G35 Rear Suspension Parts: A Complete Guide to Upgrades and Replacement

The Infiniti G35 (2003-2007) is a performance sedan that rewards drivers with sharp handling and a balanced chassis. But after years of service, the rear suspension components can wear out, leading to clunks, vague steering, uneven tire wear, or a sagging rear end. Whether you're replacing worn parts or upgrading for better performance, understanding the specific G35 rear suspension parts and how they work together is essential. This guide covers the key components, what to look for when buying, and practical tips for making the right choice.

Key G35 Rear Suspension Components

The G35 uses a multi-link rear suspension setup. Several parts work together to control the rear wheels' movement. Here are the main components you'll encounter.

Control Arms and Traction Arms

The rear suspension uses multiple control arms: upper and lower arms, plus traction arms (sometimes called toe rods). These arms connect the hub to the subframe and control camber, toe, and wheelbase. OEM arms have rubber bushings that degrade over time, causing play and uneven tire wear. Aftermarket options include arms with polyurethane or spherical bearings for reduced flex and more consistent alignment. Common upgrades include adjustable camber arms and toe arms, which allow fine-tuning alignment for lowered cars or track use.

Sway Bars and End Links

The rear sway bar (or anti-roll bar) connects the left and right suspension, reducing body roll during cornering. The end links are the small rods that attach the sway bar to the control arms. Stock end links are often plastic or thin metal and can snap under stress. Upgraded sway bars—typically 20mm to 22mm diameter—pair with stronger end links (adjustable or fixed) for flatter cornering. Polyurethane bushings for the sway bar mounts also reduce slop.

Springs and Coilovers

Rear springs support the vehicle's weight and determine ride height and rate. Stock springs are progressive and designed for comfort. Lowering springs (e.g., 1 to 1.5 inches drop) improve looks and reduce body roll but may compromise ride quality. Coilovers combine spring and shock into one adjustable unit, offering ride height, damping, and sometimes spring preload adjustment. For the G35, popular setups include entry-level coilovers for daily driving and track-oriented setups with stiffer spring rates.

Shocks and Struts

The G35 rear uses separate shocks (not struts) because the spring sits on a lower control arm. Shocks control oscillation of the spring and damp impacts. Worn shocks cause bouncing, poor traction, and longer stopping distances. Options range from OE-replacement twin-tube shocks to monotube performance shocks (like Koni Yellow or Bilstein B6) that offer better damping control. For adjustable damping, some coilovers include this feature.

Bushings and Mounts

Bushings are found at every pivot point: control arms, subframe, differential, and sway bar. Rubber bushings isolate noise and vibration but degrade faster. Polyurethane bushings last longer and tighten suspension response but transmit more road noise. Solid aluminum bushings are available for race use but are harsh for daily driving. The subframe bushing is a common weak point on the G35—hydraulic fluid-filled units can leak, allowing subframe movement. Aftermarket solid or polyurethane subframe bushings (like those from Z1 Motorsports) eliminate that movement.

Signs Your G35 Rear Suspension Needs Attention

Common symptoms include:

• Clunking or knocking sounds from the rear when going over bumps or turning.
• Excessive body roll in corners.
• Rear-end squat during acceleration or dive during braking.
• Uneven tire wear (camber or toe wear).
• Vague rear steering or drifting on the highway.
• Visible sagging or leaning to one side.
• Rusted or broken springs (common on older G35s).

If you notice any of these, inspect the bushings, ball joints, and shock mounts. A loose subframe bushing can cause a thud feeling from the rear.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: What to Consider

OEM parts from Infiniti are built to the original specifications and are a reliable choice for returning the car to factory feel. However, they can be expensive and use the same rubber bushings that will wear out again. Aftermarket parts offer improved materials, adjustability, and often lower cost. For a daily driver that you want to restore, OEM is fine. For any performance use, aftermarket is the better value. Key trade-offs: polyurethane bushings increase NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) but last longer. Adjustable arms are necessary if you lower the car beyond 1.5 inches to realign the suspension geometry.

How to Choose the Right G35 Rear Suspension Parts

First, define your goals:

• Daily commuter: Focus on replacing worn bushings with OEM-grade parts or high-quality polyurethane. Replace shocks with a comfortable brand like KYB or Sachs.
• Spirited street driving: Upgrade to a larger sway bar and better shocks (e.g., Koni Yellows). Consider adjustable toe arms to keep alignment in spec after a 1-inch drop.
• Track/autocross: Coilovers with 500+ lb/in spring rates, adjustable camber arms, solid subframe bushings, and possibly a true rear coilover conversion.
• Stance/static fitment: Adjustable control arms to achieve extreme camber and toe, plus air suspension or coilovers with high adjustability.

Budget matters: you can refresh the entire rear suspension with quality aftermarket parts for around $800-$1500, while a full coilover setup may cost $1000-$3000. Avoid cheap no-name parts from unknown sellers; they may fit poorly or fail quickly. Stick with known brands like Whiteline, Megan Racing, SPC (Specialty Products Company), Godspeed, or OEM suppliers.

Recommended Upgrades for Different Goals

For Daily Driving and Reliability

• Replace worn arms with Moog or OEM (if affordable).
• Install new OEM or KYB shocks.
• Use OEM springs if they are not sagging; otherwise, consider a mild lowering spring like Eibach Pro-Kit.
• Replace all rubber bushings with high-quality rubber or softer polyurethane (e.g., Whiteline).

For Handling Improvement on the Street

• Add a 22mm rear sway bar (Eibach or Hotchkis).
• Upgrade shocks to Koni Sport (yellow) or Bilstein B6.
• Install adjustable toe arms to fix alignment after lowering.
• Use polyurethane sway bar bushings and end links.

For Track or Autocross

• Coilovers with at least 8k/6k (spring rates) and monotube damping (e.g., BC Racing, KW V3, Fortune Auto).
• Adjustable camber and toe arms.
• Solid subframe bushings (Z1 or Whiteline).
• Larger sway bars (22mm+ front and rear).
• Optional: rear differential bushings for less drivetrain slop.

Installation Considerations and Tips

Replacing rear suspension parts on a G35 requires some mechanical skill. You'll need jack stands, a torque wrench, penetrating oil, and likely a ball joint press. Some tips:

• Always replace bolts and nuts that are torque-to-yield; they should not be reused.
• When installing adjustable arms, set them to the approximate length of the stock arm before installation, then get a professional alignment.
• For subframe bushings, the subframe must be dropped, which is a big job. Many owners opt to use polyurethane inserts instead of full replacement.
• Consider replacing all bushings at once to avoid doing the same job twice.
• After installation, torque all suspension bolts with the car's weight on the ground (or on ramps) to avoid preloading the bushings.

Final Recommendation

For most G35 owners, a balanced upgrade path is to replace worn OEM parts with higher-quality aftermarket components. Start with a set of Koni Sport shocks, a 22mm rear sway bar, and polyurethane bushings for the sway bar and end links. This setup dramatically improves handling without sacrificing daily comfort. If your G35 is lowered, add SPC adjustable camber and toe arms to ensure tire longevity. Avoid the temptation to skip the subframe bushings—they make a noticeable difference in rear-end stability. For a complete refresh, budget around $1200 in parts and expect a weekend of labor. If you're not comfortable working on suspension, have a professional shop do the install and alignment. With the right parts, your G35 will feel tighter, more responsive, and more fun to drive.