with a set of new shocks that are designed to handle a spring like H&R or Eibach. Have you ever seen the lowered ricers driving around that bounce bounce like crazy when they hit a bump? That's what happens when you match a bad shock with short springs. The adjustable shocks should be coming out for 5th gens soon, so you could wait for those. Do a search and see what results people have gotten with what you want to do. I think you'll be ok for a while.

 

You could also replace the struts\shocks and use the stock springs. That will reduce lowering but improve handling.

 

I might just wait until I'm ready to plunk the money down for new shocks and struts as well. I was thinking of getting the body sarona body kit that custom maxima has. I'd like to see some good pics of the Stillen kit as well, but the sarona is very nice looking.

 

Which would be better to replace first?

 

ok, let me know if you wanna ride. You might change your mind about waiting

 

I live in Sterling. Do you have any recommendations on where to get good spring/shock work done? Just got a 2k3 and the roll terrifies me.

 

autothority in fairfax might be a good place to ask. I think you're going to have to pay close to $250 where ever you go. I got help from an .org member. I'd be willing to help you, but I cannot lead the effort.

 

Too bad I'm all the way in Reno, Nevada. I have 200 miles on my '03 SE, and the handling just SUCKS! I want to take the OEM struts/shocks and springs out and replace with the H&R springs, but which struts/shocks do I need?

 

I'm sure you can find a shop close to Reno.

the only product made for 5th gens are the tokico blues. The 4th gen modified are also an option. Do some here and see what you can find.

 

Thanks, bro.

 

Only problem with Auto Authority is that they have no experience with Maximas. I went to the track with a couple of the guys that work there. They seemed very impressed when I beat the pants off a coworkers very well modded 98 GTI.

 

hehe
That's why I said "ask". I think the best people to have do the install would be generous .org members.

 

Would someone be so kind as to supply me with the part numbers for the H&R springs and Tokico Blue struts? Is this all I will need?

 

I'm seriously considering the H&R's, but I'd really like to know how they ride with stock struts/shocks. How long do you think I can go on the stock struts/shocks with the H&R's before needing to replace them? Where's the best deals for them?

 

I have this combo on my 2k2 SE ( H&R's with stock struts) and the car is lowered slightly or greatly depends how you look at it. I for one did this mod for handling reasons. When I got the car back I was hoping that the car would not drop a whole deal but for me it did. People say that the ride is close to stock which it is, however you have to get used to the new feel of the ride. My car bottoms out a little to much for my liking so I just ordered KYB AGX rear only; 4th gen shocks to help eleviate the bottoming out. I will also note that this is the best upgrade as far as handling you can do for your car. That floating aspect is all but gone and in spirited driving it gives you that added confidence that the car will not float away on you. Also front and rear sway bars with new tires will help tremendously the handling characteristics we so desperately need to rein in this car.

 

I agree but I went a step futher I have 18" wheels w/low profile tires and not only does my car have blingg bling now I also got better performance. I have surprised a couple rice-mobiles out there that think my Maxima is slow now because of chrome wheels

 

how often do you bottom out? did you trim your bumpstops?

 

I bottom out alot. Others seem not to have this problem. When I have my kids in the back I have to take it easy going over Railroad tracks, sudden dips, pot holes the usual things you have to be careful when approaching. When I had stock set up, the car never did this. I did not have the bump stops trimmed however I just got a set of 4th gen KYB AGX for the rear only. I will install these by the end of the week. I have a long road trip with the family and find that with stock rear shocks they won't hold up with four people plus luggage. I'll let you know the diff. I feel that the front do not need to be replaced so far.