Suspension is next future planning

[grantf]

Next up for my car is suspension. My Z is a daily driver, Seattle potholes are proving that my suspension is toast.

I am not looking to turn my car into a track racer and I will be keeping the original springs, not lowering it.

So for now I am writing up a list of what I will need before I start: struts, strut boots (mine are in shreds), bushings.

I could go with urethane or rubber or a mix. I know this is a common beginning enquiry, But for now I am just pre planning and making up a shopping list, I figure the more I plan ahead the more money I will save in the long run.

Anyhow I figured that my Z when new probably had great handling and suspension to begin with so going stock would be all right. so for starters KYB or Tokico HP? I am sort of in the dark on this one.

[jmortensen]

If you're looking for stockish, I'd suggest KYB GR2. Forget about strut boots. Replacement strut inserts have a seal that protects against dirt, and I believe both the KYBs and Tokicos that you mentioned will have a lifetime warranty, which you probably won't ever need because of the seals.

Stock Z handling was not that wonderful. Bushings are a pain. If you go with poly on the TC rods, save 2 of your rubber bushings to use in the back. They will allow the TC rod to move with less resistance, and the poly in the front will keep the car from darting as much under heavy braking. TC rods with poly on both sides put a lot of bending on the rod itself and there have been quite a few people who have broken the rod in half. Not good.

[grantf]

Yes I have read up on the tc rod bushings, so its the rear ones that are pron to damage with poly bushings.

So no need for strut boots? that would be a good thing, MSA and black dragon sell them for more than some of the struts.

So now on the list is struts, bushings front brake shims (mine are missing) and rear brake components. any other little things grease? spring compressors?

[Powderkeg]

Grant:

Get the DVD from ZTherapy: "Street Suspensions". It shows you how to replace most of the suspension components on the Z Car.

Dave Ruiz

[grantf]

Grant:

Get the DVD from ZTherapy: "Street Suspensions". It shows you how to replace most of the suspension components on the Z Car.

Dave Ruiz

Thanks, but before I spend money on a DVD I think I will familiarize myself first with the FSM and read up more online including the Atlantic Z tech. I posted to get an idea of what other people's experience are on what they have done to restore stock performance. If I feel the need I may order the dvd, moving pictures may help or not, depends on if there is more info in the dvd then elsewhere.

[Arne]

I second the recommendation for KYB. Tokico will likely be harsher than you might want for daily use. Also second the advise to skip the dust boots. But do replace the bump stops, the black Energy Suspension (7-6104G) are great. Be warned that the KYBs will raise your ride height a little, maybe 1/2" or so. If that bothers you, you could cut a coil off of each spring. But if your original springs are a bit sagged (not unusual by now), the KYBs will probably just bring it back close to stock.

I used almost totally stock rubber bushings on my car when I refreshed the suspension. Over the past 30 years, I have ruined the ride on more cars than I care to count by applying performance improvements. Poly bushings should be used very selectively for real world street use. I'd limit them to just the sway bar(s) if it were me. The rest I'd stay with rubber. That was what I did on the red car, and I felt it was an acceptible driver. Firm (as a sports car should be), but not harsh.

Edited March 6, 2012 by Arne

[grantf]

Thanks for you're input Arne, So the KYBs are looking like they may be my choice (on the list anyhow). For the bushings I like the idea of going OEM but I have not found complete bushing set in rubber. I think what I may do for now in jack up the car this weekend and just examine the condition of my car and familiarize myself with it closer in order to see what I am up against. Also I have been eyeing the compression rod socket upgrade but I am not shure if it is needed. I am not interested in lowering my car, but it does sit pretty high and raising it would not be desirable, I have read mixed opinions about cutting springs.

Edited March 6, 2012 by grantf

[Arne]

I've never seen a "kit" of rubber bushings either. I just ordered them all individually from my local Nissan dealer. There really aren't all that many to deal with.

[Oiluj]

'll second Arne on the rubber suspension parts for a street car. The poly transmits even the most miniscule bumps. Really glad I kept mine mostly 90% rubber.

Stock springs are fine, but I'll give a thumbs-up for the eibach springs. They help correct the effect of modern gas shocks raising the ride hieght. (though I still had to remove one coil from the fronts to get her to sit flat).

Edited March 6, 2012 by Oiluj

[grantf]

Hmm, I am wondering what the down side to cutting a coil off of the springs. It will be awhile before I start on this so I have some time to decide.

[Reverend]

Changing KYB's to rear. Any hints on that? Do's and not to do's.

[cozye]

I put the eibach springs on my car, yes it lowered it an inch but I have plenty of clearance. It still sits higher than my 370 does. Never scrape or anything. The ride is fine for me. But I have poly bushings and the tokicos. I do use the stock size tires too, so they will ride a lot better than a larger rim size with shorter sidewall. I've heard good things about the kyb and their ride quality. If it were me, I would get rid of the worn out tired stock springs, do rubber bushings, or even poly, eibach springs, and kyb. That should get you where you want to be.