Cant keep my ass on the road

[kenz240z]

What are the rear suspension bushings like? How about the moustache bar? Is the differential mount shot? These are things I'd check in addition to the struts & springs. Even if everything looks ok, you may want to check that all mounting bolts are tightened to spec.

[DatsunZsRule]

Could be a bad sway bar. The sway bars job is to minimize body lean which increases handling capabilities. They stiffen the chassis to resist body roll. If your sway bar is shot then naturally your Z is going to be sloppy on the road so I'd check that if you haven't done so.

[Arne]

No rear sway bars (from the factory) on 240s. Those didn't start until, 280s, I think.

[DatsunZsRule]

Are you sure about that? Could have sworn they had a 7/8" sway bar back there just like 280's did. Why would you not have one????

[Arne]

Are you sure about that? Could have sworn they had a 7/8" sway bar back there just like 280's did. Why would you not have one????

Rear sway bar was added as factory equipment in '74, with the 260Z. All 240Z's came with a smaller front bar (than the 260/280s) and none at all in the rear.

The lighter 240Z didn't need the sway bar to handle nice, it was added to try to compensate for the later cars' extra weight.

[71_240Z]

no sway bar here... do you think adding one would help keep my butt on the road? I have never understood the purpose of adding sway bars - exept for the coolness factor.

I am convinced that I need new struts. Help convince me on the sway bar.

Thanks.

[71ZZZZZ]

I'm still really puzzled over your car's problem...are there any clunking sounds when your car skips/bounces? I'm thinking something in your main rear suspension is not connected to the body/subframe...

[Arne]

Sway bar won't help your problem. Take it one at a time. If your struts are hosed, fix them first.

[DatsunZsRule]

Interesting. Lighter or not, I would have to say it would be a good up grade for your 240Z. http://www.zcarparts.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=23-4101&Category_Code=PSDC05

if your taking fast, hard turns which it sounds like you do This (in my opinion) is a damn good upgrade. especially if plan on Auto Xing once in a while.

Will it help your problem? I'd still do an inspection of all your rear end components. Take care of your shocks first if those are shot and make sure every nut and bolt is torqued down to factory specs. I'm sure you have done this already but have you checked the wheel lug nut torque? Some rims require being torqued down more than once when it's been completely removed.Just another thought

But anyways yes, I would highly recommend putting the sway bars on. We drive a lot faster on our roadways now compared to back in the early 70's

Good luck.

[Sean240Z]

I agree with Arne. Put some new struts on first...then get some springs and sway bars.

For me, adding stiffer springs and aftermarket sway bars was the best upgrade I've made to my 1973 240Z. I went with Suspension Techniques Sport Springs and sway bars.

After the installation, my car corners flatter and handles more neutrally (I love the occasional four wheel drift on freeway onramps ). The car also sits lower with the aftermarket springs and has a nice stance.

Cheers,

Sean

[DatsunZsRule]

Agreed which is why I said " I'd still do an inspection of all your rear end components. Take care of your shocks first if those are shot and make sure every nut and bolt is torqued down to factory specs."

[Sean240Z]

I guess I forgot to say that I also agree with DatsunZsRule . That's what I get for not completely reading all of the posts in a thread before replying.

DatsunZsRule,

I see you're in Minnesota. Snow yet? Already put your Z away from the winter? Perhaps you're a little touchy due to Z withdrawl? :cheeky:

Cheers,