i have just purchased a 74 260z and would like to replace the suspension.

when attempting to order parts i see that there are 2 different parts for 70-74.5 and 74.5 up:ermm:

how convenient...

anyone know how to tell the difference? vin number range or something?

thanks in advance

-Dr. Wombat

Easiest is the bumpers. 74.5+ have big, impact bumpers (like a 280Z) with black rubber accordions on the sides.

Date stamped on driver door jamb .

would the accordians be on front and rear, or just rear?

mine is missing rear bumper(and mounts)

arne; do you know the date cuttoff for pre and post change?

-Dr.

8/73-8/74 was considered 'early' (74) and 9/74-11/74 was considered 'late' (74.5). Going by the VIN, RLS30000001-RLS30060000 is 74 and RLS30060001-RLS30200000 is 74.5. The numbers for 2+2's are a little different.

Edited April 7, 201212 yr by sblake01

If you have a late 260, it will look like my avatar. The front bumper will be big and the turn signals will be in the grill. The early 260 has the turn signals under the bumper in the valence.

Edited April 7, 201212 yr by Jeff G 78

mine has aftermarket bumper, no turn signal and shaved bumpers... and early SU carbs. making it tricky to identify.

i appreciate all of your guys help on this.

little tricky...

What is the build date on the door jam?

sooo... my bumper is smaller than jeffs, and wraps around where there is a recess in fenders, but cannot say if it has the correct bumper. car came from bakersfeild CA(if you know the spot, you know what i mean, at least its not rusty).

i'll check dates when i get home from work.

How about posting a picture?

As an early 260z owner i can tell you this is going to be an important distinction and you need to double check compatibility of pretty much everything you buy. Some catalogs list parts as fitting 260 but what they really mean is it fits a late 260 and 280 model. This forum has been awesome in helping with those questions but definitely check twice before you buy anything.

Door jam date is 12/74.

This old make it the late one, correct?