Solutions For Tired, Old Suspension.

[zoomzoom]

Im curious about fixing up the suspension on my 96 stagea. I understand its probably well worn out by now, as all the bushings look like the original ones.

Keep in mind I am interested in fixing it up for road comfort, not stiffening or lowering the suspension.

General things I have noticed are the odd knocking noise here and there, creaks and simply a less-than-smooth ride quality. Also I hear a hiss of air coming from the front when I go over speed bumps for example, though I am not sure whether that is an issue.

What are some cost effective measures to return the suspension to its former glory? Are there complete kits of bushings? Could I keep the stock shocks & springs or should they be replaced too?

[mattye]

Im curious about fixing up the suspension on my 96 stagea. I understand its probably well worn out by now, as all the bushings look like the original ones.

Keep in mind I am interested in fixing it up for road comfort, not stiffening or lowering the suspension.

General things I have noticed are the odd knocking noise here and there, creaks and simply a less-than-smooth ride quality. Also I hear a hiss of air coming from the front when I go over speed bumps for example, though I am not sure whether that is an issue.

What are some cost effective measures to return the suspension to its former glory? Are there complete kits of bushings? Could I keep the stock shocks & springs or should they be replaced too?

Hey mate.

You obviouly have quite a few options here.

Have a look at SydneyKids group buy thread. I don't think he runs it anymore, but using the partnumbers you can then contact whiteline etc. He did alot of research into the setup and most guys that have any of the parts say that its almost spot on for road use.

Biggest thing u need to get is a rear strut brace and probs swaybar.

Other than that hit up a suspension place n pick their brain. A few places will do free/cheap suspension assesments. So you can work out where needs attention.

Also remember a good set of fully sdjustables will alow you to set things as high/low hard/soft as you want.

[zoomzoom]

Thanks, any rough idea on prices for different parts and labour, just as a reference?

[mattye]

Thanks, any rough idea on prices for different parts and labour, just as a reference?

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/topic/85592-stagea-group-buy-whiteline-bilstein/

Link for the group buy. Just grab the Part numbers and give whiteline a call.

Labour is going to be totally dependant on where you go. I do all my stuff myself so cant really comment.

1st things I'd be doing (assuming you don't have any damaged bushes etc.) would be suspension, rear strut bar and rear sway bar. (In that order)

But I would recomend getting any damaged bushes replaced 1st.

Also, alot of this stuff is quite easy, if you can turn a ratchet/spanner then you should be able to fit yourself. If your not sure there's tones of info on here. Then just take it for an alignment.

[GoldZilla]

Don't forget that if you get the rear strut brace it goes pretty much straight through the centre of your cargo area, so if you're going to be carrying stuff with the seats down, this is something you'll need to take into account.

A rear sway bar should suffice...

[mattye]

Don't forget that if you get the rear strut brace it goes pretty much straight through the centre of your cargo area, so if you're going to be carrying stuff with the seats down, this is something you'll need to take into account.

A rear sway bar should suffice...

Good point, though the Rear Strut Bar I have (Cusco Strut Bar) can be unbolted quited easily. (not from the strut towers, the center bar is separate to the strut tower brackets)

[66yostagea]

Can you do a pic please? I need the space but I need the handling caus I live on a mountain. My sus is about ready to be rejuvenated,

[KiwiRS4T]

Im curious about fixing up the suspension on my 96 stagea. I understand its probably well worn out by now, as all the bushings look like the original ones.

Keep in mind I am interested in fixing it up for road comfort, not stiffening or lowering the suspension.

General things I have noticed are the odd knocking noise here and there, creaks and simply a less-than-smooth ride quality. Also I hear a hiss of air coming from the front when I go over speed bumps for example, though I am not sure whether that is an issue.

What are some cost effective measures to return the suspension to its former glory? Are there complete kits of bushings? Could I keep the stock shocks & springs or should they be replaced too?

Ring around for best price on bushes ( they can be quite expensive). A good suspension shop should have a machine to test your shocks or you could do it youreslf: push each corner up and down a couple of times and let go on the down stroke - it should pop up and stop - if it keeps on going up and down the shocks are shot. The original springs should still be OK but if you need new shocks common or garden variety should be fine - you probably don't want adjustables as it sounds like your'e not planning any track work- cheap adjustables are cr*p and you won't want to pay unnecessarily to get top quality ones. Better than stock shocks would be a set of Bilsteins which will handle better and can also be recondtioned in the future .A heavier rear sway bar would be good.

[KiwiRS4T]

Can you do a pic please? I need the space but I need the handling caus I live on a mountain. My sus is about ready to be rejuvenated,

[/quote ] Its hard to post pictures now. if you click on the link below and go to post 36 you will find a couple of pics of the bar and my instructions for fitting it. It takes a while to fit the barckets to the strut towers but less than a minute to remove or replacxe the bar once it is installed.

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/topic/258793-rear-strut-brace/page__pid__4508472__st__20

[mattye]

Can you do a pic please? I need the space but I need the handling caus I live on a mountain. My sus is about ready to be rejuvenated.

Its hard to post pictures now. if you click on the link below and go to post 36 you will find a couple of pics of the bar and my instructions for fitting it. It takes a while to fit the barckets to the strut towers but less than a minute to remove or replacxe the bar once it is installed.

http://www.skylinesa...4508472__st__20

NOTE: Greddy Rear Strut Bars for the Stag have been discontinued. There is still the Cusco one http://www.rhdjapan....ear-nissan-9597 . The one in the pic is not exactly what it looks like. They just use a generic pic. The Stag one's center bar is straighter. But make sure u get the "OS" not the "AS", as the "OS" is stronger, more resistant to flex.

Edited December 20, 2010 by mattye