If you're tired of that massive wheel gap, picking up a set of 2006 g35 sedan coilovers is honestly the fastest way to make your car look like it actually belongs on the road. The V35 chassis is a classic, but let's be real—the stock suspension on a sedan that's nearly twenty years old is probably feeling a bit tired by now. Whether you're just trying to get lower to the ground or you actually want to take some corners without feeling like you're driving a boat, swapping out those old struts for a proper coilover setup is a total game-changer.
Why the G35 Sedan Needs This Upgrade
The 2006 G35 sedan is in a weird spot. It's got that great VQ35DE engine and a chassis shared with the 350Z, but it was marketed as a luxury car. Because of that, the factory suspension is soft. It's great for soaking up potholes on the way to work, but it's not exactly "sporty" by modern standards. After two decades, the bushings are likely cracked and the shocks are probably leaking.
When you drop in some 2006 g35 sedan coilovers, you aren't just lowering the car. You're giving it a much-needed refresh. You get to control exactly how high the car sits, how stiff the ride feels, and how the car reacts when you throw it into a turn. Plus, it just makes the sedan look way more aggressive. These cars have great lines, but they really only "pop" once you tuck those tires a little bit.
True Rear vs. OEM Type Setups
If you've started shopping, you've probably noticed people talking about "true rear" vs. "OEM type" setups. This is one of the most confusing parts for G35 owners. Basically, the stock 2006 G35 sedan has a "divorced" rear setup—the spring sits in a bucket on the lower control arm, and the shock is off to the side.
Most 2006 g35 sedan coilovers come in the OEM style, meaning they keep that separate spring and shock design. This is usually better for daily drivers because it keeps the stress points on the chassis exactly where Infiniti intended them to be.
However, some people go for "true" coilovers where the spring is actually wrapped around the shock in the back. This allows you to ditch the heavy OEM spring buckets and replace them with adjustable toe arms. It's a bit more "hardcore," but for most street-driven G35 sedans, the OEM-style divorced setup is plenty. It's easier to install and usually results in fewer weird noises down the road.
Finding the Balance Between Comfort and Performance
I get it—nobody wants to feel every pebble in the road like they're driving a go-kart, especially if this is your daily driver. The G35 is supposed to be a comfortable cruiser. The trick to finding the right 2006 g35 sedan coilovers is looking at the spring rates.
Since the sedan is a bit heavier than the coupe (and definitely heavier than a 350Z), you need something that can handle the weight. A common spring rate for these cars is around 10k in the front and 8k in the rear. If you go much stiffer than that, you're going to be bouncing all over the place on the highway. If you go softer, you might bottom out if you're riding low.
Damping adjustability is another thing you shouldn't skip. Most mid-range coilovers have 30 or 32 levels of adjustment. This is huge because it lets you soften the car up for your commute and then stiffen it up on the weekend if you're hitting some backroads. It takes about five minutes to click the dials, and it makes a world of difference.
The Reality of "Budget" Coilovers
We've all seen those ultra-cheap coilovers for three or four hundred bucks. It's tempting, I know. But man, you really do get what you pay for here. Cheap 2006 g35 sedan coilovers usually have terrible valving. This leads to that "pogo stick" effect where the car just keeps bouncing after you hit a bump because the shocks can't control the springs.
If you're on a tight budget, it's usually better to save up an extra month or two and get something in the $800 to $1,200 range. Brands like BC Racing, Tein, or Fortune Auto are the go-to choices for a reason. They actually test their stuff on this specific chassis. You'll get a smoother ride, better longevity, and you won't be looking to replace them in six months when they start clunking.
Don't Forget the Alignment
One thing people always forget when buying 2006 g35 sedan coilovers is that you can't just slap them on and go. When you lower a G35, the camber and toe go way out of whack. If you don't fix it, you're going to chew through a set of tires in about 2,000 miles.
Because the G35 uses a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, the stock adjustment bolts usually don't have enough range to get back to factory specs once you're lowered. You'll almost certainly need a rear camber kit (arms and toe bolts) and potentially some adjustable front upper control arms if you're going really low. Factor that into your budget! It's better to spend the money on the arms now than to spend it on new tires every few months.
Installation Tips and the "Bolt of Death"
Installing 2006 g35 sedan coilovers is a pretty straightforward DIY job if you have some basic tools and a jack, but there's one major hurdle you should know about. G35 owners call it the "bolt of death." It's the lower 17mm or 19mm bolt that holds the rear shock to the hub.
Because these cars are older, that bolt often seizes inside the metal sleeve of the shock bushing. If you try to force it, the bolt can snap, or you'll end up spinning the sleeve inside the rubber. If you live in a place where they salt the roads, start spraying those bolts with PB Blaster or WD-40 a few days before you plan to do the install. Seriously, it'll save you hours of screaming and several broken drill bits.
Once you get past the rear bolts, the front is actually pretty easy. It's just a few bolts on the top hat and one big bolt at the bottom. Just make sure you have a friend help you line things up so you don't accidentally pull the CV axle out or stress the brake lines.
Final Thoughts on the Upgrade
At the end of the day, a set of 2006 g35 sedan coilovers is probably the best bang-for-your-buck mod you can do. It completely changes the personality of the car. It goes from looking like a "grandpa car" to a legit sports sedan that can hold its own at a car meet or a track day.
Take your time, pick a reputable brand with decent spring rates, and make sure you leave some room in the budget for an alignment and maybe a few suspension arms. Your G35 will feel like a brand-new car, and you'll find yourself taking the long way home just to feel how it handles the curves. It's a bit of an investment, sure, but the first time you look back at your car in a parking lot and see that perfect stance, you'll know it was worth every penny.