brianhorne8

Any other suggestions for a smoother ride now that the rear shocks are taken care of? I don't know that I can do it now, because I'm about to buy a Kenwood DNX5120, but just for something to save for.

Well, I could do it if it is cheap. Hmmmm...

Grant314

Tanabe NF210 lowering springs will help smooth out the ride even more, as well as improve handling a little. Others may recommend the DF210s because they offer good ride quality and lower you a bit more than the NF210s, but the NFs have a softer spring rate. I have them along w/ the monroe rear shocks and it feels a whole lot better than the stock ride.

brianhorne8

May have to wait on the Tanabe springs. I just ordered Sensatracs for the rear, and if I lowered the car I'd have to get a different set. At a later date maybe...

Grant314

The monroe 5987s are ok with NF210s, which are only about a 1.5" drop. Start saving

brianhorne8

*Starts looking under couch cushions for loose change*

xBHAWK

If you are tall, over 6 feet, and your legs get tired, try the seat MOD.
You put 5 washers in the front seat bolts to boost up the seat in the front only, about 1/2 inch. It does not sound like much of a differance but it helps me on long drives.
You see, I tend to get riggermortus easily. If you feel like that, try the seat washer MOD. It is almost free and it can be undone without a problem.

And you know about the CABIN AIR FILTER that goes into the empty tray behind the glove box, right? Filters all pollen and dust will not accumulate on your dash.

brianhorne8

You think the NF210's will be softer? For some reason I feel like I read earlier that they gave the same ride as stock springs, only with a 1.5" drop. Although you said you have them and the Monroe shocks in the rear...which is the same setup I'd run if I bought them. Hm...maybe I read something wrong when I saw that?

Call me crazy, but I don't care as much about the drop as I do the ride comfort. I'm on the interstate 3500-4000 miles a month...

Man, I need to get my girlfriend to come up here sometimes. It'd be so much easier. Ha.

Grant314

The NF210s do feel softer than the stock springs. Stock spring rates for the xA are 134 lbs/in. for the front and back. If you do some calculations based on the info provided on tanabe's site, and you will find that with the NF210s for the xA the front spring rate is slightly higher than stock at ~156 lbs/in. while the rear is slightly softer than stock at ~123 lbs/in. When it comes to ride comfort when going over bumps and uneven pavement, the rear suspension has more of an impact on how it feels. You feel bumps more when they hit the rear wheels. So, the percieved ride quality is better with NF210s due to the softer spring rates in the rear. When combined with the sensatracs in the rear it is a noticeably better ride. Have you installed your new shocks yet? You might be happy with just the shocks.

burstaneurysm

Check the shocks first, but I'm on DF210s (the low ones) and it feels way better than the stock springs.

That's on the stock shocks and struts too... I'm anticipating a very nice ride on the new ones.

brianhorne8

I haven't put the new shocks on yet. I won't be able to get around to it till spring break. Then I can finally get out of this terrible cold and head back to my parents' house in Alabama for a week. Looking forward to that. Chicago is great and all, but winter is too much.

And the roads are terrible.

After I put the shocks on I'll let you guys know what I think. I sort of have the money to do the NF's, but I sort of don't. Considering I just spent $450 yesterday on a head unit and whatnot, I should probably keep the spending in check. We'll just have to see how much money my grandmother sent me...

burstaneurysm

I hear you on the Chicago winters. You just need a nice afternoon to do the shocks. It doesn't take a whole lot of time.

It'll probably start warming up next week.