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Hey guys, just bought an '02 maxima @80k miles. It's currently sitting on stock struts and shortened Tein springs which make the ride sit 1-1.5" lower.
I live in the city, so there's a lot of crappy roads where you feel every bump. I was thinking of going back to stock height with stock springs if possible. Would bringing the height up 1-1.5" make the car absorb bumps a little bit better? And if so, where can I buy the stock springs, or perhaps better aftermarket springs which will increase the ride height? I found these MOOG springs which say it brings the Maxima to stock height, any thoughts? Thanks in advance for any advice!
Buy H&R springs. Slightly below stock in height but definitely better than OEM springs, and that's coming from someone who has to deal with brutal NYC potholes.
Buy H&R springs. Slightly below stock in height but definitely better than OEM springs, and that's coming from someone who has to deal with brutal NYC potholes.
Will swapping springs from Tein to H&R(same lowered height)/MOOG (stock height) make the ride a bit softer? NYC streets are pain in the ***, literally.
Last edited by static319; Mar 7, 2017 at 10:56 AM.
Will swapping springs from Tein to H&R(same lowered height)/MOOG (stock height) make the ride a bit softer? NYC streets are pain in the ***, literally.
Teins are harsh springs. H&R's are close to OEM SE psing but take out that floatiness associated with the OEM springs. I had OEMs and I am very happy with my H&Rs.
Be sure to swap out the struts. Stock struts cannot handle the lowered height of Tiens and will deteriorate rapidly.
Teins are harsh springs. H&R's are close to OEM SE psing but take out that floatiness associated with the OEM springs. I had OEMs and I am very happy with my H&Rs.
Be sure to swap out the struts. Stock struts cannot handle the lowered height of Tiens and will deteriorate rapidly.
Thank you for the solid advice, I'll be sure to look into replacing the struts as well. Any recommendations for good struts that won't break the bank too much?
Thank you for the solid advice, I'll be sure to look into replacing the struts as well. Any recommendations for good struts that won't break the bank too much?
KYB GR2's or Tokico HPs (also known as Tokico Blues)
Teins are harsh springs. H&R's are close to OEM SE psing but take out that floatiness associated with the OEM springs. I had OEMs and I am very happy with my H&Rs.
After 17 years, I find the absolute lack of any floatiness in my SE's springs a shortcoming rather than a positive (yes, I changed my mind). The SE suspension is great for cornering on smooth asphalt, but its ride quality is very poor - and very noticeably so - on any non-smooth surface. My most unpleasant memory is a recent drive on a washboard-like gravel road, where my friend's Subaru was gliding comfortably (and securely) while my car was jumping all over and loosing contact with the road. Felt very cheap and unsophisticated - and both of my passengers noticed.
In my mind, the best suspensions can be found on BMWs, Mazdas, and Subarus; they handle very well while being supple at the same time.
After 17 years, I find the absolute lack of any floatiness in my SE's springs a shortcoming rather than a positive (yes, I changed my mind). The SE suspension is great for cornering on smooth asphalt, but its ride quality is very poor - and very noticeably so - on any non-smooth surface. My most unpleasant memory is a recent drive on a washboard-like gravel road, where my friend's Subaru was gliding comfortably (and securely) while my car was jumping all over and loosing contact with the road. Felt very cheap and unsophisticated - and both of my passengers noticed.
In my mind, the best suspensions can be found on BMWs, Mazdas, and Subarus; they handle very well while being supple at the same time.
To be honest, a stock suspension is now 15+ years old. There are upgraded parts to help with the suspension and it all boils down to how much do you want to do or spend to make it better. when parts in my car wear out, I like to upgrade when replacing. I know my car will never compete with a RWD BMW or an AWD subaru, but it was never meant to be compared to them.
I appreciate all the help guys! I'm leaning towards the Moog springs since it's pretty much half the price of H&R and having the car sit lower isn't that important to me. However, is it guaranteed that having the car sit on Moog stock height springs as opposed to Tein lowered springs will make the ride somewhat less harsh?
Teins are harsh springs. H&R's are close to OEM SE psing but take out that floatiness associated with the OEM springs. I had OEMs and I am very happy with my H&Rs.
Be sure to swap out the struts. Stock struts cannot handle the lowered height of Tiens and will deteriorate rapidly.
Originally Posted by TallTom
KYB GR2's or Tokico HPs (also known as Tokico Blues)
i have 2 03 maximas. One with H&R springs and with gt2 struts and one with stock Springs and gt2 struts. The h&r springs are sooooooo much better. Takes the floatiness out and also takes some of the vagueness out of the steering. The ride is better in every way
Will swapping springs from Tein to H&R(same lowered height)/MOOG (stock height) make the ride a bit softer? NYC streets are pain in the ***, literally.
I'm running the same KYB's with Tein S-Tech with 2.2" front drop and 1.6" rear drop and I've been satisfied with it, the drop looks even. before that I was running Megan racing with Gabriel Ultra's 1.75" drop all around and the front had more noticeable fender gap. the Megan springs weren't as stiff as the Tein springs I have now.
