I have a question for Late model Z owners, I have purchased 1983 280ZX in April and after taking the car to ALTZ I was quoted over $2500 to replace stock suspension with high performance equipment. I paid $1800 for the car and it does not make sense to spend this kind of money on the suspension. Can anyone give tips on how to replace componets by myself or suggest a reasonable mechanic to perform the work. I'm trying to keep the job around $800 for parts and labor, Thanks in advance

What do you mean hi-po? Shops charge a lot for Z susp because they know they can be a PITA.

Let's see...

Bushing kit.....250

4 Tokiko's......150

Lowering springs...300

Rear spindles....120

So...there's your $800...if you shop well and do your research, you can probably take nearly 200 off that...For coil-overs and adjustable strut cartriges, double it.

Labor for yourself? figure a Saturday for the front and a Saturday for the rear, provided you are not scraping and cleaning everything in sight while you are there and you have the tools and a nice work area.

What's that? you want the brakes done too? For another 500 you should be able to get 4 new rotors and 4 new calipers and pads, and you might want to figure another day.

So....the original quote might have been really good or really bad, depending on what they were going to do. Figure a mechanic can do things in about half the time Joe-Blow can do it in, and figure $65+/hr.

I was quoted $873 to put 4 new OEM (Monroe) stut cartriges in my 77 by a tire shop. People who don't do Z's alot just don't like messing with them. Too bad for them!

steve77

Well, if you want a better suspension and still have a decent highway ride, you can get a set of Eibach progressive rate springs for about 275-300. A set of good quality strut replacement cartridges will cost anywhere from 250 to 300. Tehn you still would need to address swaybars, which will be in the another 200-250. That will still leave a good set of urethane suspension bushings to replace the old rotted out rubber ones.

So, as you can see, 800 is not going to go very far, but it will be far less than 2500. All the parts could be purchased from MSA, or any one of a dozen other Z parts suppliers, all you have to do is add the labor.

If you upgrade the suspension, you should also upgrade to stainless brake lines and a good set of performance brake pads at the very least. This will at least give you a good start on a better performing car, however, if you are on a budget, you can just do one thing at a time, and pay for it as you go.

Thanks guys I appreciate all you help with the questions. In reply to what I mean by Hi-Po suspension is after market better that stock i.e. Eibach springs, Tokico shocks and sway bars. One question I have is does the sway bars have to be changed or can I use stock bars with urethane bushings to improve handling. One other note from the quote that i forgot to mention is that AltZ recommended replacing steering rack, I've seen MSA rebuilt racks for $439 w/out outer tie rods, should tie rods be replaced when steering rack changed out or change bushing on stock ones ?. One reply I rcvd suggested replacing frnt/rear components separately will this be a good idea since I will need wheel alignments on front and back after change-out & with lowering springs what about the ride (uneven height)?. Also any special tools needed other than spring compressor to complete the job.

Before you spend the big bucks to replace the steering rack, spend fewer and replace the old rubber steering bushings (preferably with polyurethane). I would be surprized if the steering rack on an '83 ZX is in such bad shape it needs replacing, but think it is highly likely that the bushings are shot.

My '71 240 with LOTS of miles still has a good steering rack, but it was hard to believe the condition of the old bushings. With the polyurethane replacements, it steers like new (well, almost).

When replacing steering components, don't forget about the flexible steering coupler - I'm assuming the ZX's have them.

Ditto Jim's comment on the steering rack bushing replacement, it will make a world of difference.

You do not need to replace the sway bars right now, I would concentrate on bushings, rack bushings and steering coupler, springs and strut cartridges. Once you have these done, drive it a while and then decide if you really need/want to replace the bars.

If you are going to change the springs I would do all four corners at the same time, get your alignment checked and you are done. it would be an ill handling and riding car if you did one end at a time.

Great Idea on changing out steering rack bushings, the only problen is, I have not been able to locate them. MSA only has stock rubber bushings for 1983 ZX (power steering rack), any of you guys know where I can get a set. Also reading manual on change out, and the book says that you need to lift engine to replace rack, but do you need to lift engine to replace bushings?. Another question I have about bushing set for the whole suspension (urethane), where can I locate a set. I'll be changing front brakes and rotors this weekend and I was told that I could disconnect caliper and not have to disassemble caliper unit, (need to support caliper with something until rotor replaced and pads changed) have any of you guys do it this way. Once again Thanks

Originally posted by gmoney

Great Idea on changing out steering rack bushings, the only problen is, I have not been able to locate them. MSA only has stock rubber bushings for 1983 ZX (power steering rack), any of you guys know where I can get a set.

If MSA doesn't have the bushings you might try:

The ZBarn (www.zbarn.com 1-800-247-2895)

Victoria British (www.victoriabritish.com 1-800-255-0088)

Courtesy Nissan (www.courtesyparts.com)

I'm sure there are others out there who have poly bushings.

hey guys it's been a few months since we last chatted about upgrading suspension. Well last weekend I completed the front and rear shocks, spring, and strut replacement in addition to changing urehane bushings on frnt & rr sway bars and front tension rods. the car rides and handles like the soports cars it was designed. I appreciate all of the suggestions, and you guys were right, did not have to replace steering rack. I will post pictures of my 83 ZX in a couple of days. The car is about 85% complete, restored interior, 16" BSA rims w/Bridgestone Eager 225 50 series tires, Tokico HP struts and shocks, Tokico lowering coil springs, Alpine 200 watt stereo, Viper alarm w/electronic door openers, leather shift boot and grant leather shift knob, and of course fresh silver metallic paint job, I can go on for a few paragraphs with all the original and aftermarket parts changes. My next upgrades will include engine dress-up and heating and airconditioning components.