Ever since I've been a member here, I've always wanted to get rid of the front wheel gap like everyone else. Even if it was by lowering the front only like many have done. Being on a budget, the big name brands were too expensive seeing how shipping would not have been free as it would be coming to Canada from the US...this also meant that there would be duty and brokerage fees on top of the shipping charges.

So after lots of research here and on the other org, several members claimed that 02-06 Altima springs fit the 04-08 Maxima. I took this info and went to the Canuck Motorsports website to check it out. While I was there, I noticed that the 02-06 Altima springs were on clearance!!! So I sent them an email just to get some more info on spring rates for both vehicles to see how they compared to each other. Here is what they sent me:

04-08 Maxima:
190 Front
340 Rear
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Lowering-Spri...item1c140f7cd4

02-06 Altima V6:
190 Front
270 Rear
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/CM-Lowering-S...item2311ac977c

With the info provided, it was clear that they use the same front springs for Altima V6 as they do for the Maxima. So for $120, I decided to try out the Altima V6 springs and see how it looked. This was a savings of more than $60 over the Maxima springs which even at $180 shipped was the cheapest I was able to find on Ebay.

Before:

After (front only):


I've had them on for a week now and love the look as well as the ride. Handling has improved without sacrificing any of the stock ride quality. I kept the stock struts up front, and the rear is all stock (springs and shocks). Going over dips in the road, it doesn't feel like a boat any more, but at the same time it doesn't break your spine when you are on bumpy roads. Under hard braking, the front doesn't nose dive as much as it used to. Under hard acceleration, the rear end doesn't squat as much as it used to. The steering response has improved, but I should mention that both lower control arms were replaced as well. I did not tell my wife that I was lowering the front and she hasn't complained about anything being different at all.

Now for those of you who will say that I should install the rears also because springs are supposed to be installed as a set, and to see how I like it...well I did. It appears that the 300+ pounds that the Maxima has over the Altima V6 is all in the *** end...

Front and Rear:


The rear springs were just too soft for the weight of the Maxima. This is why I decided to go with all stock in the rear. The drop is perfect. The gap in front and rear is even. From the ground to the top of the wheel arch is 27.25" all around.

So, for those of you on a budget who are looking to eliminate that front wheel gap, this is by far the cheapest solution that I have found. Again, I was not concerned about the mismatch in performance from lowering the front and leaving the rear stock as I don't take this car to the track. This was purely for the looks and as it turned out, the ride quality stayed the same and handling improved!!!

 

Here are a few more pics!!!

 

Looks good bro. Nice that it worked out spring are same for Alti and Maxi. HAha tripped me out with the *** shot with Alti springs.

This is a perfect solution because its purely the front of the Max that looks ridiculous stock. And this is a cheap and nice solution to get the front end right.

Good job.

 

THats how it should look stock and people who want moar lowz can do it from there lol

 

Took the car in for an alignment and was shocked that the "initial" was all withing spec even after changing the lower control arms and springs. I still had them bring it to the preferred settings.

lol, the Maxi has some junk in the trunk

Agreed...

 

The car looks really good with the Altima front springs. Makes a world of difference.

 

Am I seeing this right???

The same spring say that they are $89 right now...

 

YES!!!!

This is why I went with the Altima V6 springs instead of the Maxi springs. If you're just looking to eliminate the front gap, then go with the Alti springs and save yourself some money!!!

 

AWESOME!!! Definitely gonna do this. This has been my biggest problem with the car since i've had it, but I just couldn't see paying $200 + on springs when I was only going to use the front set.

Thanks for the info

 

I had a set of CMS springs on my 4th gen. I probably was the first to get them here.

My dad has an 07 SL A34. My girl friend has an 03 SE L31. I just replaced the struts on both cars. Almost everything is the same.

Of course the Altima springs lowered the rear too much. The 6th gen is a saggy *** from the get go. It really doesn't need any drop in the rear.

CMS rated drop:
A34 1.75/1
L31 2/2

 

No problem, that was the whole reason for this thread was to let people know that this is another option...and probably the most cost effective!!

Post pics once you've got them installed.

 

Thanks for the pic. Exactly what I want.

 

Nice! Thanks for this info, I'm going to look into these front springs for my SER!

 

sensfan, what size tires you running? Thanks.

 

I don't really understand you're lowering application but I have the same brand. 1.5" in the front and 0.5" in the rear with 22's and it's the best ride I've ever done on any cars I've lowered. I don't get any annoying clocking, sounds or uncomfortable feeling when I drive.

Going back to stock in the rear was the smart thing to do. It look weird.

 

They are the stock SL size 225/55/17

I went with the Altima springs where you probably have the Maxima springs. This is why the rear was so low. Only reason I went with the Altima springs was because they are on clearance.

I cannot believe how good the ride is with these springs, considering I only have the fronts installed. Definitely worth the money!!!

 

The cost was one of the reasons I chose them but the main reason was because the lowering application. The name brands was more costly but these springs was the only one that offer 0.5 lowering in the rear. Had to get them because I'm running 22's and any lower I'll be in too much problem.

Never regretted buying them though. The ride is just on that fine line between sport and comfort.

 

Thanks sensfan1111, after seeing your pic I was convinced that was the way I wanted to go. Mine are done and I am very satisfied with the results. It now has the stance I was looking for without having to do the rear.

 

Do you have any pics?

 

I think I'll look into getting a set of these, it'll probably be a week or two. Ill get picks up

 

 

The car looks good but start saving for axles now .

 

Are you speaking from experience? Are you lowered and needed to replace your axles already? With the amount of people on this forum that are lowered with springs, I haven't read many posts that say they have had to replace their axles because of being lowered...

I realize those who are slammed on coilovers are having to replace axles because of being so low, but I haven't seen that with lowering springs.

 

Maximas must be different from the rest...be ready to replace the muffler too.

 

My car is on Teins , been that way for about three months I don't drive it hard . The boot on the axle is torn but I will just replace the whole thing .

 

Your car looks really good smitty. I love the drop that Teins give the car but not so much in love with the price...which is the whole reason I went with CM's Altima springs.

So with your Max being 8 years old, you don't think that the boot being torn is just normal wear and tear on your car? By lowering it you are changing the range of motion of an already worn boot, so yes, it may have broke sooner than it would have by lowering it. But the fact that you lowered it was not a direct result of your boot becoming torn.

I agree on just replacing the whole axle though. To go through all the work to get it off just to replace the boot, then possibly have the other boot tear next year...

 

Oh I'm with you 100% with the age of the car . I was just saying save now so you can change them out early before the age of the boot kicks in . Thanks for the comment I will start a build thread here soon . http://my6thgen.org/f13/smittybizzle...t-build-13519/

 

nice car too bad i cant order only the front one !

 

Damn that's nice, i would have to go with these spring also, and for just 89.95 not bad at all better then 2xx something. Would like to ask u how much did it lower the front, did it lower it 1.8 inch.?

 

Almost, it settled at 1.75" total drop up front.

I can't wait to get it back, it's been in the body shop for the last 2 weeks...some b**ch took off the front bumper with her truck...

 

not bad of a drop, damn bro sorry to hear that...

 

Dude when someone hits your car that means modifications man. Let her pay and get the entire front end repainted, brand new grill, foglights an the whole nine yards. Last year some dude rear ended me and I came outta the car silent with the most intimidating face ever, walked to the back of the car, watch the car then watch the guy, I swear the dude almost pissed his pants. He walked towards me and said "is this where we exchange insurance?" with a straight face I'm like "what you think"

I went through insurance and got $1475 and it only cost me $700 to fix it. Pocket the rest. So you're gonna get your front end replaced fresh and clean

 

I lowered on the same springs Canuck and I must say they are great. They improve handling on the corners greatly never have to slow down like before. One thing I notice is whenever they heat up too much they tend to squeak a little.

 

Hey guys new here to the forums... im interested in installing the altima springs on my max.. now just a question did you only install the springs or did you do something else? thanks..

 

Not to support you bumping an old post instead of searching or making a new thread, but here you go.

From what research I've done when swapping springs to new lowering springs a lot of people recommend getting KYB GR2(Excel-G - same thing) Struts along with some new Strut Mounts (if yours are rusted out) and hardware. A good site for those parts is www.justsuspension.com and google a coupon code for some extra $$ off.

 

Just joined the forum and am very impressed with all of the information on here. Just wanted to ask if you had a part number for these springs? The links earlier no longer go to an item on ebay, but rather ebay as a whole (I know it's an old thread...). I would like to get these springs on my Max asap. Thanks for the help.

 

the company doesn't carry the Altima Springs anymore. i was just in contact with them about two months ago. they inform me that the Altima springs weren't there biggest movers so they discontinue making them. he directed me to just go ahead and get the Maxima Spring set up. however i didn't take his advice so just you like you im in the same boat. the choice you have are ebiach, progress, or teins springs best of luck man sorry

 

Progress are discontinued also

 

This would be an interesting mod for me since im building an all motor integra. I would love to have that lowered front and not have that boat affect lol. did you guys put these on stock struts? if so how long did they last?

 

How about the RacingLine Performance Springs?

Altima 02-06 - http://racinglineperformance.com/sho...&idcategory=18

Maxima 04-08 - http://racinglineperformance.com/sho...&idcategory=25

Yes, I know those are the same springs... unless you choose 2.5L (QR25) 4Cyl option under Altima, then they are different.