Suspension Maintenance - 96Q

[wlong]

My car has almost 120K and I need some serious suspension maintenance. I just purchased a set of Tokico shocks for $258 w/free shipping. Seemed like a good deal especially when you use Paypal and code C11-GIFTGUIDE to get an additional $25 off! Other than the upper links, does anyone have a list of other suspension items that I should consider replacing?

TIA

BTW: The above code works (once per account) when using Paypal on any eBay purchases until 12/18/05. You get 10% off the item price up to $25.

[Rex]

Quick search turns up Wes' rather elaborate threadhttp://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=130115

[Q45tech]

NEW shocks need new boots and integrated bump stops!

After 120k, safe to say that all rubber is done and needs replacing.I expect that the tension rods and upper links have already been replaced in the past [usually every 30k for upper links] and [every 60k for tension rods]..............depending on how and where you drive.

Depending on where you drive things like kingpins and their bearings and wheel bearings begin to show wear and slop [especially rough side of road--passenger side].

Steering rack bushings and boots, sway bar bushings and endlinks. Tie rod ends, inner and outer.

Some of the stuff last until 200k depending.

Motor mounts [varies]and transmission mounts [every 30k or so] and differential mounts.

Making it like new requires new parts

worn vs worn out is subjective

[qship96]

regarding the end-links for front swaybar-do you just need to replace the 2 rubber bushings per side or are there other wear items associated with the end links? {just did all 6 front bar bushings at 168,000 miles,for the first time- nice improvement in cornering feel}

[wlong]

Thanks for the input. Steering rack boots done recently. I still need:

Steering rack bushingsUpper linksTension RodsSway bar bushings and endlinksTie rod ends

I really like the adjustable upper links that Wes has. Who is a good source for the "SPL upper links"?

[elwesso]

regarding the end-links for front swaybar-do you just need to replace the 2 rubber bushings per side or are there other wear items associated with the end links? {just did all 6 front bar bushings at 168,000 miles,for the first time- nice improvement in cornering feel}

as long as the links are worn (making noise) then its just the bushings.

[qship96]

say what wes? are the endlinks,other than their bushings,wear items? if so,what to look for to determine if replacement is needed?

[elwesso]

On the front links, the little ball joint tends to wear out and make a clicking noise when you go over bumps... Theyre not really a wear item like bushings are, just something to replace when you need to...

[wlong]

I found the link to the SPL site and it looks like the adjustable upper links are listed as 300zx parts. I have been out of the loop and can't tell if these are the ones that work on the q45. What do you say Wes? Any difference on the q45 for the links and tension rods?

Thanks

[elwesso]

I have SPL Tension rods and UL's on my Q.....

[wlong]

Wes:Is it true that you used the SPL 300zx ULs and TRs?

Any impact on ride harshness?

[qship96]

wes,would the worn ball joints in the front swaybar end links cause a sound similar to a trailer hitch? getting a metallic noise on both sides of front end- even after replacing upper links,tension rods,shocks,and now swaybar bushings- no one can find source of this noise,which gets worse as temp falls,and almost disappears in summer temps- thinking bar endlinks,or maybe something in upper shock mountings?