I have a 2K Max, and it has just over 17,000 mi. on it. I had a shop install Eibach lowering springs last spring, but I don't remember how many miles ago. I am contemplating on replacing my stock shocks/struts, but I am not sure if it is necessary right now. I would like to save the money and get the RSB, or 18-19" rims. What would you do??? Thanks.

 

Since you have such low mileage, I would keep the stock struts until they blow out or after 75,000 miles.

Save your $$$, and get the rear sway bar.

 

I recently replaced my stock shocks on my 2000 Max SE. They had almost 19,000 miles on them. I already had Eibachs on the car. The car rides better now with the Eibachs and Tokicos than the Eibachs and stock shocks. The ride is not as stiff and the car handles better

 

I recently replaced my stock shocks on my 2000 Max SE. They had almost 19,000 miles on them. I already had Eibachs on the car. The car rides better now with the Eibachs and Tokicos than the Eibachs and stock shocks. The ride is not as stiff and the car handles better

 

I replaced my stock shocks/struts at about 15k miles out of necessity. The rear suspension was bottoming and bouncing over larger bumps and was rough even on smaller bumps. It's much better now, but you have to make the call. Some have had their OEM shocks/struts for a lot longer with no problems. Mine gave up and needed to be replaced. Expensive but well worth it IMO.

 

My struts were shot the day I got the car. The rear end bottoms and the front end crashes. This is normal to Nissan service however, they never see anything wrong with their cars, including the constant hesitiation on tip in and any gear. I call my 03 maxima a Japanese Ford.

 

Swapping the shocks made the car more comfortable (even by a small extent)too?

 

When I decided to lower my car via stiffer Eibach springs several months ago, I actually tried to ask around about whether I should replace the shocks/struts at the same time. I was told that the stock struts/shocks might not work as well with performance springs since the stiffer springs tend to rebound differently than the softer stock springs. Similarly, after-market performance struts/shocks are made to perform well with these stiffer springs.

While the stock shocks/struts might work okay with the new springs, you're not going to realize the full benefits of your suspension upgrade without doing the shocks/struts too. I'd complete the suspension phase of your mods by getting the performance struts/shocks, rear sway bar, front strut bar (if you don't have it already). Then once the suspension is set up the way you like it, you can move on to additional mods like exterior styling (i.e. new rims & tires, tinted windows etc.) or performance upgrades (i.e. intake, ECU upgrade,brakes etc.)

I think everyone will agree that their Maximas are on-going projects.
Sweet rides that keep on getting better and better!!

 

Yeah, w/ the stock shocks and struts, the car tends to bounce around a bit when I drive over small bumps...I was wondering if the performance shocks/struts would make a difference. Also, I am noticing the car starting to lean a bit more around turns. Is that a tell-tale sign that the stocks are starting to go??? I was thinking the RSB will solve the problem. But since u advised on completing the setup w/ shock/struts, then RSB, then rims, I will in that direction. I already have a FTSB. What combo do you prefer w/ the Eibachs??? Please advise me, I want to get the best comfort and handling possible. Thanks.

 

You can do a search under "struts" or "shocks." Most people prefer KYB adjustable shocks/struts over Tokico shocks/struts. But the KYB's will generally cost you more $$-- plus, I'm not sure they're made to fit the 5th Generation Maximas without some modification. The Tokicos were a direct swap out for the stock shocks/struts which is why I went with them. Even though some people hate them, they're doing fine by me so far....