This post is a poaching of information from other threads, and a LOT of the information comes from SuDZ, whose thread at https://maxima.org/forums/5th-generation-maxima-2000-2003/102335-headlight-issues.html was very helpful. Much of the information below came directly from there.

PLEASE DO NOT POST OFF-TOPIC COMMENTS IN THIS THREAD! FEEDBACK ON INFORMATION AND SUSPENSION IS WELCOME, BUT PLEASE DO NOT ASK ABOUT "What suspension is best for my 199x GXE/GLE/SE w/ XX,XXX miles?" or "Can I use Brand X springs on my stock struts?" IN THIS THREAD!

Also, be sure to check out the website http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaHandling for more information that was compiled about Maxima suspension.

Since all of these questions will most likely be asked time and time again this spring, I wanted to have this resource available for reference by all members, new or old, donor or not. I left out coil-over setups, and did not include a review of either of the Tokico packages (HP or Illumina) as they are currently being sold on eBay and through CustomMaxima.

I also tried to rank the springs from the softest to the most harsh, AS BEST AS I COULD with the information that I have. It is NOT perfect, and harshness of springs can also vary greatly based on strut selection.

A few tips about springs can be found at http://forums.maxima.org/showthread...&threadid=72678
One important tip mentioned in that thread dealt with suspension groaning. From that thread: "SPECIAL noise reduction element: helical split electrical wire wrap and/or clear vinyl tubing (1/2” inside diameter) from Home Depot (Lowes does NOT HAVE the wire wrap)... Wrap the whatever-you-use around the springs' tops and bottoms."

Other considerations
You may be wondering what else you want to change now that you have the new struts and springs on there. There are a few things you want to check while you have everything apart. Instead of listing them here I will give you a thread I found extremely helpful. Here it is: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread...lace+suspension

Lastly, see THIS THREAD---> https://maxima.org/forums/showthread...4&page=2&pp=30 <--- Post # 48 for more information on the proper strut boots for aftermarket suspension installation.

And now, on to the

Springs

H&R
Drop: 1.3 – 1.5 inches
Ride Quality: Closest to the stock SE spring. They will give you a nice drop without having a very harsh ride. Ride height will look similar to most other cars on the road at stock height (Accords, TL, etc.), but handling is much improved over stock. NOTE: May ride nose-high on 5MT 4th Gens.
Part Number: 53059
Cost: MSRP $299.00

Tein H-Tech
Drop: Drop is advertised as 1.6/1.2 (F/R)
Ride: Similar to an H&R drop for a more cushy ride than most springs. Even drop, but its not a huge drop. NOTE: On 5spd, indications are that drop was even.
Part #: SKP28-BUB00
Price: $165 (eBay, new)

Eibach
Drop 1.5 inches in the front 1.3 in the rear
Ride Quality: Comparable to H&R. The difference will be felt though. They are a harder spring than H&R, but offer slightly better handling characteristics on good/moderate roads. NOTE: Reported to sit level on 5MT 4th Gens.
Part Number: 6334.140
Cost:

Progress
Drop: 1.7 inches in front 1.5 in back
Ride Quality: Stiffer than stock but still a soft spring rate. So you will feel bumps more but still have a comfortable ride.
Part Number: 40.1520
Cost: MSRP Around $259

B&G
Drop: 1.6 inches
Ride Quality: On back roads where it begins to get bumpy ride can become harsh. Smooth on flatter main/highway type roads.
Part Number:
Cost: 159.00

Intrax
Drop: 1.7 inches in front 1.6 in back
Ride Quality: Stiff feeling, but manageable with the right struts. A significant departure from springs in the H&R class, and certainly more tight than stock. However, handling better than H&R with same components. NOTE: Level on 5MT 4th Gen Maximas.
Part Number: 60.1.016
Cost: MSRP Around $200

MaxSpeed
Drop: 1.7 inches in the front and 1.4 inches in the back.
Ride Quality: Reports vary everywhere from “Almost like they were there stock SE springs” to “Almost as harsh as Sprints.” Reputable members of the org exist on both sides of this argument, but is seems that strut selection is very important in the use of this spring. Has been very popular with AGX, but this combo rides slightly on the harsh side.
Part Number:
Cost: ~ $100

Suspension Techniques
Drop: 1.7" drop in the front and a 1.5" drop in the rear.
Ride: relatively harsh over normal surfaces (worse than the Intrax), but never got worse over bigger bumps (better than the Intrax).
Part Number:
Price:

Sprint
Drop: 2 inches
Ride Quality: Can be more harsh for everyday driving that the others, due to its large drop. Some users report a controlled ride with a firm feel, but no pronounced harshness, per se.
Part Number: 9500
Cost: MSRP 264.00

Tein S-Tech
Drop: 2.2/1.8 (F/R)
Ride: S-Tech offers a lower drop than most other non-coilover setups, and it is apparent in the ride. Lower than Sprints and somewhat harsh, though handling is reportedly very good. NOTE: Was noted on a 5spd that the rear is a little higher than front.
Part #: SKP28-AUB00
Price: $135 (eBay, new)

Unknown/Untested springs:

Matrix
Drop: 2" front and back
Ride: Yet to be determined
Part Number: Could not find part number but can be ordered at www.2kracing.com
Price: $165

DropZone
Drop: Advertised at a 2” F&R.
Ride Characteristics: Relatively unknown/untested springs. Available on eBay for relatively low price, but not much information is available.
Part #: Unknown
Price: $100-125 (eBay, new)

Struts

KYB – AGX
Right now they are one of the most common struts for the Maxima. They have a great reputation with these struts as far as lasting without any problems. They are 8 way adjustable on the back and 4 way adjustable on the front, which means that they have 4 or 8 separate settings on them to control how firm you want them. They firmness is changeable while still on the car unlike some others where you have to remove the wheels. Some say that the ride on these struts, unless properly tuned, can be more harsh than other struts on the same springs. Also, they are reputed to be fine in summer/warm weather but tight/harsh in the winter/cold.

Cost: Around $400.00

KYB- GR2
Now a little bit older and seems to have taken a back seat to the AGX’s are the GR2’s. Still, it is not a bad strut that has had few complaints. They are nice for a replacement strut to go with a drop, but keep that stock ride feeling. Good for a moderate drop, but not appropriate for low, low drops like Sprints or Tein S-Techs.

Cost: About $270

Koni
Again, this is another adjustable strut. Although one thing is to adjust the rear the wheels will have to be removed to do so. This strut was a long time favorite for the Maxima. It has a great reputation and comes with a lifetime warranty. It will however need to be modified before it can be installed. To find out what type of modifications it needs check out this link for more info, http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/koni.html

Tokico HP
These are a direct OEM replacement for your Maxima. Basically if a strut blows you can get them replaced with these under warranty. They are a strut that is not made for the extra work of a big drop but a bit more aggressive than stock. Since they have that somewhat stock side to them you’re not going to want a very big or harsh drop on these. For more info check out this link. Not recommended for drops below H&R/ Tein H-Tech.
http://www.tokicogasshocks.com/car/performance.html

Cost: Still looking

Tokico Illumina
Adjustable strut is the strut of the time right now. Popularity is enhanced by smoother ride than the AGX in year-round applications, and a more consistent ride in different temperature situations. Also, the “new” Tokico full setup (spring and strut package) with the illumines is very highly touted among users. Maxima.org main page (not forum section) has a full write-up on install and impressions.

Cost: Looking

 

I'm installing AROSPEED springs and ST(suspension techniques)struts/shock very soon so I'll let you know how those ride.

 

I have had dropZone springs for almost 2 years now. The ride is Very harsh and noisey from the loose springs tapping on each other. Handling is not as good as eibach and it's very bouncy compaired to most aftermarket springs. Cheap price= cheap quility, cost $80 on ebay.

 

Sprint springs are not harsh IMO. If the road is all jacked up, then they will be harsh. But under normal road conditions, they are controlled, and smooth.

 

Not challenging, just clarifying: On what struts?

 

Very true, I have them on GR-2s. The ride isn't harsh unless you are on a rough road.

 

Good post, but doesn't really mention Tokico springs in the spring section. There seem to be two kinds: red (eBay package with struts) and silver (CustomMaxima package with struts). I got the eBay package with the red springs and Illuminas. I have a 5spd GXE and dropped 1.625" in the front and 1.75" in the rear. Sounds like a saggy a$$, but actually the ride height is identical front and rear, and the car looks really level. I am very happy with the ride and handling. On setting of 2 for the illuminas, ride is not much firmer than stock. Currently I have fronts on 3 and rears on 4. This leads to much less understeer, and is GREAT FUN in the corners. Ride is still very much tolerable for every day driving, even with my wife and 20 month old son in the car. gtr_rider has the CustomMaxima setup with the silver springs, hopefully you'll hear from him as well.
P.S. I did not need a camber kit and I did not wrap my springs. So far all is quiet after about 4 wks.

 

KYB AGX, I have mine set at 2 F, 3 R

 

cool thread. I like this! well to further inform other people about Tein S. Techs paired with Illuminas, I think that this set up is pretty good. Considering the extreme drop, people might think that the ride is very very harsh. It's rough but not as rough as you think. People who are worried about bottoming out doesn't need to. I mean, the car's basically slammed and in many cases, you're not going to go more than 10mph over speed bumps or big dips. To avoid scratching the bumper, you're going to go slow and if you go slow, then chances are you're not going to bottom out. My Illuminas are set up as 3 front and 3 rear. The only thing that annoys me is that my dash rumbles when the car runs over a series of potholes and bumps (especially on freeways). Another issue I find with this set up is that the front sits lower than the rears and I have a 12" subwoofer in the trunk + I have an AT so i don't think it's only people with MTs that have this issue. Last but not least, it handles like a dream. I can take turns at least double of what the signs suggest. I take 35mph junctions at 70mph and 20mph junctions at 40mph. And it's fun as hell~!

 

I just got tokico illuminas with H&Rs installed on my 96 today, and I love them! the ride quality is not that much worse than stock, but the handling is way better! the wheelgap is now much improved, it look like a normal car now! just what everyone said about it, not too much drop, not too harsh, but a lot better handling now i gotta get a RSB and some stickier tires

 

Well of course any spring is smooth on a nice road......but who drives on smooth roads all the time and how could a spring even be harsh on a smooth road anyhow.

 

I've had my AGX/H&R for about a year and i can't go without them. The quality of the strut and spring combo is pretty much stock height except that you can't really notice that there is a drop. I got an inch drop off the H&Rs. The thing that i did notice was that there was a more comfortable ride due to the springs and shocks. I didn't feel like i ran over a ton of bricks when i hit a pot hole. The suspension combo is great on cornering and trying to take sharp turns when necessary. Overall, my suspension rocks (not literally) and i would never change it.

 

Top, as a reference.

Click ----> https://maxima.org/forums/5th-generation-maxima-2000-2003/300338-new-spring-without-struts.html <---- for information from Tein users.

 

Bump it up.

ttt.....

 

TTT---> https://maxima.org/forums/5th-generation-maxima-2000-2003/304111-murano-rims-2k3-take-look-pics.html Reference regarding H&R on 5MT in 4th Gens.

 

TTT so that I can fix the broken links...

 

Links fixed. NOTE: If the links do not work, try cutting and pasting the address below the links directly in your browser.

Also, try:
http://staff.jccc.net/dlee/maxima/suspension/

 

sprints and kyb GR2'S love the drop, a little ruff on jacked up roads, but on most roads smooth and controlled

 

GD Illumina's and Vogtland springs going in Friday night.
All new rubber parts, bearings, boots etc. And spring wrap for good measure.

Update on Sunday after a drive upto and maybe around Texas World Speedway on Saturday

 

Please post what info you find regarding the PM that you sent to me.

 

i just ordered a pair of sprints and KYB AGX struts. From what i have heard they ride nice and smooth on flate surfaces, and on bumpy roads they are harsh. Good thing TN has the best roads in the nation

 

Houston Maxima's

Anyone in Houston with a Tokico Illumina kit with Tokico springs? I need feedback and possibly a side by side comparison with my Tokico Illumina/Vogtland springs setup. Workin on a theory!

 

btw... fronts in...workin on the rears in the dark! Curse that 75lb sub...

Now which end is up again?

 

How did everything go? I finished installing mine (Illumina/Vogtland) yesterday. It looked and road great! Then again it seems anything paired up with Illuminas are nice.

 

Wellllll... its 2am. Its done. Going for a little ride round the block. Its a little deceptive. Its definitely lower, but the wheel gap isnt all that different. And I've already whacked it on the drop off at the end of my driveway movin the cars around... sheesh... I foresee a learning curve!

 

 

Ive had intrax and eibach springs. The drop for the front is identical for each spring. Intrax are a great street spring because they arent so stiff and they ride pretty nice IMO. Eibachs are just silly stiff.

 

i have the older pair of eibachs combined with AGX shocks. it's been on for almost 3 years! still running great. one thing i noticed on the rears are the spring looks like it won't fit on the lower seat, but after the car is off the jackstands it sits fine! perhaps the newer eibachs are 100% correct. also, my front end seems to sit a bit higher. i actually wish i got sprints back in the day. my current setting for the AGX is 3front, 8rear. i still think the body roll can be flatter (even with an addco rear sway bar)! perhaps i'm too used to my drift spec coilovers on my S13.

 

Need some pics from the new springs above.

 

this is an excellent thread. i know the sprint and tein s tech drops are listed differently, but has anyone done an actual comparison? i thought i saw in another thread that the sprint front is actually lower than the tein s tech (despite the listing that tein s tech is 2.2" in front and the sprint is 2" drop in front)

 

i got the sprint springs and they are 2' drop all around but the front sags more than the back. I paired it up with koni yellows. kinda harsh on messed up roads but overall very good.

 

k...Sprints. I just put them on and wow they are amazing. The drop is about 2" in the front and the ride is really really nice. You just have to watch out for bumpy roads and pot holes. But otherwise I recommend these spings to anyone....Only problem i have heard is that due to the extreme drop ur cv boots can wear out pretty fast if they are old. I changed mine 3000miles ago, so i think i should be good. Sprints/KYB AGX best combo !!!!