2003 M45 rear shocks same as 350Z/G35?

Forum for Infiniti M35 and M45, and Nissan Fuga owners.
User avatar
marosari00
Posts: 96
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 2:37 am
Car: 2012 M56S (Stormie), 2010 Mercedes C300 Sport (Capri)
Location: Melbourne, Florida

Post

I was investigating on freshalloy website the suspension system for the M45 (Y34). Came across the Y34 share the same rear shocks as the 350Z/G35. I went to investigate on the Infiniti eStore and Nissan eStore for the part numbers. For the shock itself the part code is 56210K. The part number on all three models start with 56210 with different numbers afterwards.

Would anyone have any knowledge if a non-OEM rear shock for the 350Z fit into the 2003 M45?

http://parts.infinitiusa.com/nissanpart ... &siteid=15 --2003 M45

http://parts.nissanusa.com/nissanparts/ ... &siteid=14 --2004 350Z

http://parts.infinitiusa.com/nissanpart ... &siteid=15 --2003 G35

By the by link to article on freshalloy... http://www.freshalloy.com/showthread.ph ... stall-pics

Thank you for any insight and knowledge.

Manuel


User avatar
marosari00
Posts: 96
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 2:37 am
Car: 2012 M56S (Stormie), 2010 Mercedes C300 Sport (Capri)
Location: Melbourne, Florida

Post

As I continue to investigate, came across that Monroe makes a rear shock for the 2003-04 M45, which I am sure some of you know about.
http://www.monroe.com/en-US/catalog/e-Catalog/5632

While on the Monroe site I compared this shock to the 350Z version:
http://www.monroe.com/en-US/catalog/e-Catalog/5795

They have different specs yet not that much different. So, knowing that some have installed Z33 coilovers in the rear of the Y34, I am strongly tempted to go ahead and search for a 350Z shock. Right now I am looking at Bilstein 24-101585. Which at about $165.00 each, sure beats $200-300 each from an Infiniti dealer. In case I do install and it does not work out, I will pass it on to my son's 350Z. He would likely value that.

Oh, here is a link to an explanation of the Nissan/Infiniti part numbers:
http://www.northwestnissans.com/board/t ... rt-numbers

Take care,
Manuel

User avatar
marosari00
Posts: 96
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 2:37 am
Car: 2012 M56S (Stormie), 2010 Mercedes C300 Sport (Capri)
Location: Melbourne, Florida

Post

After conversations and email exchanges with vendors and ultimately KYB tech support...I installed the KYB Excel-G 344492. The Bilsteins were too short and could risk some damage due to a shorter stroke than the OEM. After reviewing the available data for the rear shocks of the M45, I found that the KYB 344492 for the 2004-06 Infiniti G35 AWD had very close specs to the available Monroe shock for the 03 M:

KYB-344492
Extended Length - 22.12 inches
Compressed Length - 14.8 inches
Stroke - 7.32 inches.

Monroe 5632
Extended Length - 22.140 inches
Compressed Length -15.210 inches
Stroke - 6.930 inches.

My only concern afterwards was damping. This would be trial and error at my own risk. When I compared the KYB to the OEMs, aside from the specs, the KYB had a larger diameter tube. Well, after installation and about 500 miles later, the car handles much better and has a firm ride. No regrets or issues so far. I will say the car now has about 167K on it and it was riding on the original shocks. Which according to the Infiniti dealer...were still in good condition.

My next effort will be the fronts. These will be OEM, yet looks like the best price is http://discountinfinitiparts.com.

Hope this helps someone.

Take care,

Manuel :)

User avatar
paranoidjack
Posts: 1417
Joined: Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:57 pm
Car: 2012 M56s
2003 M45
2001 QX4
2000 Q45
1998 Pathy
1996 J30

Post

Thank you Manuel, it did! What did you end up doing jn the front?

User avatar
marosari00
Posts: 96
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 2:37 am
Car: 2012 M56S (Stormie), 2010 Mercedes C300 Sport (Capri)
Location: Melbourne, Florida

Post

I have not replaced the front assemblies yet, this is scheduled for March 2015. There are truly no aftermarket alternatives. Only exception is the use of coilovers with the added task of welding on a spindle, not what I need. So the search was to find an economic option. Discount Infiniti has the best prices for these compared to my local dealer or other online Infiniti parts purveyor. I will also be replacing tie-rods, which will be sourced from Discount Infiniti too.

As for the rears, they are doing A-OK! Car now is at 171K and no issues at all.

http://discountinfinitiparts.com/

Take care,

Manuel :)

goobi
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2016 6:08 pm
Car: 2004 m45 1996 nissan maxima

Post

YOU'RE THE BEST!!!! :bigthumb: I just installed the rear shocks and took it for a ride and it is sssmmmooootthhh. I know its an old thread but props are due where props are due. THANK YOU!!!!


~my wallet

User avatar
marosari00
Posts: 96
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 2:37 am
Car: 2012 M56S (Stormie), 2010 Mercedes C300 Sport (Capri)
Location: Melbourne, Florida

Post

:dblthumb:

User avatar
szh
Posts: 18857
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 12:54 pm
Car: 2018 Tesla Model 3.

Unfortunately, no longer a Nissan or Infiniti, but continuing here at NICO!
Location: San Jose, CA

Post

Good stuff!

I ended up going with the stock Infiniti shocks some time back (all four corners) since I did not find specific alternatives at the time a few years ago.

Will look at KYB for the rears if I keep the car long enough! :yesnod

Z

MSeries61996
Posts: 22
Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2017 5:05 pm
Car: 2003 Infiniti M45 (Y34)

Post

I know this is an old thread but did you have to replace any other parts other than the struts when installing the KYB struts ( bushings, strut mounts, etc.)?

xxNite
Posts: 149
Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:30 am
Car: 2004 Infiniti M45
'98 Toyota Supra Turbo
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Post

I ordered my oem fronts and KYB rears. I look forward to the install. Only difference is that I’m using the TEIN lowering springs. Will see how ride-height and dampening are in this condition with the KYB alternative. *FingersCrossed* one more note, I’m installing my a full set of KYB bellows since mine are toast after 16-years & 79k-miles


Return to “Infiniti M35 and M45 Forum”