I was considering installing some progressive rate springs on my 03 TE SE 6speed until my tire guys recomended against it. These guys are very experienced when it comes to tires and suspension and I trust them (Mincz tire in Richmond, VA). They say even with a 1" to 1.5" drop, it will be virtually impossible to maintain proper alignment and I will likely experience much more than normal tire wear. They say even with a camber kit, I will still wear tires much faster.

This concerns me as I've just replaced my tires and am looking to get at least 30k miles from them.

I would like to hear what other 5th gen SE owners have experienced after installing lowering springs, especially progressive springs that lower the car about 1" rear and 1.5" front. What type of tire wear have you experienced? - How often have you had a 4 wheel alignment? - And is there a truly safe way to slightly lower this car without negative log term effects?

Also, I have switched to 235/45-17 which I imagine could make a slight difference since they are just a hair shorter than factory size.

 

I droped my car I have no probs. when you drop it the tires tend to camber inwards ( just picture the top of the tire pushing in to the fender alittle so it looks like / \ that). if you deside to drive it like that you will get a good corner responce it will turn better with a consequence that the inside of the tire will wear more that the outside.

drop it and get an alinghment thats all

 

which springs actually require the use of a camber kit???????

 

i normally ride with about a 2-2.5 inch drop and i just had my alignment done, the guys there showed me the the levels on my car, when u lower a car as much as i did u throw a lot of things off, they managed to get everything back within specs exp the castor, which isnt a tire wearing problem. if u onyl lower with spings not coilovers i dont think youll have a problem.

 

My castor is off too! Stock ride height. Never been hit. Best sounding advice I have received is to try shifting the front subframe a bit.

 

how can u shift the subframe, sounds like it sound make things way worse than a lil extra castor

 

My castor is different from side-to-side. Don't know if shifting the subframe is possible on the Max., but it is an old hot rodder's alignment trick. A small rotation would equalize the castor.

 

wouldn't a unibody frame prevent a subframe adjustment?!?
Thinking about lowering too, already have more wear on the outside, maybe lowering will fix it with progress/illumina's (wishfull thinking)

 

Toe in/out is what causes / \ or \ / not caster.

 

Find another tire guy to do business with, sounds like there old school and not open to mods. A mild drop with a sports oriented spring will not have negative effects on suspension geometry. Have them professionally installed and have your alignment (toe) set back to the manufactures spec and enjoy your new and improved handling and sports car ride. Use a high quality spring such as H&R or Eibach and couple them with quality struts and you'll have a really nice ride along with a more agressive looking ride height. Once your alignment is set, it doesn't move. The Maxima is not prone to have camber issues with mild drops under 2 inches.