New to the forum. Please help with this lowering question

[westtndad]

I am new here and I have a question about lowering my 03 2.5 Altima. My family and my self are going to Fl in a couple of weeks, I am wanting to lower my car before we leave. I like the way the back end looks. To me its just the right amount of gap over the tires from the fender. Its the front gap over my front tires that I dont like. My question is if I just lower the front like a inch and a half and not lower the back of the car, will that give my car a raked look? Just woundering because if so I will lower the back end also, I dont want it to look raked at all. With me wanting to lower it just a inch and a half I did not know if it would give it the raked look. I know its not a huge drop at all, but I dont want to have to worry about draging the underside of the car all the way to Fl.

[rcboy514]

I guess you could try the front first and see how you like it. It might throw off the balance of the car having different spring rates on the front and back.

If the trip is going to be pretty long you might consider waiting until you get back. Lowering springs will make the ride a bit stiffer and you will lose some comfort, but it handles a lot better. Which kit were you considering?

[westtndad]

I am not really sure about the kit to be honest with you. I have had a couple of mini trucks one had bags and the other had hydros. So I am kind of new to this. This is my daily drive. What springs are good? I am not wanting to pay a arm and a leg for them but I do want a good spring. Are the Megan springs from ebay any good and how low can I go before I will need some new camber bolts?

[rcboy514]

I've heard both good and bad about megan. Personally I went with eibachs and couldn't be happier. They lower about an inch and a half on the back and about the same up front. I assume it would be similar on all their kits, but i'll try and find a link.

As far as needing a camber kit or bolts, they are not required for a drop of this size, but you will want to get an alignment after you install them.

If you go for coils in the future a camber kit is almost required or you will have uneven tire wear.


Here is a link to the eibachs, $212 is a pretty good price imo.

http://www.stillen.com/product.asp?id=E ... del=ALTIMA

[westtndad]

I was just woundering about this but will the 350Z springs fit my car? I know the body lines and the stance of the 350Z looks good and lower than the Altima but I was just woundering if the springs will fit on my car and if so will it lower much if any?

[rcboy514]

no they won't, and I'm not sure the difference in length. It's not just the springs that make the Zs stance the way it is,it's just a completely different chassis and suspension.

[westtndad]

O ok thank you.

[downedzephyr]

no they won't, and I'm not sure the difference in length. It's not just the springs that make the Zs stance the way it is,it's just a completely different chassis and suspension.

yup! they are also designed for different weight distributions, so even getting a set of springs for a 2.5 when you have a 3.5 (or vice versa) is out of the question!

[westtndad]

When you lower a car do you almost have to go out and buy new shocks and struts or do the factory ones make it for a little while longer?

[downedzephyr]

your struts, regardless of being factory or aftermarket, will bear a slightly higher load of wear because of the springs. you dont necessarily have to go out and buy new shocks/struts right away though.

[westtndad]

If I choose to lower the front 2" and the back a inch and a half, will I have trouble getting up on a lift at the shop when or if I need to? I know speedbumps will be a little bit of a problem but was not sure about a lift at a shop. I dont want to have to pick up on my fenders to be able to get off of a lift. Once again thanks to everyone for all the good information.

[downedzephyr]

If I choose to lower the front 2" and the back a inch and a half, will I have trouble getting up on a lift at the shop when or if I need to? I know speedbumps will be a little bit of a problem but was not sure about a lift at a shop. I dont want to have to pick up on my fenders to be able to get off of a lift. Once again thanks to everyone for all the good information.

you should still have plenty of clearance

[westtndad]

I am thinking about putting the springs on my self. Are they hard to put on and if so how long does it take?

[downedzephyr]

eh, as long as your'e halfway competent you should be able to do it. although i suggest that you be very careful when using the spring compressors. don't rent cheapo spring compressors just to save a couple bucks, make sure you get some quality ones because if one of those bad boys pops loose there could be some very serious injuries. i did it with a buddy of mine, and we had all 4 springs installed in a little over an hour.