Eibach questions and concerns.

[sprblk]

Hey guys. I got rims and tires on the way and know I am going to be interested in a drop soon after. I have a few questions about the Eibach pro-kit.

My main concern is my stock struts giving up on me. Has this happened to any of you? How many miles were driven on the springs before it happened? How much was it to replace and what brand did you buy?

I also don't believe I'm going to install the springs myself, so is there anything I should suggest to the mechanic? I don't want to tell him how to do his job, but if there is a common screw up or preventative measure, I'd like him to be aware of it.

Should I never let the dealership see my lowered car? Are there any issues there?

And finally, the ride. General consensus seems to be that handling improves, but ride is worse. How bad are we talking? Are my bones going to be rattling? How about scraping? The Eibach drop seems pretty conservative, but could I still clear a parking curb with no lip or anything?

Sorry for so many questions, and I don't need everyone who replies to answer them all. Just give whatever input you can. Coils aren't entirely off the table and I may have some questions about them as well, but I am leaning more towards springs. Thanks

[AlexM.]

Common knowledge says struts will wear down if you replace springs only. However a couple people on here have been using springs for 30k + miles with no issues.

I let my dealership see my lowered car but they're kinda cool and not typical. I actually had a talk with one of the service guys about coils, spring, tracking, etc. But I also haven't been in a situation for them to claim that my coils are the cause of a problem.

Coils vs springs depends on what you want for the car. if you wanna go really low, get coils. if you don't wanna go as low, get springs. Idk what ride quality is on springs but coils are significantly harsher than oem suspension imo. But they are definitely not unbearable. Handling is probably better with coils

[alphapig]

Springs are a comfortable cushion of delight compared to coil overs

[sprblk]

Thanks for the quick replies guys. I am not looking for a dramatic drop, just want to eliminate some gap when I get my new wheels. I am also not looking to sacrifice TOO much ride comfort. It seems that springs are the obvious choice.

What about struts though? I already have about 60,000 miles on my coupe, so I can't imagine the stocks lasting too long with springs...

[QR25DE]

I have had my car lowered since I bought it. There is now 97,000Kms on it. No issues with struts thus far. I have hit train tracks, got air off it it and they are still holding up. I have seen struts fail on a non-lowered Altima coupe well before 60K miles as well. The lowering of the car isn't sufficient enough to cause excessive wear on the struts unless you are hitting pothole after pothole and jumping curbs.

I wouldn't worry about it. If they're going to fail, they're going to fail. lowered or not.

[super_dn]

I had eibach springs before I got colis. The springs weren't bad at all, I didn't really have to worry about scraping, parking, or ramps. And the ride honestly felt stock... even though you're getting a drop. You're not going to eliminate the entire gap. You will still have about a 2-3 finger gap. And you can park normally like if it was stock.

And if you're worried about the struts blowing out, I believe you can buy struts from eibach to replace them. Overall eibach is a good product to have a nice casual drop and still have the comfort level.

Just don't be like me and buy the eibach... HAND install them... then buy coilovers couple months later..

[sprblk]

All good to hear. Another quick question that I don't deem thread-worthy: I know newer 3.5's come stock with 235/45-18's, but will this size tire fit on my 2008 2.5? I'm mainly concerned about the width. Sounds like a stupid question, but the geniuses at the dealership couldn't give me a straight answer and referred me to Tire Rack.

[rcboy514]

There are VERY few curbs I can clear and I only know that by accident, I wasn't trying to get that close. Just avoid them, give yourself a foot or so between your front bumper and the curb, most parking spots will fit a large pick-up so you car will be fine.

The ride is moderately stiffer than stock, but I think the handling and the look improves enough to negate that. Just don't expect to not hear any bumps. I've been on eibachs for about 15k and haven't experienced any problems yet, but if I ever do I hope there will be better aftermarket options available that will better fit the eibachs.

[rcboy514]

All good to hear. Another quick question that I don't deem thread-worthy: I know newer 3.5's come stock with 235/45-18's, but will this size tire fit on my 2008 2.5? I'm mainly concerned about the width. Sounds like a stupid question, but the geniuses at the dealership couldn't give me a straight answer and referred me to Tire Rack.

does your 2.5 have 18s?

[sprblk]

Haha sorry. I have 18x8 TSW Mallorys on the way. Now that would have been some comedy for you guys.