Suspension Questions

msp32009

msp32009

Silver Member
Greenie N00B Member
Hey y'all!

A little background, this is my first "lowered" car, I used to drive a Nissan Frontier 2002 (which my brother drives now), and I'm an overthinker so I have a handful of questions.

I'm looking to replace my suspension because I'm sure my rear struts are blown - pics below.
IMG_5912.jpeg IMG_5911.jpeg

This is how the MS3'09 sits on stock suspension currently:
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I'm planning to replace all 4 corners with one of these two coilovers (I'd like the car to be lowered!):
I'll be daily driving this car (won't be tracking or autox any time soon) and, with my prior experience driving a truck, I'm not too sure how stiff would be too stiff for daily driving. I'm not against a strut+spring (i.e. Bilstein B8 w/lowering spring), but these coilovers are surprisingly a lot cheaper atm. I would really appreciate it if y'all can answer my newbie questions!

To help me decide which of the two:
  1. For the people who have the Bilstein B14s, what's it like daily driving?
  2. For the people who have the ST Xs, what's it like daily driving?
  3. Between the two, which would be better for daily driving? I'm not racing through traffic when commuting, but I'd like the car to feel planted when I drive aggressively!
  4. Would it be better if I saved up more for the adjustable dampening? The B16s and XAs specifically!
    1. I don't think I'll utilize it, so it's probably not worth it, but I'm curious because I've read the softest dampening setting on the adjustable coilovers is potentially better for daily driving than the non-adjustable coilovers.
  5. While I'm changing the suspension with the help of my friend, I've read around and I'm planning to upgrade my RSB and Front Sway Bar End Links to Whiteline (they have a sale rn + $20 off when you create an account or 10% off your first order). From what I can tell, my other suspension bushings seem fine. Is there anything else I should consider upgrading?
I know it's a lot of info and questions, so if there's anything I need to clarify, please let me know. I'm open to suggestions/feedback too, thank you!
 

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Bilstein for the win! Whether it's track or street, their rebound valving is what makes the ride smooth yet sporty.

Having fiddled with a couple of adjustable coilovers, I wouldn't waste my time or money on them again. Proper damper valving and spring rates will make a bigger difference than any adjustable damper.
 
Bilstein B8 with Swift Springs is another popular choice. I'm currently in process of putting this setup on my car.

I've had adjustable shocks/struts in the past and once they were set never touched them again. The B8/Swift combo has been done quite a bit and everyone who does it seems quite happy with it.
 
Mtnbker3531 said:
Bilstein B8 with Swift Springs is another popular choice. I'm currently in process of putting this setup on my car.

I've had adjustable shocks/struts in the past and once they were set never touched them again. The B8/Swift combo has been done quite a bit and everyone who does it seems quite happy with it.
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Yes, I've seen that set up come up a lot! I'm able to get the Bilstein B14s or ST Xs for less and it looks like the coilovers provide more lowering adjustments. So I'm trying to which is more better daily driving between the two (^^^)! Does that make sense?
 
Between those two choices I'm with Mauro Penguin, Bilstein all the way.

Between the Bilstein C/O and the B8/Swift set up my understanding is the C/O will be a more firm setup as it is more oriented towards track use.
 
Mtnbker3531 said:
Between those two choices I'm with Mauro Penguin, Bilstein all the way.

Between the Bilstein C/O and the B8/Swift set up my understanding is the C/O will be a more firm setup as it is more oriented towards track use.
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I understand, thank you!

Easter Bunny said:
At that mileage I would look at replacing the bushings in the front end.
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I will take a look there then, thank you!
 
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msp32009 said:
I understand, thank you!
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I mean honestly from looking at your age you probably won't find the Bilstein Coil overs too harsh ;) I've run some suspension setups on the stiffer side on a different platform when I was in my 20s.

I'm 45 and I want a performance oriented setup for the street but I'm less tolerant of things being too harsh.
 
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