Suspension Help......please.....

[q45infiniti]

Hey, I posted this in the nissan suspension forum but I need a little more info if its possible... My 91 Q (non active, only had it the last few months) is in decent shape, but im afraid the suspension is long gone....probably hasnt been touched its whole life, and after 180,000 miles the ride is pretty rough, its really stiff and harsh, like i can feel every little bump on the road .... Could anyone give my a rundown on what i need to look for? For example, like what probably needs to be replaced or inspected, stuff like that. It would help a lot. Also, I was told I need to replace the bushings, does anyone know where I can get a complete kit or something like that and about how much labor would be if i took it to a shop. Thanks guys...

[96Qowner]

I've recently been restoring my 1996 suspension. It isn't bad - just not up to par. So, I can offer some advice as I've noticed the difference in in each of several different components.

I'd start with new Tokico Blue struts all around. With new boots, bump stops and mounts, they'll run you around $750 from Joe. That'll take away a lot of the harshness. Then I'd suggest working on the front end. It's likely that you'll need tension rod bushings, upper links and probably third links - another $500 or so. The links should tighten up the slop and any suspension noise. My rear is in pretty good shape, so I can't help you there.

I used to feel every little tar strip and crack until I replaced the front struts, boots and mounts. The rubber just dries up and cracks.

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com

Or call Joe personally at 1-888-216-5328. He knows the early Q45s very well and can help you with bushings and other small parts you may not have considered.

[Edit] Just checked your post in the other forum and the road shocks you're feeling sound like mine before I did the front struts. I think it was bad strut mounts that caused the harshness. And Q45 struts themselves typically only last 40-60K miles. Try to replace as much rubber as you can. By now, it's all shot.
Modified by 96Qowner at 10:07 AM 9/5/2007

[elwesso]

I didnt realize it was that expensive? But youll enjoy it. It transforms the way the car is. These cars, despite how big they are really handle wonderfully...

Just think about what you want to do first. The tokico blues are the obvious choice and you're going to have to do that anyway. but if you want to start getting hardcore with the suspenison, you can save up for solid tension rods, upper links and all that jazz.....

Just let us know where you stand.

[96Qowner]

I didnt realize it was that expensive?

IIRC, the invoice from Joe was $317 for the front pair with boots and stops. Also included the mounts at $90/pr.

As far as labor cost, I thought mine was high - a bit over 4 hours at the local Nissan shop. But I didn't want to deal with spring compressors, etc. The links would be much easier - couple hours maybe.

[q45infiniti]

Thanks for the help everyone, much appreciated.

Ya I'll probably end up starting with the tokico blues and mounts within a few weeks or so... But, I'll just have to wait and see if i end up doing anything suspension wise after that.

After reading a bunch of posts I assume Joe is widely used here. So if I order my parts from him how should I go about doing it? Just tell him im with nicoclub? discounts? Cuz I'll be spending a nice amount of money in the next year or so fixin up the Q. Jus want a good, cheaper than normal place i can keep going to. Thanks again!!!!

[96Qowner]

After reading a bunch of posts I assume Joe is widely used here. So if I order my parts from him how should I go about doing it? Just tell him im with nicoclub? discounts?

Yes, yes and yup. Tell him you're from NICO.

[Q45tech]

The problem with traverse arms and kingpins and their bearings and third links is you cannot determine their wear [or if they are slightly bent] on the car under tension by just wiggling things.

Same with all the rear bushings in hubs and arms...........one just bites the bullet and replaces some things annually to accomplish a total rebuild say every 7-10 years.

Why I keep saying $3,000 per year from day one and prorated life and cost:

A $65 shock with its accutraments say $200 x 4=800/every 4 years =$200 per year so of the $3,000 about $500 per year is for suspension shocks and associated rubber components in suspension.

Same with transmission $3,000+ to replace + maintenance say $3,800/10 year = $380 per year for it's use.

AC systems parts costs $2,000 plus labor and maintenance ~~ $200 per year

Diffenential, drive shafts, and bearings an cost $350 per year prorated

15-20 cents per mile driven is ~~= to gasoline cost