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Sorry if this is a dumb question but I have been searching for an hour and am unable to find an answer. My back end has been jumpy when I hit bumps and Ive read its the suspension. I just want to replace it and I'm wondering what I should get(inexpensive)?
Jumpy or feels like the rear end skips? If you can wiggle the wheel back and forth, your trailing arm bushing is done.
After searching this thread could not find anything on this.
Recently changed front struts for '02 GLE to KYB Excel-G and Moog spring (Advance PN 80978), KYB strut mounts and bearings. Mechanic said the KYB mounts and bolts did not fit and that the tower plates were bent on both sides. He re-used the old Nissan bolts and made the KYB mount holes bigger. The old tower gaskets were torn, throw away during install. Moog springs were taller than stock.
During install, mechanic changed right CV axle and removed subframe cross-member to get access. He replaced cross-member after axle replacement.
After install, got a new loud clunking noise/vibration when turning steering wheel in either direction, parked or moving. Mechanic said the Moog spring had a rounded top and bottom and didn't seat well with the Nissan insulators versus the stock spring. He also thought the new Excel-G might be damaged because when he tested them before install they didn't spring back quickly (they were separate Tire Rack, AutoZone orders).
As possible fix, I ordered Nissan tower gaskets, mount brackets, mounts/bearings and bolts/nuts after reading on one of the boards that Nissan mounts prevent the strut from moving in the tower.
Can Moog spring be used with Nissan insulators (PN 54034-AG001, 54036-2Y000). I plan on re-using the old insulators. Before the install, the front struts were completely shot and the stock springs spongy but there was no noise/vibration when turning the wheel.
? Your ride height / stance looks normal? BTW the rear end with the "Scott - Russell" lateral link isn't really meant to have the ride height changed, as it puts a lot of constant strain on the lateral compliance bushing. Your rear suspension is "jarring" ? You need to check that the lateral link bushings haven't worn out.
I had a very nasty thud in the read when the rear wheels hit a bump, and quite a bit of looseness in the rear when turning left. It was the lateral arm bushing(s). Sorry, no advice about lowering springs. I find the stock ride height is okay, if actually a bit low, and wouldn't want to go lower due to real world road surfaces.
KYB EXCEL G/GR2 shocks/struts with a decent lowering spring, I plan on getting either H&R springs for the front. Tein H tech,
After trying 4-5 different spring/shock combinations, as well as having BC coilovers, my $.02 is this: get HR springs for the front, Tein Htech for the rear, and excel g2 struts all around. The ride height will be perfect (lowered but not too low), and that combo is a super nice tradeoff between stiffness and comfort.
I'm on Tein S tech, advertised as 2.2" front drop and 1.6" rear drop with whatever KYB Rockauto had in stock for 2002 Maxima. the car sits more level than when I had the Megan racing springs.. I also have all polyurethane bushings and Addco rear sway bar
best side view I had that shows fender gap
Last edited by uptownsamcv; Sep 4, 2024 at 10:56 AM.
That sounds like a great combo, TSelanne! It's still up for debate if I wanna get lowering springs or not. But if I do, I'm going with that set-up most def! If it's even possible to have a nice, stiff ride AND driving comfort... best of both worlds! Thanks tons!
it rides good for a daily driver and handles great on the highway. I always hated the huge fender gap these cars came with but didn't want it inconveniently low. it doesn't bottom out and has no problem fitting a jack under it.
here's a pic from when I had the Megan racing springs. I still have them boxed up in the garage if your interested, just cover the shipping and they're yours. 1.75" drop all around..
I recently had my suspension done about 6 months ago. I went with kyb gr2 struts with hr springs all around. I also changed dust boots (OEM), front strut mounts (moog), front sway bar end links (moog), and front sway bar bushings (energy suspension). These changes made a night and day difference. The ride is comfortable and feels close to stock. I can measure the drop later but front does still sit a tad higher than back. Much less fender gap though.
I am not sure you will find hr springs anymore though. I know I couldn’t find them anywhere and almost got Tein htechs but got lucky with someone local selling brand new hr springs so I scooped them up quickly.
I would reach out to the manufacturers - some will give you at least some guidance. A reputable 4 wheel alignment shop might also be able to help but you they are $$$. Hope this helps.
