Want to lower my Altima SE-R more without going to coilovers

[SlateSER1788]

I've been reading on the Koni Yellow "inserts", the KYB shocks, etc. but I don't think I've come across anyone with an SE-R that's trying to accomplish the same setup as me (correct me if I'm wrong).

I currently have Tein S.Tech lowering springs in the front (-1.85" drop) with stock shocks, and stock springs and shocks in the rear. When I installed the lowering springs in the front and dropped the car down I stopped and noticed... the wheel gap was now even in the front to match the rear (before it looked like I had a reverse rake) so I never installed the rear springs. I have the stock SE-R wheels on the car now, with stock tire size all-around (225/40 R18) and there's still about 2-fingers worth of wheel gap in the rear and about the same in the front. I'd like to get that gap lower, to about a finger or less without going to coilovers (for price and ride quality reasons). So my target setup, if possible, would be aftermarket springs in the front and rear, paired with aftermarket shocks front and rear. I am thinking about going to 19" wheels (maybe Rays/NISMO, etc.) so I know that will help fill the gap a little bit too.

I've searched the Koni's to see how much those run for and to my understanding we (L31 chasis) have to buy the 95-99 Maxima Koni Yellows (part number: 8641-1362 Sport) but that doesn't take care of the rear and they're about $150 a shock and require modification.

Just now I found on http://www.tirerack.com "KYB GR-2" shocks for $59 each for the fronts (KYB part number's: 334337 for front left, 334336 for front rear) and $33 each for the rear (part number 344395 for both rear left and right). Am I missing something with these prices? Are they cheap because they're OEM-equivalent or something (couldn't find that info on their site)? Any help with any of these questions would be big!

[krash]

I'm not sure about your whole ride height situation, but I think the GR-2s are cheaper because they're not adjustable like the AGX

[07wHiTE 3.5SE 6sPD]

the gr-2's are oem replacements... i've witnessed friends get about 2 - 3 years out of them (due to the lowered spring height) but they didnt mind because when they purchased the gr-2's from the local parts store they got lifetime warranty on the struts/shocks. I dont know how aftermarket springs are sold, maybe if you get something of a stiffer spring rate you can prolong the life of the strut/shock assembly as it won't be flexing as much. Krash is right also about the adjustability, only the agx's are adjustable in the kyb line.

[SlateSER1788]

I'm not sure about your whole ride height situation, but I think the GR-2s are cheaper because they're not adjustable like the AGX

Yea I noticed that they're not adjustable like the Koni's but that would explain the price difference. And I just noticed on another site that the KYB GR-2's are "the best choice to restore OE performance and normal driving conditions", so I'm assuming that I'm not going to achieve any of my lowering goals by going with the GR-2's.

As for the KYB AGX's, are those even available for the 02-06 Altimas? I only see the GR-2's as being available and have yet to see another aftermarket shock available that will fit the 02-06 generation. I'd like to avoid using a die grinder and hack saw on a set of Koni Yellow's (the 95-99 Maxima ones that supposedly fit with some modifications).

[QR25DE]

How are regular struts and shocks going to get you lower? They're not. Simply put.

To get lower you will need adjustables. So Coilovers. I know you dont want to go to coilovers but... :/


You can always cut yours springs LOL.

[SlateSER1788]

How are regular struts and shocks going to get you lower? They're not. Simply put.

To get lower you will need adjustables. So Coilovers. I know you dont want to go to coilovers but... :/


You can always cut yours springs LOL.

I've never actually done a lowering spring PLUS aftermarket shocks so I guess I was king of hoping that the aftermarket shocks would maybe sit slightly lower than stock ones. I know adjustables would definitely give me something to work with, but I can't seem to find anyone that makes them for the L31 chassis. I'm probably just going to suck it up and save for some Tien Basics so I can adjust height AND stiffness.

And we won't even get into cutting springs because... just because

[Racingline]

As far as shocks/strut go, you've got it covered already. GR-2 or modified Koni fronts with 300ZX rear AGX shocks. For springs Racingline made a set to specifically addres the reverse rake and excessive rear lowering of other springs sets.

it's not really possible to go any lower in the front on the conventional strut setup as there will be no room for strut travel, the piston is simply too long. Coilovers really are your best option for lower than standard 1.9"-2" range offered by companies right now

The Racingline Springs lower the front 1.9" and the rear just .5"

[DaCoupe]

I say get the coilovers, but when your gonna switch your rims let me know, ill buy your stock ones off you if you want, i love the se-r rims.

[SlateSER1788]

I tend to keep the stock wheels on any car that I buy but if I decide to sell them I'll let you know.