I know that my time with my stock springs and shocks are probably soon coming to an end.

Just was curious if there were others still rocking the stock set up?

And if not, when did you know it was time to replace it?

And what did you replace it with?

I've never had a car for this long, ( I own all 120k miles) and the car still handles just as good as the day that I got it. Either that or I forget how it used to handle.

About 85% of my driving is highway with the other 15% trying to find the twisties.

I was think of replacing with the Nismo S Tune? any thoughts.

Thanks,

Mike

 

well if you want someone stock but more agreesive than ya nismo s tune would be good but dont plan on it lasting 120k, it could be,yaaa..

 

Springs really don't wear out, at least not very fast. You can probably use some shocks and maybe some bushings.

 

 

^ +1000

guarantee it!

-J

 

yup, you sure have......you will love it again when you swap and upgrade, bushings and all...



For some simple oem replacement shocks that will make your baby feel like new again you can simply do these mentioned here:
https://my350z.com/forum/8293479-post10.html

-J

 

I swapped with tokico hp;s from Z1 @ only $240 sh. Basically brand new bushings @ control arms up front and end links too.

Car feels brand new. Get on this.

 

I am sure you can put 120,000 miles on the original shocks. It’s dumb but it can be done.

EDIT: My apologies for using the word "dumb." Suspension deterioration is so gradual that it can be difficult to notice. On the other hand, replacing worn dampers you will notice a BIG improvement in ride and handling.

 

Thanks guys!

Yeah, I think new shocks are a must. I've been starting to notice that bumps seem to hit a little harder than they used to.

Probably going to invest in some sway bars as well. Why not right?

All in all its been a great car. 120k on the suspension.. 85k on the JWT Clutch Flywheel Kit (grabs everytime, no slip) & 70k on the Engine and Transmission. That last one is another story all together.

Running it till it dies.

 

good news and bad my friend..

at 120k miles, your car may start and drive down the road, but it is surely FAR from still going strong.


your LCA bushings are surely shot
Your compression rod bushings are surely shot
Your differential bushings are surely shot
Your shocks just do not have the same performance ( and are prob leaking) at arounf 50-70k.

Your springs are fine, but i dount the rest of the suspension is anywhere near factory spec.. the good news is that when replaced, your car you drive amazingly.. as these parts wear so slowly that you never notice.. NEVER.

 

That's a lot of bushings!

Good news is that I got some money to fix all these things. I refuse to go to my dealership as they are a bunch of crooks but maybe I'll go just to get an estimate or at least a starting point for negotiations.

I plan on owning this car for a long time. Just found out the wife is pregnant and luckily the car is paid for. I will be starting to look for a new more family friendly car but will keep this for the good times.

So... to recap, new shocks and springs (might as well if I already got it off) and bushings. Can I get out of it for under a grand?

I would like to have a little bit performance but don't need to go to the lengths of which many Z owners in this forum go. Obviously, the stock set up has treated me just fine.

 

no, parts alone will run you more than a grand.

Labor will prob be slightly les than a grand.

Buy yourself a set of Stance lx coilovers, you get good drop if you wnt it, adjustability and can ge them for the same cost as springs and shocks, about a grand.
Call Riverside Infinit for a set of g35 revoised compression rod bushings ( if you ask for 350z they have to sell you the whole arm, these are the same item, but are sold sep.
Get a set of whiteline LCA bushings.
Get a whiteline -poly diff bushing kit
At 120k miles, i assume you have changed ALL fluids inc rear end, power steering, breake and clutch fluid.

I assume you have decarboned the top end of the intake of the engine/valves?

ANd i assume you have a new clutch. i seem to recall you saying that earlier in the post.

Anyways, thats that. You will ahve a new car again, and its woirth the money, just DO IT RIGHT.. dont skimp here.

to cut down on labor costs, ( and depending on how bad yours are now) id reccomend the WHiteline diff bsuhing cup kit.. that way you dont remove whats there, you just add them around the outside of the bushing, otherwise the entire rear subframe comes off to push in new bushings.

 

I did a top end clean and have changed all my fluids.

To my knowledge though, I've never changed clutch fluid. Diff fluid, brake, transmission, engine.. didn't know about clutch. Woops?

Does it make a big difference?

I do not have a new clutch. It has about 80k on it. It is a JWT Clutch and Flywheel. That is fine. Doesn't slip at all.

Thanks for the help man!

 

Clutch fluid transmission fluid is the same thing. I'm an idiot.

 

Yes new shocks are a must. What you will notice right away is improved braking.

 

Improved braking? Here is a veteran noob question.. why?

 

Shocks help keep the car level during braking. Rear end rises transferring weight over front brakes. Brakes must work harder to stop.

 

that makes sense.

Thanks for your help.

I have this sneaking suspicion that things are just going to start breaking and I don't like it.

 

How do you clean the top end? I am starting to hear a clunking sound from the drivers side front and I assume I have a strut going cause it only happens when I hit bumps or on a rough road. 94k miles on the clock all fluids have been changed though.

 

I've only had my car for 4-5 months, got it with 80k on clock. I swapped to D2 coilovers last night and man night and day difference. The car rides SO MUCH NICER! It takes bumps SOFTER now, I have them set right in the middle of stiffness. Rears are dropped almost as far down as possible, front still has another inch or two. I did have to remove my fender liners but that's what happens when you lower cars usually.

Tucking tires all around, 245/35/19 fronts, 285/35/19 rear.