VimyJ & Q45Tech... J30 suspension

[carlos_knology]

VimyJ, didn't you recently replace all your suspension components (shocks, struts, etc.)? I know you have a J30T. Mine is not the touring version of the J but at 80K miles, I think I need to replace those items. I keep searching for your post about it but can't find it.

I found some silicone puddles from the tie rod bushings sitting on my garage floor so I know those need to be replaced as well. Did you buy new tie rods or did you just buy the bushings? I know the bushings are much cheaper but I don't really want to do the work. I just don't know how much of a hassle it would be to repack them.

This is where Q45Tech comes in. If I bring my car to T3, about how much would it run to replace all four shocks/struts on a '95 J30? Would I have to buy all the parts or do I just show up and you provide the parts? I'm just not sure of which parts I need to get. I know everyone says "call Joe" but I don't want to show up at T3 and find out I forgot something. I'm sure there are probably some rubber parts/dust boots that probably need to be replaced as well. About the tie rods... does T3 repack the bushings or do you just replace the entire tie rods? I know that both of mine have leaked.

I'd be driving from Columbus, GA (about 100-150 miles from T3) so I need to know if this can be done in a day or do I need to do the hotel thing.

Carlos

[elwesso]

The Q and J suspension are very similar minus the struts...

Best thing to do is get the bushings for everything... No need to spend the extra $$$ for the whole assy, the T rod bushings are easy to fix with a bushing press...

Bank on $1500 to get everything done right..

[maxnix]

Call T-3 first. They have a different labor rate if you bring your own parts as opposed to having Joe provide them. Joe knows a heck of a lot about INfiniti suspensions, and the best thing to do if you go that route is have him supply everything that might need replacing, and return anything you do not use.

Tie rod busings are replaceable by themselves.

[VimyJ]

This is what I ordered from Joe. If I had it to do over again I would have just orded the bushings and done some Yellow Pages investigating for the machine shop.

56105-0P927 2 ABSORBR KIT-SHOCK 218.28 54050-0P000 ASR 2 BUMPER ASSY-BOUND 31.20

54320-1P101 ASR 2 INSULATOR ASSY-ST 103.22 54468-0P002 1 ROD COMPL-TENSION 86.83

54469-0P002 ASR 1 ROD COMP-TENSION, 84.71

56210-1P127 2 SHOCK ABSORB 269.22 55240-0P000 ASR 2 BUMPER ASSY-BOUND 60.68 56218-61L10 2 BUSH-REAR SHOCK A 4.38 55248-2Y000 ASR 2 COVER ASSY-BOUND 11.88

I wrote a post describing the difference between the T and non T suspension. The parts you'll be ordering are common to both cars.

The J handles like a dream now. I thought it was pretty good before but now it is so poised. As we say in Canada, "Beauty, eh?"

[Q45tech]

Tell Doug 404-794-7700 [T3] you are driving up and I'm sure he will cut you some slack even with bring your own parts.

[carlos_knology]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll call T3 and call Joe.

VimyJ, I was afraid this would be expensive and it appears so. Looks like the parts alone are around $1500.00!!!

Then I have to pay to put them on. I figure that will be several hundred more. Ouch.

Carlos

[VimyJ]

Whoa! Hang on there, Bobaloui!

The the line totals are for the combined price of the 2 parts. It's still not cheap but not quite as bad as it would be is that were the price for each individual part. I get $870.12 total plus shipping and no sales tax. If you just order the tie rod bushings that total comes down at least another $100. Still steep compared to other cars but the best prices around.

I sure don't want to take business from T3 but any shop can do the work. Figure in another $100 for the necessary 4 wheel alignment.

[carlos_knology]

Whew!!!!!!!! I thought that was the price per part. :-) I was thinking, hmmmmm, do I REALLY want to spend this kind of money. The crazy thing is that I had just about talked myself into doing just that.

I know what you mean about T3. It's definitely NOT convenient since I have to drive about two hours just to get there. I just don't trust my local shop with the J. The guys at T3 are experts on these cars. I may have them install a transmission cooler while they're at it. Q45Tech sure contributes a lot to the forums. I'd like to visit their shop and bring them a little business.

Carlos

[VimyJ]

A visit to T3 would be cool. If you're still on the original struts, you don't know what you're missing. I figured that since there isn't that much we J owners can do to mod our cars than at least I should keep it within its OEM design specs. I don't buy many toys for myself so I think of my silky new handling as my new toy. One of the most amazing results of the new suspension is the way the steering wheel snaps back to center now.

[elwesso]

Carlos..... IN answer to your question " DO I REALLY WANT TO SPEND THIS MUCH"

The answer is YES YES YES

[Q451990]

Carlos,

Trust me - the trip to T3 is well worth it. I always feel like it's a pilgrimage to Mecca or something. If nothing else it's just fun to see that many Infiniti in one place!!

Heath

[carlos_knology]

Carlos..... IN answer to your question " DO I REALLY WANT TO SPEND THIS MUCH"

The answer is YES YES YES

Wes, aren't you around 16 years old? Where are you getting all that money?! Maybe you can make me a no-interest loan in the spirit of NICO.

Just messing with ya. I have to spend what it takes (in moderation) to keep the J30 running good. The thing is paid-for. God knows I don't want a car payment.

Carlos

[carlos_knology]

Carlos,

Trust me - the trip to T3 is well worth it. I always feel like it's a pilgrimage to Mecca or something. If nothing else it's just fun to see that many Infiniti in one place!!

Heath

Yeah, it should be pretty cool. Hopefully Dennis will be there and I'll get to chat with him.

Carlos

[maxnix]

I know what you mean about T3. It's definitely NOT convenient since I have to drive about two hours just to get there.

I only wish T-3 was just a day away each way.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

Discover the power of the button!

[elwesso]

Quote »Wes, aren't you around 16 years old? Where are you getting all that money?! Maybe you can make me a no-interest loan in the spirit of NICO.

Just messing with ya. I have to spend what it takes (in moderation) to keep the J30 running good. The thing is paid-for. God knows I don't want a car payment.

Carlos[/quote]Its called low overhead..... No women and the car is paid for

OH and 2 years of saving up...

[carlos_knology]

T3 Rocks! Just got off the phone with Doug. Even with him providing all the parts, he can replace all four shocks/struts on the J30 for $975.00 including labor.

For a Q45, the price is $930 all the way around including labor.

I can also get an external transmission cooler for another $175.00.

I think I'll just bring the J30 to T3 and not bother with ordering the parts and pay shipping, etc.

Carlos

[VimyJ]

That's a great price!

[louiegz]

For a Q45, the price is $930 all the way around including labor.

Wow! I guess I'm going to make out well. An old Freind of mine owns a Meineke and he's doing it for $300.00 for all fours. I got the Tokicos with Southwest for $272.00 shipped. That's $572.00, not bad. All I need is to get the boots with Joe and I'm set.

[carlos_knology]

$300 is REALLY cheap. The dealer would likely charge around 3 thousand for all four.

At least you have the Tokico option for the Q45. Unfortunately, for the J30, Tokicos are not an option. Only OEM.

Carlos

[VimyJ]

And the rear shocks on a J are complicated to do.

Carlos, you'll enjoy the ride home from T3 much more than the drive there.

[carlos_knology]

I was wondering if the ride will be much improved with the new shocks. I'm thinking that with 80k miles, the existing stuff should be worn.

In any case, I'm going through with it. I'm taking friday off work to make the pilgrimage to T3.

Carlos

[VimyJ]

You should definitely notice an improvement of your J's "poise". I have the touring set up with the stiffer springs so the car still felt taut even with my worn out struts but after replacement, my J felt so much more capable. The handling was "smarter" and more precise. Vibration on while cruising on the freeway decreased and the floatiness disappeared. The "tossability" factor increased greatly. Making a 90 degree turn is now a truly fun event. This car tears up corners! Freeway ramps are now possible at much greater speed.

With the softer non touring suspension you have, I would think that an even greater improvement should be felt.

[maxnix]

At least you have the Tokico option for the Q45. Unfortunately, for the J30, Tokicos are not an option. Only OEM.

OEM are manufactured by Tokico.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

Discover the power of the button!

[VimyJ]

They maybe manufactured by Tokico but aren't available for the J according to their web site.

[carlos_knology]

I called Troncalli Infiniti in Atlanta to see what how much $$ they ask to replace the shocks on the J30.

Parts and labor to replace all four shocks/struts AND both tension rods runs around $1835.00. That's parts and labor.

T3 here I come!

Carlos

[elwesso]

You dont need to replace the tension rod, just the bushing. THe whole assy is like $100 and the bushing is like 20

[carlos_knology]

You dont need to replace the tension rod, just the bushing. THe whole assy is like $100 and the bushing is like 20

Wes I know that, but Troncalli is saying they don't have the equipment to press the bushing (a shop press?) and that their parts "system" doesn't allow them to order just the bushing. It's BS I'm sure.

It's easier for them to just sell you a new tension rod. I was calling them to see just how ridiculous their price would be.

Carlos

[maxnix]

I love giving those guys in the other part departments the part number from Joe.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

Discover the power of the button!