Daily driver, getting new suspension. Criticize my choices please!! :D

[sixteenXnine]

So when I'm finally done kicking cancer's ***, this car (2000 GXE) will be used for a daily 60 mile commute at various speeds, through a couple towns, over some big hills, around some really fun corners...

The CAI's on, my Megan exhaust is on the way, and so is the FSTB.

... and the 350Z 17's. I'll be using 235/45r17's.

But right now the stock suspension, it's just sad.

It aligns perfect, and has no odd behavior in turning any corners. That to me is a good sign, a sign that I just need new struts.

Driving through a parking lot and hitting bumps reminds me of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYlvDl1vWGw

... SO...

I want my first suspension build to be slightly low cost. Potential replyers to this thread I hope you heard that.

I wanna get Megan lowering springs...http://stores.channeladvisor.c...17968

.. and then for struts, well, all the ones I want are all $70-$80 a piece... I'd like to mitigate a bit of the 45-series tire and lowering spring "rides on rails" stuff by getting a slightly soft strut. So what, tokico HP's? Right? Or will monroe sensatracs fit with lowered ride height?

I've done a lot of searching here and at the org, and it seems like everyone negates each other with regards to opinions about suspension components on a 5th gen maxima.... there's almost no community wide consensus except that illuminas are kick-***.

Oh and also I want to upgrade my rear sway bar with poly mounts.

...

So yeah, have I made some okay choices? I definitely want lowered ride height, and the 1.6-1.75 that the Megans will give me probably won't allow for 50 series 17's, right? And will I need a camber kit?

Thanks guys.

[jltibbs]

Well, let's start off with the ride height. You have a decent choice of height. If I am not mistaken though, the 1.5-1.3 is the best overall on the Maxima. This would thwart you away from the Megan's and off to Tokico/Eibach. Now, while both of those lowering springs are great choices, the ride quality over time will definitely be better with the Tokico.

Then we get into the struts. I sell Monroe Sensa-Tracs at work. They are an excellent choice, for a stock style replacement. They will have the same travel as a stock strut. If you put these with any lowering springs, they will more than likely wear out a lot faster than if you go with KYB, Tokico, or whatever else you may find. Therefore, you can spend your money on the Sensa-Tracs, and then in one year or less, put something else on. Keep in mind, the Monroe's have a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Keyword: Limited. This does not cover lowering springs or wear and tear, only manufacturers defects for the life of the strut.

IMO, the least expensive setup would be the HPK339 from Tokico. This is the HP kit. it comes with all four struts and all four springs. Now, here's the deal. You can purchase this kit online or at your local Advance Auto Parts. The kit lists at $500 plus tax, but, I think I can get you a deal if you decide to go this route. I work for Advance and I could make a call and see what I can get done for you. You might be looking at about $435-$450 plus tax if that's the case. Otherwise, you have the kit number, and I will list the individual numbers as well. Hope this helps, sorry for the novel.

Tokico HPFR - HB3188HB3189

RR - HU2943HU2943

HP KIT - HPK339

Tokico IlluminaFR - BB3188BB3189

RR - BU2943BU2943

Illumina Kit - ILK298

Eibach Pro-Kit

6350.140

KYB GR-2FR - 334265334266

RR - 341271341271

[THT]

For struts, I would suggest either Illuminas or AGXs. Yes, they cost a pretty penny but this isn't like shopping at the dollar store. Good quality parts cost money. I've been dropped on H&Rs (1.5") for 60K miles and my Illuminas are holding up perfectly. The guys who bought cheap D2 coilovers as part of the org GB had to start rebuilding them after a year or 10-15K miles.

As for springs, both the Illuminas and AGXs will support any spring that drops the car 1.5" or less without issue. Yes, you can get S-techs however you run the risk of blowing even the almighty Illuminas and AGXs.

And why are you talking about a "first suspension build?" Why not do it right the first time and move on? So maybe it costs you $100 more...you'll spend that and more in just labor (if you aren't doing it yourself) for your "second suspension build"

[johnnyd6404]

Check this site out its got some great suspension info

http://www.innerbean.com/house....html

Hope it helps.

BTW I didn't forget about gettin you a pic of my exhaust mod just been real busy soon tho.

[sixteenXnine]

And why are you talking about a "first suspension build?" Why not do it right the first time and move on? So maybe it costs you $100 more...you'll spend that and more in just labor (if you aren't doing it yourself) for your "second suspension build"

I anticipate having both the GLE and GXE for a long time... What I meant by "first build" was the fact that I haven't done this kind of stuff on a Maxima before, and I'm not going to get the most expensive parts.

I'll probably go with Progress or Vogtland springs with KYB GR2's or some Blues.

I definitely appreciate all the links and advice, guys. I'll post pics when I do this up.
Modified by sixteenXnine at 3:26 AM 7/15/2008

[johnnyd6404]

No matter what you go with it will def handle much better but you will sacrifice ride quaility it's gonna be rough... thats the only reason I havent dropped mine I am thinking about upgrading my shocks/struts to bules with stock springs to enhance the nice ride.