Maybe I am the only one who has experienced this but here goes nothing...

As many of you know I am a suspension freak. I constantly strive for the ultimate handling along with the ultimate ride quality. The (2) phenomenons are inversely proprtional. Generally, when one improves-the other suffers.

Much like Tiger Woods my car is great but I want it to be better. I notice a little change in behavior from a empty gas tank to a full gas tank. When she is topped off she gets a little bit bumpier (still great tho). I can counter this with lower setting on the AGX's but the handling is not quite as responsive.

I decided to experiment around. This is what I found. Only folks with a open mind and a good wrench need read further...As some of you know, cutting a spring not only lowers your car but also increases the spring rate. Keeping this in mind I compared cutting one turn off a stock rear spring to a untouched Progress rear spring.

It turns out they have about the same drop (~.8 inches), but ride quality is markedly improved along with handling with the cut OEM's (still super smooth on a full tank). For those of you with AGX's it allows you to up the settings by 2 or 3 in terms of stiffness and still maintain great ride quality while driving on a FULL tank. This adds to the handling improvement even more.Simply unbelievable! I know there are doubters but this is what I discovered and I am passing it on to you guys.

It's a quick job to and from. There is nothing to lose except a hour. I invite you all to give it a go and discover a improved Maxima.

 

Cool, you're the definitive suspension guru. From now on, you are my PSA - Personal Suspension Advisor!

 

Someone else on the Org did this fairly recently to a 6th Gen, he cut like 6-8 inches off his springs...

 

I truly wish you guys could drive my car. Then you'd know know.

On a full tank of gas + subwoofer (besides track), the highest 3 or 4 settings are just to bumpy on the AGX's.

The cut OEM's gives the AGX's a full range to play with and deals with huge potholes with aplomb. The handling is outstanding and the ride quality is superb.

I have never recommended cutting more than 1 circle. In my opinion, anything over 1 ring, changes the spring characteristics to the point of degradation. I know many who don't belive in cutting at all. To each his own.

I try things and pass on my opinions of the result. For many of you, don't try this at home.

 

Umm next time research the spring rates and you wont have this problem.

 

I kinda wish that Progress built a stiffer spring for those of us that want more performance. Id like something that is about 50% stiffer than stock compared to Progress which I think is about 20% stiffer.

 

Dang. I always thought Eibach was the standard so I just went with those out of the blue. But I won't know their true potential and ride quaility until I get the rears on and also install the Koni's.

 

You are off to a perfect start with the Eibachs.

Slap on the rears and Konis and you're gonna love it. Then you'll want to upgrade the rear shocks.

BTW Your car looks stunning.

 

Eibach in my opinion is definitely the #1 for lowering spring, but I love the Intrax Kit, just way to soft once they settle. Currectly I have the Front Adj. Koni Struts & the Rear Adj. KYB AGX Shocks, with custom truck springs in the rear, which drop my ride under 2.25inches, maybe a tad bit more. Cutting to much coil off of a spring can cause suspension problems big time. But if modified correctly, should not cause any problems. My ride quality is definitely above average, under any terrain condition.

 

Thanks bro!!!

 

I have to try this. My question for you is - do you need to cut more from the front to make them level? I believe there is more of a gap on the front wheel, and the progress springs lower the front and back different amounts...will it look funky to cut the same off both the front and back?

Joshua

 

I roll on Eibach's also, never had the progress, was surprised at some of the negative feedback progress was receiving on the suspension threads on multiple forums...

 

I'll put it this way...
It depends on your priorities. Ride comfort*Looks*leveling*Performance, contrasted with what kind of shocks and struts you have. All of this is assuming you have 18 inch wheeels:

If you have Koni struts, then I would cut 1 turn off the front progress springs to maximize the drop without significant issues (camber, curbs, speedbumps).

If minimizing lean in corners is a priority then stick with untouched Progress rear springs.

If the ultimate comfort combined with great handling is a priority and especially if you have subs in the trunk I believe stock/OEM rear springs workout better. Obviously you'll get a little better handling with the rears cut but for maximum leveling and load bearing start with uncut stock rears springs. If you're satisfied with the leveling and handling call it the day. If it sits a little high cut off 1/2 turn and see how you like it.

The great thing is you can always revert back to the progress springs in the rear if the stock springs don't please you. This is a very easy swap. You have nothing to lose.

Have fun!

 

Both Progress AND eibachs have received negative feedback altho for different reasons. At first I was going to get Eibachs but was afraid of ride quality issues along with noise (I regret not getting the Eibachs).

I went conservative with H&R springs. Less drop, exceptional ride quality. I wanted to go lower so I went for the less expensive route...Progress.

Progress are outstanding springs, especially for the money. However, the consensus seems to be the Eibachs are the better springs. I guess they have worked out the noise issues.

It would be great for someone to chime in that has had both on thier cars under the same conditions.

If memory serves me right, there has been a couple of members that have gone from Progress to Eibachs with improved results. I believe they had GR2's and were not satisfied with the ride quality-but loved it after the change.

 

Ah, I see what you are saying. I don't have progress springs. I was going to cut all of the OEM springs if this would improve suspension without sacrificing ride quality AND save myself the money of buying Progress. I have complete stock suspension, but in the future I was looking at buying Progress/KYB. The AGX are too expensive.

I may have read wrong then - you have Progress on the front and you put your stock OEM springs (after you cut them) back on the back and found ride quality improved while you maintained better suspension characteristics.

I'm wondering if that will work for the front too - if so, I might as well cut them and spend the money elsewhere.

Your thoughts?

Joshua

 

I personally have no experience with cutting stock front springs.
My guess is 1 turn should be ok. However, that will lend itself to about only a inch drop (better than nothing). The good news...your stock struts should handle it just fine.

If you're handy with a wrench I would go for it. If all fails I'll send you my stock front springs. Do it man and post before and after pictures along with actual measurements. Also give us some feedback on handling and ride quality.

 

Thanks for the write up man. I'll post some feedback when I'm done.

Joshua

 

Hello, I'm new to this forum....

I havent' seen anyone mention Tein suspenison parts. I've always like Tein and want to put the s-tech on my '05 but I'm curious to know why no one uses them.

...can't search yet, I'm still new...

 

Good find. In for the updates.

 

Ok sorry to revive this thread but I just purchased progress springs with the shocks from this weeks Cattman sale and was wondering exactly what problems are you guys refering to when you talk about the progress springs. Are they bad enough that any of you regret getting them? And if you do what is the alternative? Thanks.

 

Progress springs are great. Slap them on and you won't regret it!

No worries...

 

Ty Ty...makes me feel alot better coming from you coolmax05