Rear strut replacement on a '76 280Z

[hall.nathan89]

I've recently started working on a '76 that's been parked for 10 years. After 10 years, there is a lot of work to be done, but the reason it was parked in the first place were the bad struts. The last time I did struts I think I was 10 years old helping my dad on an '81 280ZX.

I'm planning on doing it this weekend, so I looked at the FSM and that made the whole process about as clear as mud . It makes it look like I have to remove the whole assembly, but I'm fairly certain that that isn't the case. Also, it doesn't talk about compressing the springs, which I'm pretty sure I'll want to do if I value my life.

Am I just looking in the wrong place in the FSM? Any Pointers?

Thanks!

[Zed Head]

It's possible to get the top of the strut out without taking the lower control arm mounting points off but the brake line will probably get stretched and it might bind up and not flex enough to come out. I've got one out on my car but the other side wouldn't come out.

Removing the four bolts holding the inner control arms on is so easy though, it's barely worth trying to get around it. After I loosened mine I said "I should have done that 1/2 hour ago". If you loosen them you'll have more room to drop the top of the strut.

If the springs are stock you'll need a spring compressor.

If the car's been sitting 10 years, the brake lines probably need work anyway. I would just take the whole assembly out, strut and control arm, with disconnected brake lines, and do the work. You'll probably end up there anyway. Wheel cylinders replaced, check the brake lines, all of that.

On the wheel cylinders - the 76 and earlier (maybe 77 too) cylinder are expensive, like ~$45. You can swap in the whole assembly from a 78 car and use $15- 20 cylinders, if you want to save some money. Just mentioning before you get too far in to it, if it's possible.