I'll be changing the suspension to JIC FLT-A2 on my AE Maxima. The car has over 100K and I would like to hear your opinions on what else I should change during the install. Also any pointers on what to look for during the install would be great. Any advice I can get would be greatly appreciated.

Andrei

 

Take your time, use pneumatic tools to get the job done easier. Jackstands and extra floor jacks are your friends for this job. Get someone with small hands (i.e. gf/wife/kid) to get to the rear strut bolts, if you can get them to crawl inside the trunk.

As for things need to be checked; CV boots, tie rods, and all bushings should be checked. That front sway bar bushing probably needs to be replaced.

 

This would be a great time to do brakes.

Tip: Make sure the lower control arm is supported when you unbolt each front strut. A good trick is to put a hydraulic jack under the LCA, take the strut tower nuts off, and let the jack down slowly. When the LCA is in the lowest position, remove the lower strut mount bolts and take the strut out (with the spring still attached). A spring compressor might make things a little easier, but it's not necessary.

 

Sounds good, I'll make sure to take your advice. As for the parts which need to be replaced, here is the deal. The outer CV boots seem to be in good shape, no cracks at all. I was thinking about replacing the upper strut mounts since the car has over 100K on it. I will have to get into checking the tie rods, and see what's going on with those. As for the strut bearing, would I have to use the OEM once? Because someone mentioned that JICs do not require them. If someone could point out something else that I should check/change, I would really appreciates that. Thank you very much in advance once again.

Andrei

 

Monday, I have to call DaveB back and place my order for bunch of misc. items. While I am at it, I might as well order a few more things for the JIC install. Please speak up with any comments/opinions.

Andrei

 

TTT.

Andrei

 

Andrei

 

Why not get some ES bushings for everything up front. If you got the time install them and get the bushings pressed into the LCA's.

 

What ever time you set aside for installing them... Double it (if not triple it)...

Coilovers are great, but they can take a ton of adjusting to get them right.

But once they are good...

Also, don't go crazy right yet making the ride height perfect. Once the springs settle in a month or so, then do it. I spent hours making mine sit perfect, then the springs settled and I had to do it all over again...

 

Thanx, I'll keep that in mind. What other trouble did you come across during your install?

Andrei

 

I agree. I thought the swap is going to take me a good 3-4 hours. It ended up being a whole day affair.

As for the springs settling and adjusting, that one I can relate with. The springs on my Toser's have settled maybe 1/4" from where it was...now I have to re-adjust it. Maybe a month's wait is more typical rather than 1-2 weeks.

 

The only "problem" I had was getting the two bolts out of the lower mounts in the front... HAVE A BREAKER BAR! Unless you have a good compressor and good air tools.

 

Breaker bar is right!!!!!!!

 

Air compressor along with some air tool are on its way. We'll see what happens during the install. Are there any other parts of my suspension which I should consider changing during the install?

Andrei