Two Questions about 97 suspension

[BadQ45t]

Okay, so I had my car aligned and the rear is nearly out of alignment. The guy thinks the rear shocks are "weak".

I know Q45Tech insists that shocks are worn at 60k, so I'm convinced.

So, first, did anyone find aftermarket parts (upgraded shocks/struts) besides the stock ones??

Second question, do you think I need to replace the springs at the same time.

Last question, are the stock shocks and springs on the touring model any different than the standard ones? I have the touring model.

Thanks, I'm sure hopeful that Blues, Bilsteins or something is available.

[Q45tech]

Why would any business offer alternative shocks for cars that sold so poorly.

I'm sure than even Tokico [the oem supplier] regretted the cost of creating the BLUE units 90-93 then 94-96 at least the 90-96 rear are the same thus they have a potential market of 70,000 x 2 units..............maybe they have sold 20,000 in 8 years since they have been available.

The G35 sold 100,000 units in 2 years, a number that the Q has barely reached in 14 years with 5 designs.

What worries me is that how often were the shocks produced how old is old stock..........that may be some of the cause of why even "new" shocks oem or blues don't last long.

Have the initial runs been sitting for almost a decade?

After a shock has 30,40,50k of use a new shock will feel like a stiff ultra performance shock.

[Jeff Williams]

2 things:

1. I doubt you need to replace the springs, unless you have been towing a trailer, or hauling gold bullion in the trunk (like me).

2. As far as replacement struts, I will share an experience I had.

I bought 4 replacement struts from Advance Auto, for my old Honda, and in 3 weeks, 2 had lost their charge, and one acted like it never had any gas in it. I did not see any date code on the replacement struts. I bet they had been sitting on a shelf, for 10 years.

[BadQ45t]

Q45Tech, understood, but I'm seeing aftermarket stuff for the 2002+ model and is selling VERY poorly compared to the 97-01. I also though that the 97-01 outsold the 94-96, correct? I just think that since it is a strut front car how much different coudl the design be for the Q than anything else, and since Tockico already made a stock shock isn't the blue just a beefed up one?

Jeff, what kind of shocks did you buy??? I have replaced shocks and struts in all my cars with KYB with good results.

The rear end was nearly not able to get into specs and the guy suspected that it was the shocks. The car has no accidents so not sure what else could have caused this.

Anyone remember any information about those coilovers that were talked about a few weeks ago???

[maxnix]

JIC-Magic has the coilovers, but the stock units will seem cheap from Joe compared to them.

More G50 (1990-1996) Q45 were sold than FY33 (1997-2001) Q45.

For the FY33, your choices are stock Tokico, coilovers or custom.

[Q45tech]

What won't adjust into the range------ camber? Is this after the eccentric bolts and washers were replaced? Measure ride height.

Camber changes requires spring sag OR:

The bushings in the rear camber arms or the arm mounting flange [tabs] may be bent.................as long as you can get it down to negative 1.5 degrees equally on both sides you should be ok.

[Jeff Williams]

Mine is a '94, and I got the Tokiko Blues.

[dougs98Q45]

I feel your pain Jeff. I'm gonna be in a similar boat in a year or two (where the ride past tolerable). I think it was Terry (tgvince) that found the coilover set-up but Brian is right- mucho dinero! 2 to 2 1/2 K $ if I remember. I'm hoping to work that warranty for stock replacement when my time comes.....

[BadQ45t]

How do you see using the warranty for stock replacement. The thing is 1.3 so I guess I'm okay, shouldn't expect any poor tire wear or anything.

The coilovers sound too expensive, my warranty company sucks but I'd love to nail them with the bill. What do you tell them???

[Q45tech]

Most if not all ext service contracts have a wear and tear provision on rubber isolated components and that describes shocks perfectly..........otherwise they would have to add $1,000 to everyone premium.

[BadQ45t]

Sorta what I though. So, now that i have your attention again Q45tech, if it were you're car that you're going to drive for another 5 years, do you order the Touring Shocks and Springs now at 75K?????

[maxnix]

Springs should still be good. Shocks depend on amount of degradation (wear) vs. new. The FY33 shocks are one of the areas that Nissan learned to upgrade from the G50, so most aren't replaced until 75K - 100K miles. Your call.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

Discover the power of the button!