So pretty much expect to kill 2 days doing the work that blows.
The task of getting to the top strut mounts in the rear is indeed a pita, but once you do it a few times it gets fairly easy. I have RSR coilovers in my Q, and have had to get to the adjustment knobs multiple times because I keep thinking "okay this is the last setting to try" and then decide to change them again. So at this point I consider myself a subject matter expert in this ordeal LOL! Just some key pointers.
1. The rear seat doesn't HAVE to come out, unless you're exceedingly tall or heavyset you can fold down the back seat and just sit indian style on it. Pulling the rear will make it easier to work in the back sure, but you gotta then pull the rear out and reinstall......
2. If you're going to do this, go ahead and order some Nissan Door Trim Panel Clips on Amazon. Just do it and have them there for replacements, I can't tell you how many of these I've snapped getting the panels back into place, and I don't freaking care cause I bought these.
2a. Also get some good socket ratchet extensions and swivel sockets, both are great investments for your DIY obsession!
3. Just TAKE IT SLOW when pulling the paneling, and when pulling the rear lower panel REMEMBER there is a speaker on each side and you need to disconnect it prior to completely removing the panel out of the car.
4. You DO NOT HAVE TO take off the panels around the C-beam completely, just detach the bottom of the paneling around the rear deck.
5. The rear deck is the WORST PART of this effort hands down. Each side as to hard plastic hooks that get latch to the upper rear paneling, as well as attaching to clips under the deck. Also, if you're fully removing the rear deck remember that there are two connectors under the paneling in the trunk that you need to disconnect.
6. Getting the rear deck will require a bit of bending (unless you decide to take to approach of removing the upper panel), so be fairly careful not the rip it since it is basically just Styrofoam (and around $600 to replace). But don't be afraid to put a small crease in it or anything.
7. Once you have the rear deck out and you see the metal plates covering the strut mounts, don't give up LOL. To get the plates out of the way you'll need to remove the screws holding the big cylinder thing in the way? What's that cylinder thing? Oh just the explosive part of the airbag system no big deal... JK BE CRAZY CAREFUL DON'T GO BANGING ON THAT WITH ANYTHING HEAVY OR SHARP AND DON'T YANK ON IT EITHER! Just unscrew the 3 bolts and gently move it up enough to get the metal plate out of the way.
Tools you'll need?
10mm socket
10mm ratcheting wrench
Socket wrench extension (12" will do)
Nylon panel tools (Harbor Freight FTW)
I just installed adjustment knob extensions on Monday in about 1.5 hours, that's with getting everything out and back in. Hopefully I never have to do it again!
