**This is the first I've ever done any suspension upgrades, so please bear with me. I have searched, but I need a visual reference **

The previous owner of this 02 Max 6MT that I have purchased has sorta trashed the car. The car had S-techs on stock struts and we all know what happens over time...blown struts.

Now, I'm trying to gather the parts to make the suspension good as new again. I have bought brand new Illuminas (most recommended on here from research) and now need to get stuff such as "strut mounts" and "bearing plates". I do know what the mount is, but I dont know to what extent do I need to buy items to replace.

Visual guide for suspension

Can someone guide me to what OEM or aftermarket pieces I may need to purchase so that I can order it and finally get my ride back on the road?

 

How many miles on the car?

#13 and #14 are most important, thats your strut bearing and strut mount (respectively)

Depending on the current condition of your bumpstops/dustboots will warrant if you need new ones. Anything over ~70k miles, I'd replace them if you're going to be doing the job anyway. They're #9.

Here's a better picture from courtesyparts.com



From the picture,
#13 = 54325
#14 = 54320

 

Is there a certain place that .org members get OEM parts from?

 

Many of us call David Burnette at South Point Nissan. 512-444-1400. Just say you're an org member.

 

Thanks!

 

is a spring compressor necessary to get to the strut mount?

 

In order to SAFELY remove the springs from their housing you will need a spring compressor. You can rent one from autozone for $50 and return it once finished, they'll refund you fully after. A compressor IS NEEDED.

 

correction, the actual mount (the 3 bolts i believe you're asking about) you do not need a compressor to remove. However the single bolt that holds the spring in place (the hat) you will need a compressor. If you're going to mess with the strut i'd reccomend getting the compressor just to be on the safe side.

 

Eh, on certain gen cars you don't NEED a spring compressor, but it helps.

 

I would also suggest putting in new coil isolators both upper and lower, new spring seats and that freaking $7 piece of triangular paper which sits right on top of the assembly.

That would be the only way to make your suspension feel like new again, if that is your goal

Good Luck.

 

You can use a manilla folder or something similar to replace that orange paper gasket. No need to spend the money

 

Yes that was what i was thinking about. But you need to treat the paper and make it waterproof plus it needs to be just the right thickness to avoid binding issues.

 

You're taking that piece of paper really seriously. It's not a huge deal. I've seen plenty of instances in which it's not even there and there are no 'binding issues' or noises, or any issues at all.

 

None of mine are on there and there are no noises whatsoever. Not saying it is right, just saying, it isn't a big deal.

 

probably... maybe true... when i re-did my suspension.. spoke to DaveB abt the parts and discussed it at length... it was from that discussion that i learnt about the purpose of that piece..
There can surely be instances of a part not being there. However, if it surely does not make a difference, why would a part be designed for a specific vehicle?

 

I don't think anyone is debating the design, purpose, or even whether it makes a difference. We all know what it does and why it is there. All we are saying is, you can live without it - it is not a critical component, all other things considered. I've seen several set-ups, a few of mine included, without these gaskets that have had no noise or wear issues.

 

and I completely agree with your statement! I was not going in the direction of a debate anyways. Only stating what was told to me by someone

 

if your worried about the paper, just use black rtv.