Fellow Q-ship Owners: My 2005 with the Premium Package (115,000 miles) is wallowing like a walrus in a sack race. I would like to replace the struts but RockAuto has nothing for this low volume vehicle. Are there any alternatives to the relatively expensive OEM replacement units?

OK, so obviously I can't spell "struts" correctly or there's crumbs under the "r" key on my keyboard.

BadDog42 wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 28, 2022 4:10 pm

OK, so obviously I can't spell "struts" correctly or there's crumbs under the "r" key on my keyboard.

No worries, happens to all of us. I've fixed it.

BadDog42 wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 28, 2022 4:10 pm

OK, so obviously I can't spell "struts" correctly or there's crumbs under the "r" key on my keyboard.

We knew what you meant. If they were really Stuts, you'd be driving a Bearcat.

Thanks @Rogue One and @VStar650CL - Reads much better now.

I can't help with the struts but I did truly love the metaphor. If I was a walrus driver, sack races are definitely something I'd avoid. Best laugh I had all week.

Folks: So I've been wading though posts from days gone by to see if anyone has broached the subject previously and I've discovered a couple of things.
1. Spending hours staring at a laptop screen will ruin your eyesight.
2. The OEM rear shocks/struts are discontinued and are now unobtainium.
3. In a posting from 2016 member @wkennedy7518 has found that non-adjustable 2003-2004 M45 and also 350Z rear struts bolt in the rear of a 3rd gen Q45 and perform admirably.
4. It appears that OEM front struts are still out there at around $405-$420 each however, I'm having a hard time deciphering which of three or four different part numbers should be purchased. Listings exist for 54302/54303-AR025 which is supposedly superceded by -AR026 which is also listed at the same price and there's even a -AR226 that's basically $18 more than the -AR025/AR026s but is listed as having been superceded by an -AR227 which is not listed. I think you can see why I'm confused. Can anyone help me here and tell me what the differences are between all these parts and perhaps tell me which I need?
5. Oh, BC Racing coilovers are looking more and more like a worthwhile upgrade as they basically give you everything you need to replace all 4 corners but they are currently $1,800 a set so I'm having a hard time justifying that cost at the moment.

Thanks for posting what you've found so far.

If you've not done so, go to https://www.infinitipartsdeal.com/ There you can enter your VIN and you'll get a more accurate list of part numbers for your vehicle.