I've been doing a lot of searching in the forums on various suspension setups you guys have. Personally, I think the stock Max suspension is a little schizophrenic. Very, firm over small bumps, soft and floaty over the larger stuff. Stock GXE setup. I commute about 50 miles a day -- all secondary roads. Florida roads aren't terrible, but there are lots of pavement ripples and the occasional pothole. The car just doesn't feel settled to me. Lots of big car shimmy. Here's what I'm thinking about -- I'm sure you'll all let me know if I'm crazy. I'm thinking about installing H&R springs. Based on the FAQ's and posts, they seem to be the closest to stock. They should control some of the larger body motions better than the stock springs, right? It'll help with the big-enough-to-hurl-a-cat-through- wheel gap we all love. I'd like to replace the shocks, too. Are there any shocks that are LESS firm than stock, but still offer good damping? Variable shock valving, perhaps? I don't plan on racing this car since it's my daily driver. There are no curvy roads here, so I don't care much about high speed/high load cornering prowess. Besides, I can always add an FSTB and RSB. One other thing, I'll be upgrading to a 17" rim at some point, which is why I'm looking for a little less impact harshness. Cost is an issue to some degree ... Any suggestions?

 

I agree, Maxima's suspension is one of the weak points of this car.

I am installing H&Rs soon to remove that 4x4 look and make the car more stable.

 

After market springs will help, but I have noticed with the Stock Struts I still have that it gets more bouncy on harder bumps. This is because the Stock Struts arent designed to be used with Aftermarket Springs that are harder and lower.

I am waiting for mine to blow (which will be soon) and just put on the KYB AGX adjustable ones.

Dixit

 

Definitely get shocks - esp w/ GXE susp[ension. I am having to pay for install twice now, b/c I thought I could get away with it.

On the harshness issue -
My Toks are in the mail so I will know more later, but from what I have read here it is the springs that control the harshness - not the struts. Bumps will be felt more w/ Eibachs, than with H&R (or Maxspeed). The aftermarket struts will keep you from bouncing all over the place. Of course all this is moot if you get adjustables and keep them on the harshest setting for any roads, but you get the picture, right?

Also, I think the greatest suprise will be in going to 17" wheels. I went from 15" to 235/45-17 and thought I ruined my car. Some wheel spacers and about of week of getting used to it did the trick. I was in the same boat as you - you will freak out after you do all this, but you will learn to love it. It is a tremendous challenge for automakers to balance a comfy ride w/ a sporty one. This is about the best correction you can do.

 

One question for you noflash, where are your clears?

 

You think I need 'em?
I don't know. I just don't want to get too into modding every little thing on my car. I've really just been focusing on the handling.

And besides... I'm NOflash.

 

I like the bouncy ride, Its FUN!!!
i got maxspeeds with stock GLE struts.
Roger

 

Fun like a pogo stick.