Recent content by dlarkin_dc

  1. dlarkin_dc

    Handling with 2nd & 3rd row removed?

    The cavern! Barely any difference... basically felt fine, empty or with 850# load. 🤷‍♂️ If anything it had less roll and behaved better at highway speeds.
  2. PXL_20250816_213626725.webp

    PXL_20250816_213626725.webp

  3. dlarkin_dc

    Rough ride fix?

    Miles? Curent struts? Soft doesn't sound like a good idea for handling and safety as the 5 is already hard on shocks as it's a stretched up tall 3. I've found KYB Excel G are OE performance and better than OE durability/longevity. Extra insulating from road surface is more tire wall. The...
  4. dlarkin_dc

    Handling with 2nd & 3rd row removed?

    That's my top issue with this trip, the 1183 lb capacity limit. I've got a spreadsheet with the weight of each box, the two passengers, minus removed car seats. I'll make sure the center of gravity stays low and centered. I'm hoping to avoid renting a full size suv for the trip, which'd be...
  5. dlarkin_dc

    Handling with 2nd & 3rd row removed?

    Thanks! Great to hear its doable. What's a surpise is the weight - it only weighs as much as one of the middle row seats!
  6. dlarkin_dc

    Handling with 2nd & 3rd row removed?

    Has anyone pulled both rows and can give me an idea of what handling is like? Ihave a trip with a large load coming up and I could use the extra space. I've often pulled one or both middle seats and could feel the marginal difference in weight, but also taking out the rears would feel moreso...
  7. dlarkin_dc

    What have you done to your Mazda5 today?

    Decades ago I had a relative that was a dealer for Monroe and would fix us up with anything but was very clear that he wouldn't ever use them in his car. The one time I did, I could barely notice the difference with the new shocks from the old leaking ones. That was a low saloon car, I can't...
  8. dlarkin_dc

    Itching to customize my 2013 Mazda5

    I think I have those same speakers! Older models but they still sound great. You should get the wiring adapters of you want to pay for them, much easier than cutting/soldering/heatshrink for all four speakers. The harness adapter for the head unit too.
  9. dlarkin_dc

    Itching to customize my 2013 Mazda5

    I forgot, with an '07 most of this is a long time ago... Window tint makes for a cool look. All weather mats too. Together made things a little quieter too.
  10. dlarkin_dc

    What have you done to your Mazda5 today?

    As long as you notice and enjoy it! I was surprised how much difference all-weather floor mats made to the road noise. Definitly got me interested in going further with sound deadening until I fell down that rabbit hole - reading up, watching youtubers, looking into products... and eventually...
  11. dlarkin_dc

    Engine Splash Shield Removal Question

    Thankfs for sharing. Always good to have another parts source. Quirk looks a lot like CARiD. It's not uncommon to see different storefronts with same webpages and backend database and stock... but the prices can be different 🤷‍♂️
  12. dlarkin_dc

    Lowest mileage and most expensive Mazda5 I have seen lol

    No s! Score!! No doubt about it, if mine ever goes to car heaven, I'll get another 5.
  13. dlarkin_dc

    Recommendations for new brake pads?

    Thanks to everyone for the suggestions! What an great community! FWIW, I went with the Akebono ceramics, which are supposedly the OE anyways. Night and day difference with the old PoweStop. Now there's more control over breaking - smooth slowing down and bitey for sudden stops. Silent and no...
  14. dlarkin_dc

    Itching to customize my 2013 Mazda5

    No reason you can't shop their website, use their fit guide, and then order that stuff local. I did that. Crurchfields Master guides are just a nice to have for anyone that's never done a radio/speaker upgrade before. Update the speakers alone is the biggest improvement for the lowest cost, the...
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