Hi all,

I purchased my 2001 Maxima SE 5spd back in January, and have made some small modifactions thus far (intake, strut tower bar), but I would really like to lover it. The wheel gap above the factory 17's is just too big, and I want the handling improvement. My question is this: has anyone here lowered there car with only just doing the springs, and if so, do you like it, how is the ride quality, and how are the handling improvments? Any ideas of best brand for longevity? And how about camber adjustments with Maxima? Is it usually necessary with just casual springs?

I know that to do it right, most would say I should do shocks as well, but I just can't swing that at this point.

Any feedback would be appreciated. My last car was a 1997 Audi A4 that I had H&R springs on, and they wore out after 60k miles, so that is why I am hesitant to do just springs without checking around. When I say wore out, the rubber coating between the springs started to break down in the front and would sqeek like crazy over large bumps / driveway entrances, etc., at slow speeds. Drove me nuts. The local tuner I worked with told me that it was because I took the car on the track too many times and that is why they wore out. My response to that was DUH!, isn't that what they were designed for. But anyway, enough of that old story.

Thanks for any input and suggestions.

 

You can go with stocker struts for awhile, but they'll wear out w/in a year or so, maybe a little more or less depending how low you drop it. Also, you may want to give this a look to make you selection: http://www.innerbean.com/housecor/sp..._decision.html

 

ok bro.. suspension is a crucial thing . you dont want it to get annoying after a while..

if u go just springs your shocks are gonna blow within 2 months...

if u cant afford the shocks now.. save up and just buy some when u get the money..
you dont have to get AGX or illumina..
KYB gr2 or tockico blue are OEM replacements yet stiffer and more durable...
do it once and do it right

 

Just do it right and do your shocks at the same time. It won't save you any money or time by doing the labor twice. It isn't exaxtly fun either, nor cheap if you have someone else do it. 'Saving' money by not doing the shocks now will cost you an extra 100-200 later on the labor side, that or an afternoon of frustration.

 

I've been running on Eibach springs with the stock shocks for a while now and it has finally gotten to me. I just can't stand the "bounciness". Handles great, but the stock shocks just can't handle the stiff springs. So I have a set of Illumina's on the way.

You can get away with Eibach/stock shocks, but I am pretty sure the ride quality will get to you after a whlie. Just like everyone else has said.....get new springs and shocks at the same time.

 

Forgot to mention the single greatest reason to get struts right away: When you eventually decide to trade your car with the stock suspension, the blown struts won't exactly enhance the resale value.

 

Okay. I Lowered my 02 Maxima with EIBACH PRO KIT LOWERING SPRINGS about 3 months ago. That lowered it 1.3 in the front and 1.0 in the rear. I also questioned many people, including my best friend who owns his own car shop and did my springs for me, and he assured me that I will be okay with just the springs and no shocks for quite some time. Eventually I will buy the Tokico adjustable shocks. I also put 18" rims and tires on my car, and I love it!!! The car handles so much better than before, even though you do feel every bump and hole in the road. Better shocks will reduce the bumpiness though, which I am experiencing now. It's not bad but I will get tired of it eventually. Labor would be less if you did it all at once also.

 

Speaking of resale value, how would the Tokico Illuminas influence that? I don't plan on selling my car for a long, long time... but if I ever did, I wonder what they'd say about the struts. Guess they'd ignore them during the inspection/whatever, and then the next owners will jump in glee (if they're car-savvy) at the nice struts you left them

 

Get shocks and springs at the same time, it would be the best thing to do.


P.S. WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE TO TYPE IN ALL CAPS?!

 

I have maxspeed springs and stock struts for about 26K and no problems. Stock struts are holding out great. I was holding out for adjustables.

If you do your own work and labor is free, do what you like.

 

I've been on Eibach's and stock struts now since December. The ride now is really harsh. Definitely get new struts when you replace the springs. You won't be sorry.

 

WRONG! how can you even say that...you have no way of knowing that!


i put MaxSpeeds on my stock 2k GXE shocks almost a year ago. no problems to date.

the ride with Maxspeeds is harder...but close to stock. i installed them myself - so install cost of having to go back and do the shocks later was not an issue.

i have an install how-to here:
http://www.kevinfisher.net/web_server/maxima/springs

yes...you WILL blow your stock shocks alot sooner with lowering springs. but, no one here can give you an exact time frame. all a matter of your car's situtation and chance. i know of several guys that blow theirs in a matter of days...but also know others like myself that have lasted almost a year or even longer.

i just didn't feel like spending the money until i had to. when one starts giving me problems i'm going to intall GR-2s.

do what you want...and what your budget allows! don't ride around another day with that nasty wheel gap just because someone here gives you a hard time about "doing it right"!