shock/suspension recommendation.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
shock/suspension recommendation.
My 95 has the standard suspension with 80000 miles on it. It is way too soft for me. I was wondering if using a good heavy duty shock would stiffen it up. The current shocks are origional and probally shot.
I don't want to go through the trouble of changing springs etc.
I remember driving a brand new 84, back in 84 and really liked the way it handled. My 95 feels more like a caddy.
Thanks for any suggestions.
I don't want to go through the trouble of changing springs etc.
I remember driving a brand new 84, back in 84 and really liked the way it handled. My 95 feels more like a caddy.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
well... this debate will always open a can of worms.
for the street, the 84 was a bit over done... remember, contact patch is what keeps you stuck to the road, if the suspension is too stiff, then the tires skip and traction goes away. That's why a supple suspension is what really works.
With all of that said, I would look closely at the Koni shocks. They will maintain contact patch, and better control the suspension.
for the street, the 84 was a bit over done... remember, contact patch is what keeps you stuck to the road, if the suspension is too stiff, then the tires skip and traction goes away. That's why a supple suspension is what really works.
With all of that said, I would look closely at the Koni shocks. They will maintain contact patch, and better control the suspension.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,858
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
They may just be worn out.
Mine were do bad I could move them back and forth by hand
If you get adjustables, like my QA1's, you can set them to whatever you want.
Mine were do bad I could move them back and forth by hand
If you get adjustables, like my QA1's, you can set them to whatever you want.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,874
Likes: 0
From: Littleton CO
My car also has the base FE1 suspension, and at least one shock had leaked excessive oil. I was dismayed that my Altima was less floaty, particularly over a certain dip & rise on the way home from work.
Recently I installed Z51 Bilsteins, and the result is exactly what I was hoping for. The ride is nice and tight, lots of road feel and not too jarring. Any bumps that feel too harsh are the ones that are also annoying in our other cars.
Adjustable shocks would have been nice, but they do cost quite a bit more.
Recently I installed Z51 Bilsteins, and the result is exactly what I was hoping for. The ride is nice and tight, lots of road feel and not too jarring. Any bumps that feel too harsh are the ones that are also annoying in our other cars.
Adjustable shocks would have been nice, but they do cost quite a bit more.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
My 95 has the standard suspension with 80000 miles on it. It is way too soft for me. I was wondering if using a good heavy duty shock would stiffen it up. The current shocks are origional and probally shot.
I don't want to go through the trouble of changing springs etc.
I remember driving a brand new 84, back in 84 and really liked the way it handled. My 95 feels more like a caddy.
Thanks for any suggestions.
I don't want to go through the trouble of changing springs etc.
I remember driving a brand new 84, back in 84 and really liked the way it handled. My 95 feels more like a caddy.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
My car came w/ the FE1 suspenion...very soft.
The QA1's made a BIG difference, especially w/ the car being lowered.
Also, you can adjust them w/o taking them off the car...HUGE benefit.
IMO, for under $500, it's the best suspension mod you can do to stiffen up the car. Night & day difference.
The QA1's made a BIG difference, especially w/ the car being lowered.
Also, you can adjust them w/o taking them off the car...HUGE benefit.
IMO, for under $500, it's the best suspension mod you can do to stiffen up the car. Night & day difference.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
At 80K miles, your shocks are in need of replacment. A good set will do wonders.
Bilstein Sports
Bilstein HD
Koni Sports
QA-1's
....all will make a remarkable difference in the feel and handling of your '96. I ended up with Koni on my own FE1, and really like them. (The QA-1's do just as good a job and they look a lot tricker than the Konis)
You don't need new springs.
Larry
code5coupe
_________
Often wrong, never in doubt....
Bilstein Sports
Bilstein HD
Koni Sports
QA-1's
....all will make a remarkable difference in the feel and handling of your '96. I ended up with Koni on my own FE1, and really like them. (The QA-1's do just as good a job and they look a lot tricker than the Konis)
You don't need new springs.
Larry
code5coupe
_________
Often wrong, never in doubt....
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
Thanks for the replies. I was thinking that a good heavy duty shock would probally work, I just wanted to double check.
My 76 had the Gymkhana suspension - very stiff compared to the 95.
Since I bought the 95 used, I don't how how it was when new, it terms of stiffness handling etc.
Thanks again for the suggestions.
My 76 had the Gymkhana suspension - very stiff compared to the 95.
Since I bought the 95 used, I don't how how it was when new, it terms of stiffness handling etc.
Thanks again for the suggestions.