Im looking to have the smoothest ride possible in my 98 maxima. I was wondering if you guys can give me any advice on what I would need to do this, and how much it costs? and the brand of parts I should get? Id really apriciate it! Thanks!

 

...I'd say get all new stock parts! The car was made by the manufacturer to perform the best it can efficiency wise. Aftermarket suspensions make the cars ride less luxury style, and more aggressive sport style. The smoothness, as you say, will be gone, and road imperfections will be more obvious.

If thats what you mean by your question.

 

I guess that buying aftermarket lowering springs make the most difference in ride quality, they make it harsher.

However putting new shocks, like tokicos, or konis, on with your stock springs, or better yet new stock springs, may actually increase the ride quality. I just don't know of anyone with this setup.

 

Just about any aftermarket strut is going to be firmer than stock. The key to a smooth, quiet ride is the tires. Ones like the Yokohama db, Bridgestone Turanza or Dunlop SP5000 would be good.

 

Well, the only way to keep a smooth ride is to keep everything stock (not modified). Then the next step is to get a smooth riding tire. Several good choices are Michelin MXV4 Energy (super smooth), or Dunlop SP5000. Keep the tire pressure a little low (around 29 PSI F/R) and the ride will be smooth. Or as close as you can get to smooth.

If you really want a smooth ride, get a Camry. The ride is amazing in a Camry.

 

drop back from the 16" rims to 15" (i.e. GXE or GLE size) would help in addition to the above tire recommendation

 

yes, any sort of performance suspension modification will make the ride harsher than stock. even replacing the struts with the springs increase the firmness of the ride.

so for the smoothest ride possible, keep everything stock.

 

Let me add another tire to your guys list.
Yoko Avid Touring.
Rated 8.6 for noise and 8.8 for comfort
All that + over 500 treadwear and for $48 per 16" tire
Beat that.

 

Here's my setup - stock springs, Tokicos, and 225/55/16s Dunlop SP 5000's. The ride is nice and smooth.

However, the ride was even smoother with the stock shocks and the 15 inch stock wheels.

So if your looking for the smoothest ride you can have, stay stock.

 

You're one lucky fella...that's a lot of $$$ that you'll be saving.