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Old Feb 23, 2014 | 05:23 PM
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SixCylinders
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Default Any suspension gurus around?

I'm at the point where my car (1994 Maxima GXE) is beyond the limits of existing aftermarket parts. My biggest problem with the suspension is it is actually LIFTED on uncut Eibach springs because of 700lbs+ of weight reduction. I cut the eibach springs, 1 coil was fine the spring still seated properly on both the upper and lower spring seat and I cut a 2nd coil to get "moar low" and it's not looking too good. To make matters worse, KYB Excel-Gs are the best shock still being produced for my chassis (Koni & Tokico have been discontinued). I have been unsatisfied by the damping on my KYBs for YEARS (my springs and struts are 6 years old now) so I'd like to replace them as well. I have converted to 1995-1999 Maxima strut mounts in the front because it allows for an extra ~1" of strut rod travel, and in theory if they fail the strut rod isn't going to ram through the hood (but from my experience, 1995+ mounts last MAYBE 2 years on bumpy roads - originals were still not destroyed with 14 years of wear) like it would on the original mounts. I discovered something I didn't find mentioned by anyone else that did this conversion, that is that the bearings are puny needle bearings compared to the larger 1989-1994 ball bearings and are more prone to be improperly seated during installation. So I am considering converting back to 1989-1994 style mounts or finding a better alternative.

I have heard that the rear suspension design is nearly identical to the Stanza with some people claiming that Stanza Ground Control sleeves should "bolt right up" in the rear (but they haven't tested it themselves)
I know for a fact that 1989-2003 strut mounts will bolt up to the towers, and in theory newer struts should "bolt right up" so maybe front coilovers for a 4th gen (A32/1995+) will fit, I have heard for a fact that the spindle mounting holes are further apart on the 5th gen (A33/2000+)

Don't lecture me on why I should buy a Honda, newer car, something with better aftermarket support, etc. This was my first car, and in 8 years it has only left me stranded a couple times, back when I was still sorting out it's issues from 124K of neglect. I've spent countless hours and quite a few dollars getting it the way I like it and I'm too heavily invested in it to move on now.

What I need from you is any help I can get finding components (coilover sleeves & GOOD struts/shocks or full coilovers) that will work to keep my suspension solid and my frame rails 3" from the ground. I don't care if it involves parts off a B13, S13, S14, A32, A33, Z31, Z32 or even a different make. If I need to supply measurements that isn't a problem when I have time, I went to school for machining and have my own dial calipers.

Sorry if this post doesn't make a lot of sense being a wall of text and all I'll clarify anything if you just bare with me.
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Last edited by SixCylinders; Feb 23, 2014 at 05:43 PM.
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