Only took it for a 10 minute ride so far, but I am really happy with the results.

MT-85: I don't know what was in there previously, but I highly believe it was OEM fluid since the car was bone stock when I bought it 2 years ago. With the new fluid, shifting seems much easier and smoother going into gear. It's like going from moving a straw around a milkshake to moving it around a glass of whole milk. The fluid is present but not a hindrance.

Subframe collars: My mechanic had his doubts on these before the install since they were plastic, but I definitely feel a difference. From reading other reviews, it seemed difficult for people to describe the difference so I will try my best. With them installed, the car drives smoother overall (like you're on a freshly paved road), and cracks/irregularities in the road thump with slight steering wheel feel (instead of crashing into the crack and jarring the wheel). The suspension is stepping up and doing what it is supposed to be doing instead of being late to the party when it's needed. FYI, my current suspension setup are H&R springs and Blues for struts.

I haven't hit any potholes yet, but I know of a few I will encounter tomorrow on the way to work. I can report back if you guys like.

Both mods are definitely worth the money. A+ recommendation.

 

About how much we talkin in price?

Just realized you were from philly.. Well almost lol. pm me anytime if you have info on meets. I would like to get together with other maxima owners.. Could be fun!

 

Very strange, I literally had my collars installed this morning. I've hit a couple of potholes (involuntarily) and the car eats them a lot better. My results are similar to the OP's, the car doesn't feel like it's going to explode everytime a bump is hit.

 

The collars are about $80-90 shipped and the MT-85 fluid is abt $15 bottle from Amazon.

Haven't met any Philly Max owners yet, but I am currently on working to transfer my job to NYC.

 

Nice explanation. I planning on going for a spirited back road drive in a bit. I want to experience it some more.

 

Did some more driving today, extreeeemely pleased. I wish I had done it sooner but we had a rough winter so I waited, but it was damn worth it regardless.

 

...what made you go with MT-85 over MT-90?

 

I'm guessing it was this thread right here:

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ft-crunch.html

Skim through from the start until you get to the MT-85 discussions.

 

Yea, I was actually reading that thread when you replied. I knew there was a lot of talk about MT-85...I just wanted to see what his reasoning was. I'm running MT-90 in mine now and I'm not happy about it's performance.

 

So far it seems like MT-85 is the gear oil du jour.

Get some and check it out for yourself.

I'm liking it.

 

I plan on it Roch. I have to get this 90 out !

 

Drove the car to work this moring through my rutted roards and I felt the same way! As odd as it sounds, I cannot wait to revisit the crappy NYC roads this weekend to see how it feels.

 

I went with MT-85 for it was designed for our cars. It's OEM weight but synthetic.

 

Where did you get plastic collars from and how much where they? I've only seen the diy collar mod used here (modified metal washers).

 

From here:

http://forums.maxima.org/group-deals...e-collars.html

 

And recently saw them here for $15 cheaper.

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...eeds-them.html

 

Thanks! I missed those threads.