What do I need to complete a suspension restoration for a 94 q45 t?

[my_dog_wolf]

I found this site and just loved everthing. I am in Love with the Q. This is my fourth and I really want this one to hold up. I just purchased some tokico Blue shocks, but i want to know everything that should or could be replaced, suspension wise. I would like to replace the sway bar link and bushings,tie rods and bushings, controlarms and bushings. I really don't know much about working on vehicles, so I would be greatful for any Help PLEASE.

[96Qowner]

If cost is no object, just replace every piece of rubber.

Otherwise, in my experience, shocks and tension rod bushings make the most difference. Make sure you get the boots for the Tokikos - they have the rubber bump stops - they reduce hammering over small bumps in the road. Mine are shot and I feel every tar strip. New tension rod bushings tighten up steering response - and definitely get one of Jeff's front strut tower braces. While you're in there, take a good look at your upper links - they probably need attention, too.

There's a lot of information in old threads - howto's and pics - so be sure to search.

[maxnix]

Steering rack bushings also.

Change all fluids to new, mechanically where required. Add an ATF cooler when you replace the ATF.
Modified by maxnix at 5:16 PM 6/28/2007

[Q45tech]

By now the king pin and its 2 bearings are out of brand new tolerance easier and less expensive to replace the whole third link.

As brand new requires every part to meet brand new tolerances.

The part you don't change with sloppy worn tolerances will soon become the next REALLY sloppy part to change.

Complete restioration is the key word, not good enough for the average NUMB driver who has no clue what brand new felt like.

[AlabamaDan]

I'm basically looking at doing the same thing. I started off with tires and now to prolong the life of my new tires I need to do more. It starts with something small then....

If cost is no object, just replace every piece of rubber.

and for the rest of us....

Make sure you get the boots for the Tokikos

You're talking about ordering the OEM Boots from Scottsdale right?

definitely get one of Jeff's front strut tower braces.

Done!

So what's left? tension rod bushings and upper links?

[96Qowner]

You're talking about ordering the OEM Boots from Scottsdale right?

Yep, tell 'em you want all the rubber associated with the shocks - boots, bumps, bushings.

So what's left? tension rod bushings and upper links?

Probably tension rod bushings, at least. My car had an annoying tendency to hesitate for a fraction of a second before responding to the steering wheel, and crosswinds would blow it around. When I replaced the TR bushings, that went away.

And at your mileage, the upper links are probably going bad, too, yeah. People usually wait until they're noisy, but why wait. Best to get it on a lift and closely examine everything from underneath. I found that my tech tends to think old rubber is no big deal, so you might want to tell yours that you're looking for rubber to replace, as long as he's in there doing the shocks.

[AlabamaDan]

My tech?

I can't afford a tech I'm stricktly DIY or DIN (Do It Not) for most things.

[my_dog_wolf]

Thamks for all your comments, I just ordered everything I needed from JOE in scotttsdale.

[AlabamaDan]

Well, what all did you order and how much did it cost?