Lowering front end only?

[iBbLaCkMaN02Pro5]

I was checking out possible replacements to my P5 and looked at an Altima (the '05 SE-R, to be exact). Yes it has some problems, but the worst is the front end wheel gap.

It seems that the sub frame is quite low which resulted in the front end having horrendous wheel gap. None of the large spring manufacturers seem to make a kit to compensate for Nissan retardedness (they lower but the front is always higher).

So my question: What are the risks/issues with lowering only the front end of a car and leaving the rear stock?

[dead_cactus]

I would assume it would effect the handling. If it were me I would either install new springs on all 4 corners or leave it stock.

Why an Altima though? :puke:

[e2wJunglist]

^ dc i'm surprised you didn't dig up that poll where ppl voted against altimas. (i would but im lazy:P)


Depending on the stance and geometry i doubt it will effect anything if done right. But ya it could potentially change the handling. A simple drop will not be so simple that's probably a given.

[Action Jackson]

Different heights will affect : caster, possibly some camber, king pin inclination.....

Suspension parts could experience more wear and tear.

Handling definitely affected.

Not a good idea.

[DuRWooD]

Fine for a DD depending on the drop. Definately won't be an improvement in handling, over steer would be more dramatic due to higher center of gravity in the rear. Although lowering without proper camber adjustments can raise your roll center. So it might balance out.

[991.8l]

Don't do it Jared.. buy a civic.. you know you want one.

[TheMAN]

Why an Altima though? :puke:
:wallbash:

[00bluees]

any coilovers available for the car? then you can dial in perfect ride height if you don't mind the **** stiff ride. mind you a big as car like that might not be soo bad.

p.s. love the altima se-r's.

also if you are worried about the cost, whats an extra grand or 2 on top of what i'm guessing to be a $15k + car??

[Miki01]

Different heights will affect : caster, possibly some camber, king pin inclination.....

Suspension parts could experience more wear and tear.

Handling definitely affected.

Not a good idea.

I know exactly what this man is talking about.

And to be completely honest, its the most solid/valid reply in this thread so far.

Lower evenly, or don't lower at all. For a daily driver, I wouldn't focus too much on the appearance side of things, rather, I'd focus on functionality. Nissan designed it that way, either work with it (not against it), or leave it alone.

[00bluees]

^ couldn't disagree more. most people can't afford to have a good looking car PLUS a daily driver. so they make their daily driver look good. personally i wouldn't buy this car if i couldnt come up with the dough to drop the front down, because come on that gap is BAD.

i agree with the fact that lowering the front only and leaving the rear suspension stock isn't a very good idea. but it could easily be done without catastrophic effects as long as you are well aware of what you've done. and its not going to do any more "damage" then dropping on coils or a full set of springs, you get an alingment anyways......



good ! :yes: (on tein coils)

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs209.snc1/7622_1247008696203_1259005160_748267_5943020_n.jpg

bad :( (stock)

http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/nissan/altima-se-r/2005/as/04/ny/2005_nissan_altima-se-r_oth_04-ny-as_1_815.jpg

[dead_cactus]

2nd pic doesn't work

[w_l89]

i think the second photo is better than the first one :lol:

[00bluees]

2nd pic doesn't work


fixed.....for now. stupid internet machine.

[iBbLaCkMaN02Pro5]

Hmmm.... didn't think of coilovers. Duh! Thanks for the input guys. Either case I've ruled the Alti out. It has the turning radius of a train and DC doesn't like them! haha

[drunkmunky]

I know that member and he is on our racingline springs =)

[vtec-this]

the front is so high because 99% of buyers couldnt give a shit about stuff like wheel gap, they just dont want to feel speed bumps or cracks in the road etc.

[Winnay]

Hmmm.... didn't think of coilovers. Duh! Thanks for the input guys. Either case I've ruled the Alti out. It has the turning radius of a train and DC doesn't like them! haha



That's funny, I always thought the P5 also had the turning radius of a freight train.

[thekid]

That's funny, I always thought the P5 also had the turning radius of a freight train.

Compared to a Miata sure... but it's actually quite good comapred to anything else in its class and bigger monstrosities.