Changing suspension all round

waynerp

waynerp

Dedicated Member
British Zeds
Joined
Jun 8, 2015
Points
44
Location
Kent
Model of Z
2.8
Hi All.
I have purchased some coilovers for my Z.
Im not hugely mechanically talented, but i am certainly up for anything, I was wandering if anyone has changed their suspension, and could advise on how easy / difficult it is? Should I change / replace anything else while I am doing it? Should I start on the front or rears, and is there any specific tools i would need

Any help suggestions much appreciated
 
You may find that you'll need some type of coil spring compressor for the fronts, maybe not. Otherwise general hand tools are all you need, socket set and scanners etc. I would get both ends done together ideally. Maybe you would like to change front lower arm rear mounting bushes while your at it for some uprated type.

Tony.
 
Yes those ones, many people replace them with power flex type.

Tony.
 
TBH Wayne there are others more knowledgeable on this subject than I. Someone will help soon I'm sure.

Tony.
 
I fitted the PF5-301 to the front suspension with some Meyle HD drop links. The roll bar bushes seemed ok so maven't got round to doing them yet.
 
Look in youtube for video instructions on how to do the front and rears as there are some really good ones out there.

The rears are easiest and the front a bit more technical but not too hard, be safe. :)
 
Not to complicated for the logically minded. My advice would be to replace the front and rear top mounts. drop links are also advisable, cheap & easy to replace. (16mm spanners)

To clear what tony said you will only need spring clamps if you wish to disassemble the old front springs.

Assemble the new ones on your bench and lower out the old ones then swap.

Some shortcuts- you can do the fronts one side at a time, top mounts 3x 13mm nuts. lower strut bolts 18mm. Flank drive sockets and breaker bar (they will be very tight) turn the steering to get extra purchase on those bolts.

Rears can be done together, jack off the diff (oooeerrrr)and place axle stands then ease off the jack. lower strut bolt is 18mm spanner and big hammer. Support the arm as it drops the springs should pull out. Top mounts at the rear are 2x 13mm nuts under the carpet (roof will need to be up)

I know this might be info overload give me a PM if you need some more clarification.

Lee
 
Many Thanks for the info Lee.I might need to PM you later
Does it make any difference if i am using these to replace everything?
 
waynerp said:
Many Thanks for the info Lee.I might need to PM you later
Does it make any difference if i am using these to replace everything?
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Those look like JOM Bluelines, like I've just fitted to mine.
 
waynerp said:
are they any good?
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If you set them up correctly yes - and it took us a couple of goes to get her sitting right. Ride is obviously harder (but I also have low profile 18" wheels), took a while to get used to them in comparison to the standard Sport spring setup. For the price I think they are pretty good.
 
GazHyde said:
If you set them up correctly yes - and it took us a couple of goes to get her sitting right. Ride is obviously harder (but I also have low profile 18" wheels), took a while to get used to them in comparison to the standard Sport spring setup. For the price I think they are pretty good.
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were you able to maintain the same height and camber or did it alter that as well?
 
Hi Wayne with those front units already built up you won't need any compressors as Lee says. Basically remove the old one and put the new ones in their place. Make sure both new units are adjusted to the same height first, this saves complications when re adjusting later, not so critical on the rear as these are simpler to adjust. Have fun fitting them and the satisfaction of doing it yourself mate.:)

Tony.
 
Thanks guys. Im a bit apprehensive about doing it myself, but i REALLY want to start learning how to work on the Z myself
 
I think I have fitted 4 sets of these in the last couple of months including @GazHyde.

They are a lot firmer. The fronts have plenty of travel but the rears only lower a little.

Lee
 
waynerp said:
Thanks guys. Im a bit apprehensive about doing it myself, but i REALLY want to start learning how to work on the Z myself
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Shame you're not nearer to me Wayne, I would have been happy to help you.;)

Tony.
 
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