94 Q45a suspension conversion

[Ron Stuart]

I have a 94 Q45a which has 85,000. I have never been a fan of the active suspension but got such a great deal on the car that I didn't worry about it. Recently the ride has become much rougher and so I'm ready to have the suspension converted. My problem is that I have been unable to find anyone in Utah who has ever done the conversion before. The closest shop I have found is in San Diego. I have spoken with several reputable import auto repair shops who have considerable experience with Infiniti's but never the conversion. I have been in touch with Scottsdale Infiniti and know that conversion kits are available. The shops I have contacted do not think that the conversion will be that difficult. Do I dare let someone who hasn't previously done the conversion let me be their first? Or am I wiser to drive to San Diego? Other than the ride I love the car. It is in great shape, and obviously has low miles. I look forward to you comments.

Ron[email protected], [email protected]

[DAEDALUS]

Hi Ron, Welcome! I got your email and I was going to reply later today. I don't know much about actives, but my first reaction is to get the active fixed using the services of member Texasoil. I think for $1000 he can recharge your flat accumulators to bring the ride back. Actives are becoming rare, but are fabulous from what I hear when working properly. If you decide to do the conversion, then definitely send a message out to member Sopdadope. He has done a couple of the conversions and is probably the most knowledgeable source you could find here, aside from Q45tech. If he can walk you through it, it's definitely a DIY job for the moderately ambitious. Or you can pass the info along to whatever shop you choose to to the work.

[maxnix]

Quote »it's definitely a DIY job for the moderately ambitious[/quote] I would demur and state it is a rather ambitious job if you want to remove all the dead weight of the post conversion non-functioning a equipment and deal with the PS pump.

Look for posts by aaacomp also. I think you will see a few days on a lift will help removing all the extra components if you convert.

I would check with texasoil first.

[greg_atlanta]

San Diego looks like a nice smooth drive (nicer weather too!). Plane ticket shouldn't be too much.

If you got a good deal on the car I'd say it's worthwhile to leave it with an expert for a week to redo suspension and thoroughly check the car out. Would be a good time to go ahead and do other work like belts & hoses, MAF connector, fuel pump, knock sensor harness, all fluids, etc.

Spending a lot of time and money now will save a lot of time and money later.

[Ron Stuart]

San Diego is sounding better all the time. The shop has even advertises conversions on its website http://www.jerrytucker.com, and claims that conversions are a major portion of his business. He estimates just under $2,000 inclusive.

It was in for its 75,000 check at the dealer 5 or 6 months ago. Are any of the things you suggested taken care of at that check up. They charged $350.

[DAEDALUS]

Jerry Tucker is well-known on this board and elsewhere. You should be very happy with the results of any work they do. My experience with dealers is that they don't really care. They will tell you if a hose is leaking, but they won't tell you that it's old and *might* start leaking soon. The could make a few hundred bucks by fixing the leak, but why bother? They can make $4000 when you tow the car in after it overheats. I was appalled at how much the 60k service cost after I found out what it included (didn't include). Mostly change the plugs, top off the fluids, rotate the tires (maybe), change the oil. Not much else.