Planning Your First Z31 Suspension Upgrade

The Nissan Z31 300ZX is a rising star in the world of vintage Japanese performance. Whether you’re restoring one, building a track car, or just want a better driving experience, the factory suspension has one big problem: it’s old. Really old. And more importantly, it was never designed for modern tires, track use, or spirited weekend driving.

So where do you start when it’s time to upgrade? This guide will walk you through the most effective suspension upgrades for your Z31 and help you build a plan that fits your goals—and your budget.

Start with Your Goals

Before ordering parts, figure out what you want your Z31 to do:

• Street-driven restomod? You’ll want comfort with improved handling.
• Weekend canyon carver? Focus on control, stiffness, and adjustability.
• Drift or track car? You’ll need full adjustability, increased angle, and a stiff, reinforced setup.

Once you know your goal, it’s easier to prioritize what to upgrade first.

Front Suspension Kit: The Foundation

The Apex Engineered Front Suspension Kit replaces the outdated stock components with high-clearance, tubular arms and improved geometry. This isn’t just about better looks—this kit adds stability under braking, sharper steering input, and clearance for aftermarket parts or swap setups.

Why it’s worth it:

• Bolt-on fitment with no guesswork
• Corrects camber and caster
• Lighter, stronger, and more responsive than OEM arms
• Future-proofs your build for angle kits or brake upgrades

View Front Suspension Kit →

Rear Suspension Kit: Grip and Control Where It Counts

The rear of the Z31 is often neglected, but it’s critical for maintaining grip and keeping the car predictable through transitions. Apex’s Rear Suspension Kit includes adjustable arms, mounts, and bushings that drastically improve alignment control and chassis feel.

Key benefits:

• Fixes factory geometry issues
• Adds toe and camber adjustability
• Helps reduce squat and flex under throttle
• Improves tire wear and rear-end grip

View Rear Suspension Kit →

Tubular Front Crossmember: Lighter and Stronger

The Z31 Tubular Crossmember from Apex replaces the factory stamped unit with a lightweight, high-strength alternative that improves engine clearance and front-end rigidity. If you’re doing an engine swap or running low-profile headers, this piece is a smart addition.

Why consider it early:

• Drops weight up front
• Opens up space for oil pans or steering changes
• Strengthens the front end to pair with suspension kits
• Clean, serviceable design for long-term use

View Tubular Crossmember →

Quick Steering Knuckles: Sharper Turn-In, Better Feedback

The Quick Steering Knuckles reduce steering ratio, letting you get more angle with less wheel input—ideal for track or drift applications. They also reduce bump steer and improve predictability mid-corner.

Upgrade these if:

• You’re building for drifting or track events
• You want more angle with stock steering racks
• You’re already upgrading the front suspension and want quicker response

View Quick Steering Knuckles →

What to Upgrade First

If you’re on a budget or just starting out, here’s a basic upgrade order:

1. Front Suspension Kit – biggest impact on handling and feel
2. Rear Suspension Kit – improves traction and alignment adjustability
3. Crossmember – pairs well with swap builds or engine bay cleanup
4. Steering Knuckles – adds sharpness for aggressive setups

You can always start with one kit and expand as your build progresses. Apex parts are designed to work together, so you won’t have to redo anything later.

Final Thoughts

The Z31 is finally getting the aftermarket support it deserves. Whether you’re chasing lap times or just want a more responsive ride, a well-planned suspension upgrade will completely change how your 300ZX feels on the road—or track.

Apex Engineered offers everything you need to start strong and build with confidence.

Explore All Z31 Suspension Products →