Y31 suspension question

[blind]

Hey there, I own a y31 cima and am looking for new suspension to put in it for its next wof. Currently has cut springs and air bags do not work due to previous owner. Can someone help me out as to what would be an alternative option than going with stock set up as parts are limited as where I live. Thx

[Dominik]

Any clue as to where you might live??

I got coilovers for my Y31 Cima from Yahoo Auctions pretty cheap; and there *might* be a full set of Cima airbags coming up for sale shortly as a result (i cannot confirm as it wont be me selling them).

I know another member of this forum got some custom Koni coilovers made for his Cima using the stock strut housing and koni shocks/threaded sleeves. I've driven it, and it was one of the most comfortable yet tight suspension setups i have experienced. Wasnt very cheap, but you pay for quality i guess.

[blind]

I'm from new zealand, nah price isn't an issue I just want it all legit.

[Dominik]

Well then i definitely recommend going for Koni Yellow adjustables, with proper (not ebay) coilover sleeves welded onto the stock strut like what Judged has done.

Rears are very similar to alot of Nissans, and apparently anything from S13 to R33 struts will fit, provided you use the original strut-top (which seems to be unique to Cimas).

Compatibility of the fronts is shared by DR31 skylines, Z31 300ZXs and even local Pintaras/Skylines. But most of those are 4 stud with lesser brakes that might make it a problem. It would be worth looking for people who have had busted airstruts cos you can use the hub/spindle from them to make yourself a custom set



On another note, care to show some pics of your car? Looks sweet from your avatar! (best to post it in the photogallery section though)

[blind]

My rear shocks are screwed to put it nicley, they're leaking but will i be still be able to use the stock strut (sorry I dont know anything bout cars) and also the air suspension will needa be fully removed right, any rough idea on how much this would all cost. Thx

[Dominik]

I'm confused, you said its on cut springs and airbags do not work?

Do you still have the airbag suspension? or has it been swapped for coil struts?


The rears use a very generic strut construction which doesnt get reused as far as i know. It looks like this for a regular coil strut:

o<===|\|\|\>|

You would just replace them since it is the same as the Silvias, Skylines and other cars.

The fronts have a 'spindle' welded/attached to the bottom of the strut, and the brake caliper, rotor, wheel all bolt onto that spindle. Hence why you need to reuse the front struts, or at least the spindle.

Removing the air stuff shouldnt be that hard, but if you are paying someone to do it then it might not be too cheap. I'm not sure of labour costs etc in NZ, but you should be able to get it all done for around the $2500 mark (with Konis etc)

Secondhand coilovers from Japan could be done for around $1000 but its usually not known what condition they are in, not to mention they are usually quite stiff.

Bodykits are kinda tough. I will be looking at ordering one in the near future myself; i will just go through one of the many Yahoo Auctions purchasing services available in Australia.