And I was worried about switching form the 3.5 to the 2.5 (under steer ???)

[Konicaman]

Can anyone explain how the RL rear sway bar has two settings? What exactly determines the settings?

[B15]

Simply put, the RL bar has two spots (inner & outer) where you can bolt it up to the endlinks. Changing the distance between the D-bushing and where it bolts to the endlinks changes the amount of "force" it provides. Therefore the inner setting is the stiffest.

[Konicaman]

Originally Posted by B15

Simply put, the RL bar has two spots (inner & outer) where you can bolt it up to the endlinks. Changing the distance between the D-bushing and where it bolts to the endlinks changes the amount of "force" it provides. Therefore the inner setting is the stiffest.

Thanks for that explanation. Now I just have to wait because they are on back order.

[B15]

Same here. I had a Nismo rear sway bar on my old car and on the stiffest setting I could actually get it to oversteer and this was a FWD car. Granted I'm not expecting this in the Altima, but I'm hoping this will really help with the body roll.

[barkeep]

Relatively speaking, my 2.5 S handles a hell of a lot more better, than the '03 Chrysler Sebring I got out of. That car understeers like crazy!

One example is that in my Altima, one particular cloverleaf ramp around my area, I can take it up to 80 km/h (maximum 60) without squealing the tires. 90 km/h is the threshold, with some tire smoke and squealing. In the Sebring, same cloverleaf ramp, I can only take it up to 70 km/h without the tires squealing, and 80 km/h with tires squealing louder than a pig in a slaughterhouse.

Then again, the tires are a factor in this.

I'm sure the 3.5 SE/SR can take it up even further than the 2.5 S, if I can get a hold of one.

[Y2K SE]

Another vote for a +1 wheel/tire upgrade.

[eiching1]

Originally Posted by realmac

My bets are on the tire / wheel combo.
215/55R17 on the 03 3.5 vs 215/60R16 on the 2.5 Altimas.

Also a strut tower brace / rear sway bar does wonders for handling. You can probably do both with install for under 250.

These are exactly the mods I did and they made a HUGH difference.

[mrsalty]

If you just want to address understeer for now I'd try some free stuff first. Adjust tire pressure and maybe front toe (out) slightly. Mark the tie rods so you can adjust them back if things don't work out. These won't make a huge difference, but the stock setup shouldn't have massive understeer either.

More tips OVERSTEER / UNDERSTEER CORRECTIONS

[B15]

Originally Posted by mrsalty

These won't make a huge difference, but the stock setup shouldn't have massive understeer either.

Depends on your driving style and what you're used to. I used to auto cross and I drive spiritedly and my 3.5 has pretty bad understeer. The 2.5 rentals I've had are even worse.

But if you are just an A to B driver and nothing else, then yes you won't notice the understeer