Contemplating lowering the X5, feedback appreciated.

faz · #1 09-18-2009, 01:50 PM

Hi guys,
I owned an Infiniti QX4 for a while before the X5, and the ride was a bit too rough for my liking (back seat with my newborn daughter in it at the time was just too bouncy and rough.)

When buying the X5, I didn't want to have the sport suspension for that reason. So my X5 is a simple old 3.0 with no special suspension parts.

I am now thinking that since I do not do any off roading of any kind with this SAV, and the beautiful weather in California (no snow), I might benefit from getting the suspension firmed up a bit for better handling, while trying to keep the costs low. I have done some search and H&R sport seems to be a good bang for the buck at say about $300 for parts, and about $250 for installation (just got a reply from some local shop that is advertising on craigslist that seem to do aftermarket spring/suspension/sway bar installations.)

I have some questions that hope some people would be able to help with:

- spring installations are DIY for some people... so it can't be that difficult for a shop to do. Is there anything specific that I need to worry about with X5, that say needs to go to a more expensive shop than one that is offering a $250 quote (and say it has done some spring/suspension installs on other makes/models)?

- once lowered by H&R sport springs, do I need to do anything extra for the alignment? I am assuming an alignment is needed afterwards, but I am talking about additional alignment kits and such (it seems like some people need to, and some people didn't... from my searches here I can't say for sure.)

- how much 'rougher' the ride becomes with H&R sport springs on? I can kinda live with the OEM sport suspension, but don't really like it any more rough than that. (mainly for kid/passenger reasons.)

- Is the handling improvement worth the effort? especially considering I am running the OEM 17" tires with Michellin Latitude Tour HP tires (that I bought new about 10k miles ago and won't be changing any time soon).

- H&R vs. Eibach... which one is more recommended?

Any feedback on these will be appreciated.

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ZsX5o3 · #2 09-18-2009, 11:19 PM

Sorry I don't have much intel on those springs, but in an effort to improve handling while keeping the ride on a comfortable setting I would suggest coilovers. Specifically PSS9's. The price may be a lot higher than your springs but if you do it when you actually need to replace suspension it won't hurt as much, and it's well worth it.

TQ2K · #3 09-19-2009, 04:42 AM

I've had H&R springs on with sport suspension and handling was great so was the really low stance. It was nice at first but overtime was sacrificing the ride comfort wherein it was just too stiff and bouncy(sharp/tight).

On my current X, it has non-sport suspension and I opted for Eibach's, lowering wasn't as much as the H&R's but ride comfort was way better!

TowX · #4 09-19-2009, 09:46 AM

I have the H&R lowering setup on my 4.4 Sport, but mine has the rear air springs so might be different than yours. In this configuration the front springs lowered about 1" and the supplied self levelling links in the rear are adjustable so I set them for about 1.25" lower. The steering response is improved, and I have found no impact on ride comfort. And I can tow my race trailer 850 miles at a time with no negative effect on towing performance.

simoncpw · #5 09-19-2009, 12:43 PM

I have the H&R kit (springs for front and links for rear air) on my 4.6iS with sports suspension. I find very little to no difference in ride comfort; less rolls when cornering (but I also put on spacers at the same time)... and it makes the car look stunning.

Two possible (unconfirmed) problems that might be related to this mod:
1) one side of the rear air suspension leaked, had both side replaced and so far so good (the old ones looked pretty worn out)
2) the inner side of the rear tires worn out way faster than normal. No sure if it's the alignment / balancing problem, although I did have them done after lowering.

inky · #6 09-19-2009, 05:59 PM

I have Intrax springs on mine. There are other choices out there besides the typical 2. Intrax lowers it a full 1 1/2 inch(lower than the others) and gives a ride that isn't any more rough than the factory sport suspension imo(subjective). My installer used some different camber bolts he had laying around to get the right camber. The rear(air springs) I made some links to drop it about 2 inches so my camber is way off. My insides wore out in 8 months and have now been flipped on the rim. Once I wear them out again I'm getting new rear tires and installing the KMAC rear camber kit. Since you probably won't be that low in the back you should be able to keep it in spec. So far I love the look and ride although given the money I would have opted for the coilovers in a heartbeat!

RichiRich · #7 09-19-2009, 10:29 PM

Droped' her with KW Coilovers........

I say .............drop it!!

Rich

5800 · #8 09-20-2009, 03:03 AM

Richirich, nice job! Is this a new x for you? Did you remove the top rack or did it come that way?

RichiRich · #9 09-20-2009, 04:42 PM

LOL! No not new....i have been around here on the forum for a while...I am a veteren.....of sorts......you can check for my threads.....i've done it all......CAI,xpipe/supersprint exhaust..led tails/ledinterior.....the list goes on.......dinan eng and tranny soft...dinan strut brace........215 rep wheels...vredestein tires.....complete custom headlights/led fogs......etc....LOL!

Rich

faz · #10 09-21-2009, 12:55 AM

Thanks for all that have responded. Yes, a coilover replacement would be nice, but pricey.

So from sounds of it, there is definitely a handling improvement (positive), but even an alignment may not be able to bring it back to acceptable camber and might have to live with faster tire wear (negative.)

For those who have done the springs only, is the installation pretty straight forward enough that a shop with say no X5 experience should be able to do it?

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