Lowering the Nissan Altima Hybrid

[rtking]

Like some others on this forum, I decided to lower my Altima Hybrid using Eibach springs. Because of the weight of the car, the V6 springs are recommended. (Nissan uses the 3.5 SE springs for the Altima Hybrid.)

Unfortunately for us, the battery pack in the back of the car really shifts the weight around and the rear of our cars look lower than the front. And the 3.5 SE springs cause a rather large gap between the fender and top of the front tires.

After installing the Eibach springs, the front was perfect (IMO, of course.) The rear looked "slammed" as the fender was right on top of the tire. To make matters worse, the rear camber was at -2 degress and, short of a camber kit, could not be dialed-out.

I stumbled across this "fix" from the G35 forums and ordered the same Suspension Technique spring pads (5/8" thicknessl):

http://g35driver.com/forums/g3....html

After about 30 minutes with a Dremel, both polyurethane pads were clearanced and would sit flush with the upper mounting pads. (When doing yours, just twist and the upper mounting pads will come down. Use your workbench to check fit as you Dremel the polyurethane pads) Installation is really very easy and I had both sides done and installed in 1.5 hours.

After installing, I drove the car for 10 miles to ensure the suspension had settled. IMO, the suspension is level and the unsightly fender gap is gone.

Ride quality - very little discernable difference over stock in normal driving, but much tauter and responsive around corners, and the effect of a lower center of gravity is immediately felt. This is a very worthwhile modification, IMO... and works very well with the Stillen rear sway bar.

Hopes this helps others and, of course, the usual disclaimers apply about doing this at your own risk, not responsible for any problems arising from this modification, etc.

[scrutmonkey]

Glad you got it figured out. I'm looking at a set of the BC coilovers for the NAH...should be easier to adjust ride height and ride with all of the available settings.

[SteveTheTech]

It really seems at first like lowering the Altima HEV would be a bad idea, then I saw the link on the G37xs, shook my head, x'd the window and left that the kids over there. Although the idea makes sense, it seems like altering the center of gravity vertically on such an oddly heavy vehicle would "dogtack" around corners. Actually since the spring rate is decreased significantly enough to warrant shimming.

My experience is with Infiniti primarily, but this seems to defy common logic.

This has peaked my interest, good info.

[sean7777]

http://www.energysuspension.com/univers ... ators.html

Did you order product 9.6120 on the above link?

Thanks