in need of suggestions on suspension upgrades for G50

[ponzy]

i have a 1994 q45 standard. toed-in front passenger side, i'll be fixing it so i might as well upgrade it. trying to do the most out of spending on OEM parts.

i am planning to do it in 2 mo.

i already have RSB/FSB, eibachs, that's it for now. I am planning to buy:

1.) Tokiko (from joe-- does it include boot assbly with strut mount or i can still use the old one's--i have 2 new strut mount for the front and i guess rear is still ok) ;

2.) spl adj link (since it's $200 for stock) just the front? or both front and rear?------- do i need these or take the Z32's (same fittings?----not sure) -- they have the same amount/cost from joe

3.) do i need an adj tension rod? what brand would you highly recommend? Z32's?

4.) correct sizing for the bushings? i am confused on the sizing on your q45.org. there's no need for adj link/tension rod, right?

5.) do i have to change the 3rd link?

6.) sway bar link for front and rear or just the original ones or just replace new bushings --- i have no idea!

7.) poly bushings on the rear and rubber bushings in front?

8.) what else i'm missing?

thanks in advance........

[redmanfx]

1 - Talk to Joe about it, also depends on how they look. 2 - Adj upper links? SPL are the best, but do you really need them????3 - ADJ Tension rods, Hmm... #1 SPL and #2 Stillen. Again I have to ask if you need to change them. They will make you "hear" the road. 4 - ??5 - No6 - Get a Front tower brace from Jeff Williams. The Active Q's sway bar is better, but there are others like stillen that you can get. These stiffen the car up.7 - one thing at a time. First have a good understanding of where and what these bushings do as far as location and function before you make any decisions on these. Minute difference for those who don't know and not worth the money unless you understand. Besides if you have ADJ tension rods you don't have front bushings.8 - I think that good for now. Once that is done then you can check other stuff because your knowledge base will expand.

these changes will stiffen your car up considerably and you will feel the difference. You will also feel more of the road. Good luck and keep asking questions!!

[ponzy]

i have a FSB/RSB (28 mm/ 20mm respectively) from a 1994 q45a:

1 - i've called joe this afternoon and he emailed me the quote on tokiko's

2 - most of the threads i read here stated that the first thing that needs to be replace

My guess is upper links.

from this thread: zerothread?id=76915

- so i guess and assumed it might need to be changed to. SPL adj link about $350: http://www.importpartspro.com/spl30fradupa.html

( from joe each is $99.95 each plus i think you gonna have to change the bushing too( i'm not sure just guessing) --- how about used ones like WES did?

3 - do i really need these? http://www.importpartspro.com/splpa30adter.html i myself is not sure but again I read in some thread that if you're going to put adj link make sure you put adj tension rod....or maybe im just ignorant and doest reallly know what is the purpose and benefits of adjustable link/tension rod can someone enlighten me about this issue? PLS. http://www.importpartspro.com/splpa30adter.html

4 - these numbers are from: http://www.q45.org/swaybar.html

7.8120 rear endlink set 7.8122 front endlink set 9.5163 front swaybar bushing for 28mm (5164 is 28.5 mm) 9.5157 rear swaybar bushing for 20mm (5157 is 20.5mm) there is no 20mm ....except 9.5124 (non-greaseable)

wes corrected the front end link set as 9.8122 ( not sure again cause i cant find the thread wherein he corrected me for this size.

again pls elaborate on these things so I and ( some of the newbies here ) will benefit from this thread..

5 - whew .....tha'ts good, less expenses

6 - i dont get it. I thought stillen doesn't make any FTSB nowadays unless you know someone? I hope i'm on jeff's list.

7 - thanks red.... so rich in information.....i am learning so far......and that's good

anyone who wants to ask questions related to this issue please pos'em and let the EXPERTS attend those issues and hopefully may share their proper/accurate/reasonable ideas/reasons with regards to suspension addressed on this thread....

[ponzy]

whenit comes to front sway bar, do i need these front sway bar link?http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...62596

[ponzy]

how about this from fairlady z32...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...50094will it fit this on my q? or is it the same as the adjustable tension rod? if i go with spl adj link will this tension rod be compatible with spl?

how about this......... http://stores.ebay.com/askme4p...QtZkm

from nissan/infiniti WTB forum

thanks sean!

[ponzy]

some useful archive and new threads about suspension upgrades:

zerothread?id=4546http://forums.nicoclu ... read/28984

actually there's a lot m more but i think my computer is full already and don't wanna upload those links....

hope these links help, for those wo wanna upgrade their suspension

[elwesso]

ok im gonna try and go through and answer the questions.

First, the 9.8122 is for the REAR! Its the REAR END LINKS WITH POLY BUSHINGS. If you think you want to go poly, skip buying the the OEM END LINKS AND BUSHINGS. It will save you a lot of money.

Right now my setup is as follows (in as much detail as I can remember)

Stillen strut brace28mm Front sway bar with stock end links/bushings, and stock frame bushingsSPL Tension rodsSPL upper control armsQ45a 20mm rear sway bar with poly end links, and stock frame bushingsSPL Subframe spacersSPL Rear upper control arms

i would say 90% of any suspension roughness came from the tension rods, however you cannot use the SPL upper lniks without solid tension rods... The upper links make the cornering feel ROCK solid... The tension rods however make the steering very tight and makes braking very solid..

I like my sway bar setup and im not inclined to change it... I may try poly frame bushings in the rear and see what happens but I havent decided yet. I wont be doing much while its a high temp of 5F outside.

[ponzy]

thanks WES..........

28mm Front sway bar with stock end links/bushings, and stock frame bushings----- from q45a, all accessible from joe, right?

Q45a 20mm rear sway bar with poly end links, and stock frame bushings ----- poly bushings on stock end link from q45a, accessible form joe ,right?

SPL Subframe spacers ----- is it the same as the 'collars'? http://www.importpartspro.com/spl30subuco.html

SPL Rear upper control arms ----- is it the same as this? http://www.importpartspro.com/splpaproread.html

based on this website the prices are:$240 -- SPL sway bar links (? )http://www.importpartspro.com/spl30reswbar.html$335 -- SPL front adj upper linkhttp://www.importpartspro.com/spl30fradupa.html$189 -- SPL Adj tension rodshttp://www.importpartspro.com/splpa30adter.html$269 -- SPL rear adjustable armhttp://www.importpartspro.com/splpaproread.html$75 -- SPL rear subframe collars--------$1108 >>>>> if you take out SPL sway bar link it's down to $868 !!!! not including the end links/ bushings from joe.

hope this is worth it....... i have two months to make it a reality. BTW, wes how's the ride and handling? is it true it lost the lux feeling on the q once you have this kind of set up? or is it worth the trade-offs?

[elwesso]

thanks WES..........

1. 28mm Front sway bar with stock end links/bushings, and stock frame bushings----- from q45a, all accessible from joe, right?

2. Q45a 20mm rear sway bar with poly end links, and stock frame bushings ----- poly bushings on stock end link from q45a, accessible form joe ,right?

3. SPL Subframe spacers ----- is it the same as the 'collars'? http://www.importpartspro.com/spl30subuco.html

4. SPL Rear upper control arms ----- is it the same as this? http://www.importpartspro.com/splpaproread.html

based on this website the prices are:$240 -- SPL sway bar links (? )http://www.importpartspro.com/spl30reswbar.html$335 -- SPL front adj upper linkhttp://www.importpartspro.com/spl30fradupa.html$189 -- SPL Adj tension rodshttp://www.importpartspro.com/splpa30adter.html$269 -- SPL rear adjustable armhttp://www.importpartspro.com/splpaproread.html$75 -- SPL rear subframe collars--------$1108 >>>>> if you take out SPL sway bar link it's down to $868 !!!! not including the end links/ bushings from joe.

hope this is worth it....... i have two months to make it a reality. BTW, wes how's the ride and handling? is it true it lost the lux feeling on the q once you have this kind of set up? or is it worth the trade-offs?

1. I would hold off on the front sway bar for the time being!

2. No, the come with the end links AND the bushings. LIke this . Joe CAN get ES stuff however you can get it just as easy through your local auto parts store, tell them the part number. Dont let them convince you of another part number, they tried that on me and I ended up getting the wrong part!!!!!!!!!

3. Yeah, you can also get them off ebay, i paid $60 for mine!

4. Just so you know you could probably save a little bit by getting a package like thishttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem

240sx, 300ZX and Q45 all use the same tension rods and rear control arms. The only difference is the front.

You could try and get a used set off a Z website like I did but usually what they sell for cheap is CRAP. I got lucky and paid $250 or so for basically brand new ones... Z32 guys in general SUCK to deal with!

[ponzy]

thanks wes........how's the ride with poly on the rears, and rubber in front and with solid tension rods? can someone use the same set up with bushing combination but with oem link/tension rod or it's just waste of money?

thanks again

[ponzy]

ok im gonna try and go through and answer the questions.

First, the 9.8122 is for the REAR! Its the REAR END LINKS WITH POLY BUSHINGS. If you think you want to go poly, skip buying the the OEM END LINKS AND BUSHINGS.

this is it right? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QrdZ1

[ponzy]

how qabout these? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...photo

[ponzy]

WES, have you used the spacers in conjuction with an SPL alluminum subframe bushings? or with a poly subframe bushings(did you know the part num for that?)or its stock frame bushings (Q45a 20mm rear sway bar with poly end links, and stock frame bushings)

>>>> for the rear adjustable upper link, do you have to replace toe arms and the traction rod?

thanks again....

[elwesso]

this is it right? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QrdZ1

this one is right not the other one.

When you go to poly subframe bushings you dont need the spacers because they take up the slop that the stock bushings have built in...

[ponzy]

subframe spacers http://www.splparts.com/Parts/...frame/

$51 dollars (needs 2 sets or just 1 set?) Subframe bushing spacers are used to tune anti-squat by rotating the instant center of the rear suspension through rotating the subframe or moving the subframe relative to the center of gravity:

For maximum squat (eg. drag racing), rotate the instant center down by installing spacers above front subframe bushings and below rear subframe bushings.

For slightly increased squat, lower the instant center by installing spacers above all subframe bushings.

For slightly increased anti-squat, raise the instant center by installing spacers below all subframe bushings.

For maximum anti-squat (eg. drift), rotate the instant center up by installing spacers below front subframe bushing and above rear subframe bushings.

Note: These spacers cannot be used in conjunction with the collars above, but can be used with our solid aluminum bushings.

Set includes 2 larger and 2 smaller diameter urethane spacers. The larger diameter spacer is usually used above a subframe bushing.

Construction: Urethane

[elwesso]

you want the collars not the bushing spacers.....

[ponzy]

wes i found a cheaper one, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...48079

i think it's the same. Would you go for a non-greaseable (red)? or better yet stick with black. i think both are non-greaseable since it's both poly?

pls. let me know. i'll buy one off today.
Modified by ponzy at 3:33 PM 2/9/2007

[ponzy]

ok. ihave these already.......

eibach lowering springFSB with stock end link bushings/bracket bushingsRSB with poly (balck) endlink bushings/stock bracket bushings tokiko's front/rear Jeff's FSTB that's it for now..... spl adjustables to follow if....and only if i'll be able to pull out the complete plenum job i had started a month ago and have it in 'running' condition , and suspension will be up next month together with bbs/sportmax 17x8/17x9 or 10.

<<<will keep you guys posted.

[OwnerCS]

Are these spacers the same product except for color?

http://www.importpartspro.com/sm005.html

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/240sx-S1 ... 51991a6590

Parts Pro



or

eBay

[Infinitiguy19]

Those are the ones...

+1 for doing your homework!!

[elwesso]

Yeah Craig those are the ones you want.. All nissan RWD (240, 300, skyline, etc) are the same..

Its a great mod, definitely tightened up the rear end, I usually equate it to what the FSTB does for the front.. I wouldn't say it caused any extra vibrations.. All in all a great mod!

[paranoidjack]

WHOA, what a nice thread. Tons of information and links. Nice to see OP planned post to be helpful not only to him/herself, but to others!

[OwnerCS]

COOL! Thanks for the information! You guys ROCK!

I ordered the SPL spacers fom IPP below.

Good convo with the guy that answered the phone and helped me with the order. It's always good to talk to a supplier that seems interested in my project.

Very responsive and FAST delivery. I got the parts this afternoon -- so I know what I'll be doing this weekend.

http://www.importpartspro.com/sm005.html

[maxnix]

They make the subframe tolerances less, but affect ride. It will be interesting to see if you like them.

Q45tech never used them, and he would do anything that got another.02 G in lateral force. Tires are so much more important.

[OwnerCS]

Today I installed the rear sub frame bushing spacers and the 20mm rear sway bar. The sway bar bushings are OEM while the end links are the recommended Energy Suspension parts. The ES end links appear to be a little larger than OEM. I still have the 29mm sway bar and OEM bushings on the front.. The front bushing and sway bar upgrade project will start next weekend. The Tokico blue upgrade was last weekend.

Just finished the first drive tonight.. I love the way it handles.

Some things that I noticed from tonight's drive are listed below.

1) No change on road noise or vibrations with the spacers. The body was sitting on the bushing top already -- so it just took out the unwanted slack. The driver’s door seal lets in some wind noise that is my biggest irritation at this point.

2) Eliminated the THUNK noise that occurred when I would make a quick turn into my driveway or off the street into a parking lot. I am glad to get rid of the THUNK.

3) Steering is now more responsive. It has nice tight "new performance car" feel that reminds me of my 280zx when it was new. The floating "land yacht" feeling is completely gone.

4) Measuring the distance from the garage floor to the top of the rear wheel well opening, the car now appears to 1/8 of an inch taller.

I can put up some pictures of the job -- though nothing that other members haven't already posted some time ago about the upgrades.

[maxnix]

There is an interesting post by Q45tech you may want to read about polyurethane bushings on the links being too stiff and causing damage. Constantly tuning the rubber ones is something not one else did as far as I remember.

[OwnerCS]

Here's a picture of the rear sway bar with the OEM bar bushing and the ES end link.

I want to have the end link tight enough to avoid bushing movement -- but to leave room for some amount compression and flexing.

Does this look like a reasonable amount of room for bushing compression?

[Infinitiguy19]

Wes did mention that there is more noise with the sub frame collars, Would that be caused from the differential ring and pinion not making optimal contact?

[elwesso]

Actually Craig its best you tighten everything down when the suspension is on the ground..

[tfvesquire]

Are these spacers the same product except for color?

http://www.importpartspro.com/sm005.html

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/240sx-S1 ... 51991a6590

Parts Pro



or

eBay

****************************

Hi All. I need to purchase a set of these collars for the rear subframe on my 1998 Q45, but when I emailed the seller, I was told they would not fit my car and they do nto sell the ones I need. Does anyone know why these will not work on my car and/or where I can purchase a set of collars to fit?

Thanks!!

Ted, Chicago