Hey guys, glad we're back up and here. OK, when I broke down the strut assembly, see picture, I noticed that there was no strut bump stop on top of the old strut rod (under the top of the spring) that is detailed in the shop manual. Do I need to use the bump stops that I bought? If so, I'm guessing I need to pull the open end down the strut bar and around the top of the strut housing, aye? Also, since I'm not refilling the strut cylinder with strut oil do I need to put the o-ring back on the oil seal? I'll probably do it either way. As far as getting the gland packing seal off, I just turned the whole sumbitch upside down in a vise clamped to the gpackring and rotated the assembly. Worked real fine that way it did!

78 280Z

That's a loaded question. IF the suspension NEVER bottoms out then you don't need the bumpstop. When the suspension is compressed hard enough to use up all available travel then things can go bad quickly. Ask yourself if would you indiscriminately start smacking your chassis with a hammer? Not likely. Since you're there do the smart thing and put those bumpstops in. Unless you're lowering the car a lot you'll still have plenty of compression travel and good insurance against metal to metal impact.

No o-ring if no oil. My 240Z didn't have an o-ring. Unless I roll the car there should be no seepage (unless you were to overfill the housing). That oil is used to cool the strut in operation. Why wouldn't you use it? Modern struts may not benefit from the oil bath but it can't hurt. It also helps prevent the strut from rust welding itself inside the housing.

Chris,

I installed KYB Strut inserts and Suspension Techniques lowering springs in my '73 240Z. I installed the bump stops in mine but actually cut them in half (i.e. reduced their height) to avoid engaging the bump stops too early, but providing protection against metal on metal contact (I got this advice from some long forgotten source). I've driven my car since 1999 in this config and have never had it bottom out.

Cheers,

Sean...Hot Damn!! I've got the ST Springs with the 1" drop also that I'll be using along with the KYB GR2 non adjustables. Side by side the ST springs are a good 2 inches lower that the stock springs...I was sent the correct springs wasn't I ???

Chris,

The ST springs are stiffer than the stock springs and will not compress as far when you lower the car. Once the car is sitting on the ground, you should see a difference of only an inch in ride height.

You're in Panama City Beach? I'm just along the coast in Shalimar (near Fort Walton Beach).

Cheers,

Yeah I'm just down the road from you. I thought Shalimar sounded familiar. Tell you what, when all is said and done I'll drive on over so we can zee each other....as long as you are living there for the next uh, hmmm...12 to 18 months. I wish us both good luck with the upcoming hurricane season. Keep in touch. Great looking Z you got there!

Chris