We 6th Gens now have a decent amount of suspension mods out there. I have tried almost all of them.

In my own opinion I thought I'd rate them in order of importance and why.

1)Lowering springs. Why? Huge upgrade in looks and better handling.

2) Shocks and struts. Why? Huge improvement in handling.

3) Endlinks. Why? Much more solid ride & handling. Will make your factory sway bars more effective.

4) Sway bars. Why? Again, solid ride & handling.

5) Front Strut Bar. Why? Really smooths out your suspension and makes other suspension Mods more effective.

The ultimate setup for under $500 (IMO)?

Progress Springs $175
Progress Rear Sway bar $130
KYB GR2 Rear Shocks $85
Racingline Front endlinks $90
------------------------------------------------
Got $600? Add Front GR2's

Got $700? Add Front Strut Bar

Got $800? Can you help a Brotha out? :stfu:

 

Thats all i got to say about thaaat.

 

I'd put the FSTB higher on my own (IMHO) list. Dramatic improvements came with the bar. Also, I believe GR2 shocks and struts handle much like the OEM ones, only they won't blow with lowering springs.

Joshua

 

What happened to the KYB AGX shocks?

 

Or Konis? $375

Or coilovers? $600-$1500

 

Haha.

Let's see. By the time all is said and done (shipped 2 directions) the Konis will cost you $415 by themselves. That only leaves $85 left over (not even enough for springs). Same goes for KYB AGX's ($290 shipped). That will blow the $500 budget.

Remember, we only have $500 to spend (massive child support +taking care of parents + serious dental problems). We are not talkin' the ultimate setup-we are talkin' the ultimate setup for UNDER $500 fella's.

Now, the ultimate setup PERIOD would be Konis + AGX's + Front & Rear Endlinks + Front strut Bar + Sway Bars + Eibachs or insert Coilovers instead of springs/struts&shocks. But then we are talkin $1300-$1500 big ones!

My own current setup is as follows...Progress Springs with 1/2 turn cut on front springs--KYB AGX Shocks--Koni Struts--Racingline Front/Rear Endlinks--Front Strut Brace--Progress Rear Sway Bar--Sitting on 255/40/18 PS2's

 

I have a question....

Many people that I have talked to say that the stock shocks even though they eventually blow in cities with bad roads have better handling characteristics than the KYB GR2's. Also in cities in snowy climates where you have to change to winters, it is not recommended to used coilovers or adjustables. I have Eibach Pro kit 1's and I am looking for shocks. I have the extended warranty on my car (2005 SE fully loaded) except that when you read carefully what is and isn't covered, suspension parts are not...most specifically shocks. Now I have at least one right front shock starting to make more and more noise. I will probably wait until the next spring to change it, however when I do, I will probably have the work done by a suspension specialist which will still be cheaper than the stealership. At that point do I: get them to purchase the stock shock or do I go with aftermarkets? I live in Montreal, the roads are getting better now with the new infrastructure investment plan, however they are pretty bad in the spring. I have four winter tires that I change in Novemeber till the end of March. Also I find the ride is noisy over bumps even with new shocks.

 

Great post cool! I ended up going with the Koni's & AGX's but yeah it was well over $500. I'm following your upgrade path almost to the T except that I put the FSTB on before swaybars and endlinks. Mostly due to "out of stock" issues though. And it's such a cheap/easy install I just went for it. Anyways, thanks again for all your suspension advice man. You are appreciated bra!

 

I don't recall anyone saying that stock shocks/struts HANDLE better than GR2's.... I HAVE heard people say that the ride is nicer on stock shocks/struts. IMO - The GR2's are MUCH better handling than stock, but also a little harsher than stock (ie my wife complains that my car is too rough/bumpy now). No problem - I just tell her to ride in her own car. I like the way they feel, and I definitely like the confidence they give me in turns... I have almost the same setup as Coolmax, but I have the Stillen rear sway bar...

 

good post

 

Man, I dont know where to start. I need to upgrade my suspension, like yesterday.. The front if my car will not stay down to save my life.. What's the first thing on your list that I should focus on??

 

yes cool great post...anyone with questions about suspension should go directly to you. ur the suspension person

 

I would start with new springs, shocks/struts, your shocks/struts could be blown, springs take a really long time to wear out but they do.

If you can bounce your front end up and down relatively easy then your struts are done, cause they are suppose to resist

 

So progress on stock struts upfront? will they last? Honeslty I am rolling on 20's and more into looks for right now, but afraid if I lower I will blow my stock struts. I honestly love the feal of the stock suspension for the daily commute it just sits to damn high in the front. Please help.

 

That's why I put Eibach springs up front. 1.5" lower after install. Looks tight as hells.

 

In my opinion, if you're doing the work yourself, stick with stock struts for now. Unless you pan out $400 for Koni's, your ride quality will be compromised by a fair amount with anything else.

If you're paying good money for the install of springs, then you might as well (should be the same cost) replace the struts while you're at it. Needless to say-GET KONI"S...if you can afford them. Rollin' on 20's, I'd think three times before putting on KYB GR2's (if you're concerned about ride quality).

I have not tried this, but the combo of KYB GR2's and the front strut brace might lend itself to a acceptable ride quality (the brace will help smooth things out $100). Of course by then you're $230 into it. Another $170 and you're riding on the best dampener out there for Maxima's-Koni's.

So like most things in life, it comes down to the mighty dollar and how much of it you have to spend. $$$$$$$

 

Very well said hurl3y....

My ride quality is a little bumpy w/ my H&R's... Gr2's and 20's... but damn it looks good.. so i fugure u have to give a little to get a lot

anyway... Konis are best... but im happy :P

 

There is no question, H&R springs have the best ride quality in terms of high performance lowering springs. Also, you have a larger sidewall than almost everyone else out there (245/40/20) with 20's.

Get the front strut brace and that should smooth it out a bit bud (and it looks good). Adjust your tire pressure for the best combo of treadlife and ride quality (about 32psi cold).

Lastly, if you have subwoofers, try moving them as close to the back seat as possible.

 

great tips like always... thanks brother

 

Is there a (safe) way to raise the rear end?

I have an 05 SL, and have some slightly larger tires I may want to install, and the lowered rear end would prevent this.

The tire size is 235/55/R17 instead of the stock 225/55/R17.

Thanks,
-- Scott

 

Are you sure those won't fit? And if they won't, I wouldn't suggest raising the rear end. That would look kinda lame.

 

You sure they won't fit or you think they won't fit?

 

Bump for a good thread. This answered some of my questions about suspension modding.

 

IMO I would say go with the AGX....been running them for about 5k and love them...not to mention the quick adjustments. But if you can...save up and just get the coilovers...seems like it will cover everything you are looking for. Look on ebay...just got lucky and picked up the K Sport ones for 500 shipped! Depends on how soon you are looking to purchase.

 

[QUOTE=xorbitman;6034015]I have a question....

Many people that I have talked to say that the stock shocks even though they eventually blow in cities with bad roads have better handling characteristics than the KYB GR2's.

This is true. If you live in say NJ/NY area you will get one punishing ride on the bumps. KYB says that the GR-2 is about 10% stiffer then stock. WRONG! They are more like 25-30%. My max stock springs with the GR-2 rides like my friends 4th gen with Eibach springs and the AGX set to the stiffest setting. KYB uses the same strut for the Max and the Altima. So they must have gotten the 10% number using the Altima SE-r model as the basis. My girlfriend and family hate to ride in the car it is so stiff.

I have e-mail KYB about the GR-2 being more them the 10% their response was we have never had a complaint about our products...you are wrong go away

I will NEVER do business with this company again. Go Stock, Koni or Tokico

 

your thread sucks.

 

Troll much?