my ride is getting very bouncy and rough. I think I definitely need new shocks, but not sure if also springs.
I dont want to lower the car or anything, what do you guys recommned as replacement to keep the ride as close to stock as possible? Do I also need new springs?

 

If you want to keep the ride as close to stock as possible you can either get OEM shocks/struts from Dave B or some Tokico HP "Blues." Keep the springs.

 

When I purchased my 03 SE it had a soft ride compared to my 02 SE that was totalled. I first thought it was the shocks. Replaced them with HP and while the ride got better it was still to soft. Next I figured maybe the previous owner put GLE/GXE springs in the rear to soften the ride. Purchase a set of SE rear springs from an orger and guess what, problem solved. The car rides just like my 02 SE. I suggest you change out the GXE rear springs for some SE rear springs and put HP shocks/struts on the car. My car now feels very planted like my old 02 and I couldn't be happiers. In my opinion the GLE/GXE springs are way to soft for the beam axle nissan uses.....

 

I guess Ill be the first to say... Go with some Tokice Illuminas.

Adjustable, great control, and the will last longer.

If you have ever entertained the thought of sportier springs now would be the time as well.

 

He doesn't want to lower the car. All you need is Hp if your sticking with stock springs. The hp are more then stiff enough if he does decide to go with sports springs later. I really wonder how often people change the settings on there illuminas to make it even worth the extra money. Meaning if you never change the settings then what was the purpose..

 

I almost never change the settings on my struts... But that does not mean they are a waste on money. being able to set your shock valving to compliment WHATEVER springs you have is very valuable in terms of performance and comfort.

Yes, with stock springs the Blues will be fine, but that doesn't mean there isn't something better.

And yes, I realize that he does not want to get different springs... at this point.

 

I am planning to do the same thing... I have the Tokico Blues, and will be putting SE rear springs in place of the GXE springs.

Is there any benefit to replacing the front springs with H&R or Maxspeed? Or replace them with SE fronts?

I just noticed... do the Blues get softer over time? I have had them for about a month, and they seem to be bouncier now...

 

ok so I will go with the Tokico Blues...any good place to get them from?

 

All struts will eventually wear out/ get softer.

 

absolutely!!!

I'll be the second person to recommend illuminas over Blues. Stiffer shocks is not always better. Shocks that are too stiff for the springs will hurt performance and will most likely fail prematurely. Illunias can be set to match either OEM or other aftermarket springs while Blues are preset to an average aftermarket spring kit.

 

After 1 month?

 

Search around, there are HUNDREDS of threads on suspension. There's one on the very 1st page as a matter of fact. You'll get tons of opinions on the various setups available.

 

Are people replacing the strut bearings when they do suspension work? I am due, and know I am going with Illuminas and Eibachs but trying to decide if I should just go ahead and replace the bearings while I am there and call it a job? BTW, my car only has 47.5K

 

I will say with putting maxspeeds or H&R on just the front the car might look funny. Both I believe come with at least an inch drop which the front is already a little lower. If you are looking for stock ride just get blues and se springs and call it a day.

 

I chanced them... They are only $7 a piece...

 

I am thinking typo here. I am assuming you "changed" them...especially when you quote them at 7 buxors a piece versus "chancing" them.

At 7 a piece, thats a no brainer.

 

Illuminas, RSB, FSTB, New urethane bushings...

 

I believe Houscor's setup was H&R in the front, stock SE in the back, with STOCK struts. The drop seemed even and he was happy with the performance.

http://www.innerbean.com/housecor/2004_11_09.html

 

Not that it's a waste of money, but is it worth it for HIM to spend the extra 100.00 plus dollars if he has no intention of changing the settings on the illuminas. The extra 100 plus could be used on something else......I love my blues and I don't think there that stiff..

 

Went with Blues., and love it... I have no reason to guage since my rears where already leaking when I bought the car. But, with the Blues it feels just right to me.

 

Me too. Seem like the perfect marriage. It drove me nuts reading all the threads regarding Blues being the same shocks that came with the max. Not true at all. Completely different dampening quality. Yes I do agree if your using sports springs then buy illuminas but if your keeping the stock springs then why bother. It's the springs that improve the handling of the car the most not the shocks

 

You and I both... I went NUTS reading. My head was hurting already with all the reading. One person would say Blues, another KYB... Then someone would come along and say illuminas... At the end, just said F it. Found a great price on eBay and never turned back.