I'll get some pictures of the differeent struts tomorrow and post them to make the differences more clear.

Will

"Discounting heat, any other ideas?"

You didn't happen to move the cartridges with the springs. did you...

You gotta quit using recycled cartridges!

I usually get about 7 years out of a set of cartridges-depending on tire inflation(higher pressure-shorter cartridge life), and side wall height (shorter sidewalls, more work for the shock).

Will

The springs are different between 240 and 280. Wouldn't that mandate a different location for the spring perches, even if the body stayed the same? I have a bunch of springs and some 240 and 280 Strut tubes buried in the garage. I should look, but it's the wet season and I'm really not too motivated.

IIRC, I don't think the mounting holes line up. I believe that the bolt circle atop the strut is larger on the 280.

Good Point Stephen. The suspension was "refined" (altered) in the 280Z years (as opposed to 240Z years) I think that they (Nissan) made many alterations, like most auto manufacturers do.

Aha! So the overall length (strut tube, spring, upper perch) is most likely the same. The strut tube is longer, the lower perch is lower (?) on the tube and the upper has a bigger bolt circle. That makes sense. they didn't change the geometry of the chassis, just tweaked the strut a bit. I got it right?

Nah, bottom of the line things (Im a poor college student). I'd like to think shocks last longer then 2 or 3 years even if they are the 20 dollar ones from Oreilly's :lick:

Maybe I expect too much... bastards!

I guess I'll just move up a notch on price (hopefully its an indicator of quality). Thanks for the help.

If you move the whole thing (by end)it will work, but the suspension parts are not individually swappable.

Will

I guess I'll just move up a notch on price (hopefully its an indicator of quality)

I think that's your best bet. I've run the Tokiko HP's for the three years and they are as they were the first day. I'm not a gentle driver by any means, so they pass my endurance test. I blew out a front KYB Gas-A-Just on my roadster in two weeks (now wearing carreras - WAY too stiff!)

cool, abt how much for the Tokikos?

The latest MSA catalog (now 2 years old) list them at 79.95 each

Luminas at 149.95 each

and KYB's at 99.95 apiece

Some here run Koni's. I don't have a price for them, but they are usally higher than the last two brands

Ebay is cheeper!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7927547524&category=33590&sspagename=WDVW

Will