dutch300zx

Hi everyone,
I'm new here, so I'd like to start off with an introduction. I'm currently a college student at the University of Michigan, and am also a Nissan lover. My 1st car was a hand-me-down 1999 I30 from my dad. Great car that introduced me to 4th Gens and Nissan. Extremely reliable, only had to do wheel bearings and A/C compressor; sold at 180k miles only due to rust. My 1st car that was actually mine is a 1990 Nissan 300ZX, which is my summer car (no, not twin turbo ). For college commuting, I went back to the 4th gen and bought a 1997 Infiniti I30 with 157k miles.

So, far I've put it a new alternator, tranny flush and oil change with synthetic, and replaced the spark plugs (NGK platinum), air filter, fuel filter, knock sensor, and PCV valve. Next up is the struts. I know for sure that the left rear is shot, and I am at least going to replace both rears. I will be going with Monroe OESpectrum struts, but wouldn't mind doing the Quick-Struts since that will save me labor and get me new everything.

Now here's the issue. Monroe does not list Quick-Struts for the I30, but does for the Maxima. OESpectrum strut part numbers are the same for each (and the Quick-Struts use OESpectrum struts in them). I e-mailed Monroe regarding this lack of availability, and was told that although the struts are the same, the springs are not. From searching the forum, I understand that the rear springs are the same for the I30/GXE/GLE and stiffer for the SE. Since they do not list separate Quick-Struts for the GLE/GXE and SE, one must assume that Monroe is selling one spring stiffness for all Maxima models. Based on them saying the springs on the Quick-Strut are different from the I30, one can assume that the one they advertise for all Maximas must use an SE spring. This also calls into question the fact that the Monroe struts are same for the Maxima and I30 (seemingly meaning that they are using the softer shock of the I30/GLE/GXE for all models). Hopefully this all makes sense, I tried to do as much research as possible. Any input on this/have any of you dealt with the Quick-Struts and I30s? I am looking for a comfortable commuter and don't necessarily need any handling improvement over stock. Thank you, I'm excited to be a part of such a knowledgable board.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Yes there is a difference in springs from certain models as well as the Infinity line.
However, the aftermarket only makes springs/struts as universal and they do fit the entire Nissan/Infinity 4th Maxima, I30 line up.

Your fine with the OESpectrum in the equivalent Maxima year.
Might I suggest you upgrade to the SensaTrack Quick Struts, they ride & handle much nicer.

dutch300zx

Thanks for the response. So you are also saying the Quick-Strut should fit my car (which is what I'm guessing since the general setup is the same as a Maxima, just want to be sure)? Do you (or anyone else) know if the Quick-Strut uses the softer GLE/GXE/I30 springs or firmer SE springs? Also, I cannot find Sensa-Tracs for the Maxima or Infiniti, perhaps they are now the OESpectrum model? Thanks again!

03VQMAX

iTrader: (46)

Springs are softer on the quick struts, at least for Monroe, feels like your ride a boat...

98maxaholic

In the begining of nov i think im gona go with putting quick struts on my ride like the OP, my gle 100k has originals and im sure they are shot..im goin quick struts cuz of the quickness and the easyness!!

cashoit

Just get the quick struts and u good.

sanford7575

Dude, October is shocktober month for Monroe. You get 4 for the price of 3 in the form of a rebate. I just did all 4 in my '97 I30. Definitely a step up in ride quality from worn OEM and crappy FCS Auto struts...Not to mention the fact that you can do it all for $450 with a $110 rebate if you order from RockAuto before 10/31, and install yourself!