The installation of Eibach Pro-Kit springs on the 2003 Nissan G35 Coupe involves a detailed and methodical process that requires the right tools, patience, and adherence to torque specifications. This guide is based on a firsthand account of a successful DIY installation, with specific instructions tailored for the rear and front suspension systems. The process is outlined with a focus on clarity and safety, emphasizing the use of a spring compressor and torque wrench to ensure proper assembly and functionality. This guide is suitable for experienced DIY users who are familiar with automotive suspension systems and possess the appropriate tools.
Tools and Equipment Required
To begin the installation process, a comprehensive set of tools is necessary. These include:
- Factory jack
- Floor jack
- 1/2" ratchet (3/8")
- Miscellaneous 1/2" extensions (3/8")
- 17mm socket
- 12mm socket
- 19mm socket
- 17mm box end wrench
- Power tool for removing the front strut from the spring
- Torque wrench
- Spring compressor
The use of a power tool is highly recommended for removing the front strut from the spring due to the potential for the spring to shoot out if not handled carefully. Additionally, the torque wrench is essential for ensuring that all bolts are tightened to the correct specifications, which is critical for the safety and performance of the suspension system.
Rear Suspension Installation Process
The rear suspension installation process begins by jacking up the car using the factory jack. Once the car is lifted, the wheel and tire are removed to gain access to the rear suspension components. A floor jack is then placed beneath the rear lower link that holds the coil spring in place. The jack is used to hold the spring in place while it is raised slightly. This step is crucial to prevent the spring from moving during the installation process.
The next step involves removing the nut and bolt from the rear lower link, as indicated by the blue arrow in the provided instructions. Care must be taken to ensure that the floor jack is in constant contact with the suspension part to prevent it from dropping. Once the nut and bolt are removed, the spring can be lowered and removed.
The installation of the new spring follows the reverse order of the removal process. The new spring is placed into the suspension member, ensuring that it is properly seated at the bottom. The rubber upper seat of the strut has grooves that should align with the spring. The mounting insulator is then pushed down, and the center bolt is installed and tightened as much as possible. It is important to note that the center bolt should be tightened again after the assembly is installed and the car is lowered to ensure optimal performance.
Several hints are provided to facilitate the installation process. These include using the factory jack to line up parts with bolts, ensuring that the bump stops from the OEM springs are transferred to the new springs, and being patient as the process can be challenging. The torque specifications for the bolts involved are as follows:
- 12mm upper strut mount bolts: 26-30 ft/lb
- 12mm bolt for brake line: 10 ft/lb
- Bolt from bottom of strut: 52-62 ft/lb
- Bolt connecting sway bar end link to suspension arm: 59-70 ft/lb
- Center bolt of strut/spring assembly: 40-47 ft/lb
Front Suspension Installation Process
The front suspension installation process is similar to the rear suspension but involves additional steps due to the complexity of the front strut assembly. The process begins by unboltting the three 12mm upper strut mount bolts from under the hood. These bolts should be set aside to prevent them from being misplaced. The 12mm bolt that holds the brake line on the strut is also unbolted, and the brake line is pulled off the strut. The location of this bolt is indicated by a red arrow in the provided instructions.
Once the bolts are removed, the strut can be separated from the spring. A power tool is recommended for this step to ensure that the spring is removed safely. The spring compressor is used to compress the spring, allowing the center bolt to be removed. It is important to be cautious during this step, as the spring can shoot out if not handled properly.
The new springs are then installed by ensuring that everything is properly seated and aligned. The grooves in the rubber upper seat should match up with the spring, and the mounting insulator should be pushed down to secure the spring in place. The center bolt is then installed and tightened as much as possible. As with the rear suspension, the center bolt should be tightened again after the assembly is installed and the car is lowered.
The installation of the front suspension components follows the reverse order of the removal process. The strut is reinstalled, and all bolts are tightened according to the specified torque values. The torque specifications for the front suspension bolts are as follows:
- 12mm upper strut mount bolts: 26-30 ft/lb
- 12mm bolt for brake line: 10 ft/lb
- Bolt from bottom of strut: 52-62 ft/lb
- Bolt connecting sway bar end link to suspension arm: 59-70 ft/lb
- Center bolt of strut/spring assembly: 40-47 ft/lb
Additional Hints and Recommendations
Several additional hints are provided to ensure a smooth installation process. These include using the factory jack to line up parts with bolts, transferring the bump stops from the OEM springs to the new springs, and being patient as the process can be challenging. The use of a power tool is highly recommended for removing the front strut from the spring due to the potential for the spring to shoot out if not handled carefully.
The installation process can be time-consuming, but following the provided instructions and torque specifications will ensure that the suspension system functions optimally. It is also important to note that the springs may be shorter than the OEM springs, which can affect the fit and alignment of the suspension components. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the manufacturer's documentation for any additional guidance or specifications.
Conclusion
The installation of Eibach Pro-Kit springs on the 2003 Nissan G35 Coupe is a detailed and methodical process that requires the right tools, patience, and adherence to torque specifications. The process involves removing and reinstalling the rear and front suspension components, with a focus on ensuring that all bolts are tightened to the correct specifications. The use of a spring compressor and torque wrench is essential for the safety and performance of the suspension system. By following the provided instructions and hints, experienced DIY users can successfully complete the installation process and enjoy the improved performance and handling of their vehicle.