Hey fellas,

As my beloved 2000 Maxima hit 160k miles recently, I've been searching for some good OE replacements for the assembly. As a recently graduated student, I am short on money and in need of some "bang for the buck" suggestions on what I can buy for said replacements.

I'm currently hovering over Sensen, Unity, or if truly necessary Monroes. Heck I'd even do some kybs if I can find some for a decent deal.

Hope to hear some of your suggestions because I'm kind of new to this whole car mod life.

Thanks!

 

KYB struts are great and very close to OEM set-up. I like them, and they work great on my SE (17" rims, stiffer suspension than the GLE/GLX).

In terms of price/value, it's hard to beat RockAuto.com. I recently replaced my rear struts with a KYB kit from RockAuto ( KIT341271 - struts, mounts, and all sleeves/bellows included). Total cost about $170, including shipping. It seems they don't have that kit anymore, but peruse the site and go from there. I would stay away from Monroe hardware and their "quick strut" in particular. A few members here on .org tried it and did not like it.

 

Thanks for the tip. I was actually leaning towards Monroe because people say the more you pay the more you get out of it.

Has anyone tried Staggs before?

 

Another for the KYB GR2s - Installed them on my 2k SE along with rebuilding the entire suspension with ES poly bushings. Originally a factory 17" wheel car but I moved to the 5 spoke 16" wheels and love the end result.

 

OMG got my suspension replaced by Meineke June 2016 on my 2k3 SE(101,023 mi) and the ride is hella harsh. Still has the 17" stock wheels. Thinking about going with KYB's now.

 

A handful of people tried and liked staggs, oh and I have them for sale brand new

 

I have on '02 GLE, and I replaced wtih the Monroe quick struts (Spectrum based, not economatics!) and I am perfectly happy with the results. The Monroes are a little softer than stock, but it works for me as it's my daily driver, and I am opposed to a harsh ride with 2 hours of daily commuting. The Monroe Spectrum are the most OEM like for the GLE, and they were relatively cheap as I replaced all 4 from Rock Auto for a shade over $400!

 

Another vote for KYB. I did EXACTLY what HerBlue2KSE did over the summer. Very happy with how things turned out. I didn't realize just how mushy the car had gotten until after the replacment.

 

I'm currently installing eibach lowering springs with KYBs. Anyone know if it's necessary to trim the strut boot? Some say it may bottom out if it's not cut since travel of strut will be shorter.

 

eibach and h&R do not need cut boots, IIRC anything lower than 1.5 you should consider modifying boots.

been on h&r for 120k w regular boots

 

Thanks for the boot info. I have all the new replacement components and was hoping to swap new strut assembly with the old. I didn't know I was suppose to use some of the old parts like strut mount insulator and Front seat spring.