When did the balljoints change for early Z's?

[ezzzzzzz]

Somewhere in the past, Datsun changed the balljoints (the earlier units no longer available?). This requires replacing the steering knuckles or taper reaming the early knuckles to accept the later balljoint. That said, can someone tell me when that transition took place? I have a rotten 73 240Z I'm gutting for parts. I hope the knuckles I need for my 71 (11/70) are on these piece of junk.

[Ricklandia]

Just to chime in here - I may be in need of some new balljoints on a '73 240Z if anyone knows a source to find them? I haven't started looking hard yet, but I remember seeing a thread somewhere that they are no longer available at dealerships/parts stores.

[Bambikiller240]

I believe that it was sometime in the 1970 mfg year that the changed. I do know for sure that my 71, 72, and 73 model 240Z's owned over the past 30 years all came with the same steering knuckles, which are still available through MSA, and (I believe) Nissan.

[Marty Rogan]

Just to chime in here - I may be in need of some new balljoints on a '73 240Z if anyone knows a source to find them? I haven't started looking hard yet, but I remember seeing a thread somewhere that they are no longer available at dealerships/parts stores.

I just bought a nice set of Moog ball joints the other day at Car Quest for about $50 a piece.

My memory is slipping here. Isn't it the size of the tie rods ends that changed? I got a set of later knuckles from Z Barn pretty cheap. The knuckles off a '73 will work fine for you.

Marty

[Bambikiller240]

I just bought a nice set of Moog ball joints the other day at Car Quest for about $50 a piece.

My memory is slipping here. Isn't it the size of the tie rods ends that changed? I got a set of later knuckles from Z Barn pretty cheap. The knuckles off a '73 will work fine for you.

Marty

Hi Marty:

I think it may have been both parts (steering knuckles and ball joints) that changed. The reason I say this (in addition to a faint memory of it) is that the MSA catalog suggests that owners of 1970 call to speak to an associate in regards to both parts. For tie-rod ends they mention only one part, which may be the newer type.