Is there a difference between the '76 and the '77 280z front bumper mounts (shocks)? If so, can it be overcome?

You could compare drawings from the factory service manuals.

The drawings in the two manuals look the same - the part number first part is the same, the second part is different - hence the question.

carpartsmanual suggests that they changed in 76 then stayed the same. At least the date of change is there. There do appear to be some possible errors on the site though, for example, the S30 front hubs are shown as all the same but some 240Zs seem to have a different type.

http://www.carpartsmanual.com/datsunS30/DatsunZIndex/Body260Z280Z/2Seater/RadiatorGrilleBumper/tabid/1772/Default.aspx

Good luck. I don't think that many people mess with their bumper shocks so finding someone with actual experience with both might be difficult.

Edited July 26, 201212 yr by Zed Head