Aftermarket shocks suggestion, 1995 Q45 160K

[ahmed_wasim]

Guys,

I am planning to install new shocks in my car as I have started to feel every bump on the road. What are the best aftermarket choices? I am more concerned about comfort on long trips than handling. I searched the forums to see if such thread already exists but can't find one. How do Tokico compare with factory shocks?

Also check out this link for HP Tokico blues.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem

Do I have to go to dealer for installing them or some independent shop can do the job.

Regards,Wasim.

[maxnix]

Need to sharpen your search techniques as there are lots of theads on suspension.

Most prefer the blues, but get all new rubber. And get them installed properly as some "mekanicks" score the rods, expecially in the rear which leads to early failure.

Be sure to replace all the rubber also.

Tokico makes the facotry blacks, which are softer, but way more expensive and won't last as long.

Best bet is sponsor http://www.everythinginfiniti.com

Got FSTB? Rear a bar?

[elwesso]

Definitely go with Joe, he includes the new bump stops/boots which you have to replace...!! his price is unbeatable...

The R/R job is pretty easy and straight foreward, but make sure they dont touch the piston rod or the shock will be destroyed...!

[ahmed_wasim]

Thanks Max,

My search did return many results but none seems to tell the advantages/ disadvantages of Tokico blues over factory ones.

Regards,Wasim.

[Rex]

Thanks Max,

My search did return many results but none seems to tell the advantages/ disadvantages of Tokico blues over factory ones.

Regards,Wasim.

Tokico are the onyl readily available option. There are some potions you can get from Japan, but you'll pay alot more and would there be enough difference to tel???

Blues are firmer, the "Blacks" were OEM and are more the luxury ride.

Consensus on NICO is the Blues with Eibach springs

[96Qowner]

I'm one of the Q45 guys who appreciates the ride more than cosmetics or performance mods, and I was hesitant about using the Tokico blues instead of OEM. But I went with the blues anyway, and I can say that you won't notice any harshness or excessive stiffness.

Go for it.

The bumps you're feeling can't really be the shocks, though - it's more likely aged and hardened suspension rubber. The new rubber with the Tokicos will help some with that. Used-up shocks cause a more of a bouncy, floaty feeling.

[ahmed_wasim]

What other suspension components should I look for and how to tell?

The car also has bouncy and floaty feeling as compared to 4-5 years ago.

Regards,Wasim.

[Q45tech]

Shocks really only last 4 years or 60k..............they leak nitrogen and seals wear on every stroke.

[96Qowner]

What other suspension components should I look for and how to tell?

I'd like an answer to that question, too. My car transmits every tar strip and pothole into the cabin - annoying. I'm sure part of it is the tires - I'm running relatively hard Michelin Pilots (wear rating of 400), but I'd love to know what rubber to replace.

[ddrumman]

What other suspension components should I look for and how to tell?

The car also has bouncy and floaty feeling as compared to 4-5 years ago.

Regards,Wasim.

If you can get the "Eibach pro kit" spring set up along with the "Tokico blues" shocks and the bump stops/boots set up, you will feel like you are in a BRAND NEW sport sedan as you're driving away from the shop.

I had Stllen do this job for me and I could not believe the difference as I was driving away.

There was a particular dip on the 101 I'd go over on the way to work, that it'd make the car feel like a Boat/Buick.After I got that set up it felt like I was in an M5. When it settles it's not quite as "tight" but still very good. Of course, I'd also get the FSTB and the "rear sway A bar" to complete the job.

Go for it. You'll NOT regret it.

[Q45tech]

Are you using 215/65/15 size? On oem wheels? What is cold inflation psi of each tire?

Impact on front is upper link and lower a arm and tension rods since there is no front subframe to isolate.

Check the top shock seat rubber and cap rubber. Replace everything to return to as new. Ckeck kingpin and it's 2 bearings same with rack bushings.

As to tires the Pilot H4 are pretty mild.

Q are not designed for pot holes. If ride is paramount use OEM BLACK TOKICO SHOCKS.

CHECK REAR SUBFRAME FOR LEAKS in the silicone isolation fluid. Replace the transmission mount and maybe motor mounts a 10 year old car is always pretty beat............rubberwise.

[louiegz]

Yea, get the blues. They're a little harsh at first, but after 6 months or so, they soften up. If you want to maintain a softer ride, don't get the rear sway bar. It helped out on the highway in the handling department, but in town with all the bumps and such, all it did was make the ride harsher. I don't feel the harshness as much now. Might have been the harshness of the new blues, but I still didn't get the desired effect from the addition of the rear sway bar. I saw that no one mentioned the front tension rods and upper links. Make sure they're ok.

[qsiguy]

I called Joe @ Infiniti of Scottsdale and he's got the blues in stock with the dust boots for $382.22. I pretty much buy everything from Joe but that's a good deal on e-bay. You just don't get the boots. Joe says the boots alone are $93.68. I buy wholesale as well and even through my wholesaler the Tokicos are about $260 for the set. That e-bay price is really good.