KYB insert compatibility early 260Z -> '78 280Z

[johnny haywire]

Amigos,

I've got a line on some lightly used and inexpensive KYB Gr-2 inserts. The seller thinks they should work fine in my '78 280z, though he thinks I'll have to use my existing gland nuts due to the size difference (48mm vs 52mm?).

So, to make a long question short: If I get these, will my gland nuts be compatible (if they are salvageable) and will the spacers be the correct ones? I'd hate to save a hundred bucks (or more, I don't have a price from him yet) just to go and spend it again in time and effort chasing down loose parts.

Thanks in advance,

- Paul

[slowride]

78 insetrs may be to long.

[Arne]

No, there are significant dimensional differences between the early and late strut inserts. I wouldn't mess with them. The correct KYBs aren't all that expensive.

[johnny haywire]

Thanks, Arne. I ended up deciding to go the proper part route. I'm probably going to go with the KYBs but still figuring out what else I'll need. I'd prefer to keep the stock springs, but at 34 years old, I'm not sure if they are any good and would hate to do the same disassembly twice. Only 92K miles on her, though. I'd rather not go with lowering springs, if possible...

Edited June 18, 2012 by johnny haywire

[LeonV]

No, there are significant dimensional differences between the early and late strut inserts. I wouldn't mess with them. The correct KYBs aren't all that expensive.

The only differences are the gland nuts and rear strut length. Diameters are the same. At worst, you'll have to put a piece of SCH40 pipe, cut to length, underneath the rear strut (which is what Tokico does, BTW). I would not call the differences between inserts significant.

The main difference lies in the strut housings themselves. The 280Z had a thicker housing which made its OD larger than the earlier ones.