I'm going to be installing my H&R and AGX combo sometime soon and I want to get as much of the prep work out of the way as possible. I just don't know if I should go with spiral wrap for the springs or if I should use OEM isolators. I'm aware that the isolators are pretty expensive compared to the spiral wrap but I only want to rip into the suspension one time so I'm not nearly as concerned with cost as I am with effectiveness. What would you do?

Also, for those that used the spiral wrap, did you use an adhesive to get it to stay in place on the spring?

 

I used both. The OEM isolators in my case were still in good shape. I used the spiral wrap on the coils that I thought would make contact. And no glue is necessary if you get the appropriate size.

Here's an excellent thread for reference:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ension+install

 

I've seen wire wrap cut in 1/2 from the pressure and constant rubbing of the coils on it. Remember it's made to hold wires together, not isolate spring coils. It works, but has it's down fall.

OEM isolators last several years, it's made specifically for that application. Look in the FAQ thread for a P/N for them. They were pretty cheap last time I checked.

 

You kinda confirmed my suspicions.

I think Courtesy wants like 9$ a piece but I could be wrong.

I have the part number somewhere around here. How many do you think I should get?

 

If I remember correctly, you need two per spring.

But since you have a 99.5, your original ones are probably still good. Just take them off and reuse them on the new springs.

So you just need to order 2 front and 2 rear.

 

I used 4 up front (2 each spring) and 2 for the rear (1 each spring)

Front - One goes on the bottom coil to isolate the spring from the strut. One goes on the 2nd coil form the top to isolate the two top coils. (top coil sits in a rubber mount, thats why you dont need to isolate it)

Rear - One on the bottom to isloate the spring from the shock.

 

Thanks Tom (and everyone else). Between you and Erica I think I got all of my bases covered.

 

I noticed on the rear H&R springs that the coils are very close together on one end. Shouldn't those be covered with an isolator as well? I'd imagine that these will end up rubbing together with just a little bit of extra load.