lowering the 3.5SR

[diptenkrom]

I have recently acquired a 2012 3.5SR sedan for my wife, primarily.

I have gotten the windows tinted and plan on eventually getting the y-pipe and looking for a set of split 5 spoke m45 wheels, but i want to lower the car a bit, while not getting a rough ride. i have always had good experience with eibach pro-kit and Tein s.tech. so i was looking at the s.techs because the eibachs are pricey for the altima, and keep seeing another spring called Vogtland. i am seeing good reviews on some sites (for different cars - including maximas) but not really finding much feedback on the 4th gen altima. the front drop isnt as low with vogtland as compared to tein. my wife will not have a problem with it if the ride quality isnt too harsh, but i dont want to buy "cheap" parts and have to replace them again in a couple years. has anyone had experience with both of these to have any feedback. i tried searching, but didnt come up with any real comparisons...

[TitoValchev]

I don't have any experience with the springs you mentioned, but I have my car on H&R. Incredible drop on both front and rear end! (Front and back: I was able to stick my entire hand between the wheel and the fender, and now I barely can sick a finger. Rolling with OEM wheels and 235/55/17 tire). It did not compromise the ride comfort at all. Yes, it is a bit stiffer but not harsh. The main difference came with the sway bar, endlinks and strut bar. Now I really can notice a significant change, but not necessary in a bad way... guess it is based on the viewing angle... I would recommend the H&R springs. In my opinion, they are a great addition to the car's appearance and performance. Suggestion: If you lower the car definitely consider buying camber bolts. Once I lowered my vehicle, I was not able to get perfect alignment and there was some camber front and back. After some research I found Eibach camber kit. Fairly cheap to buy and now the car has perfect wheel alignment and no camber anymore. Do the springs and the camber bolts at once, so you save your time and money for doing alignment twice.

[seldomseen]

Do you live in the Northeast? If not, considering going with a quality set of coilovers instead. Aftermarket lowering springs mated to OEM struts will result in premature wear, and degraded ride quality after a short period of time. No manufacture currently makes aftermarket struts for the 4th gen Altima.

[TitoValchev]

Do you live in the Northeast? If not, considering going with a quality set of coilovers instead. Aftermarket lowering springs mated to OEM struts will result in premature wear, and degraded ride quality after a short period of time. No manufacture currently makes aftermarket struts for the 4th gen Altima.

Gabriel and KYB make aftermarket shocks and struts. It seems like they sell well on AutoAnything, too.

[seldomseen]

Gabriel and KYB make aftermarket shocks and struts. It seems like they sell well on AutoAnything, too

The original poster was inquiring about aftermarket lowering springs, and not OEM replacements.