Rear Spacers for 240Z?

[z boy mn]

Hey everyone, I've been working the rear suspension for my '71 240Z, and after I put it together I realized (after looking at Motorsports) that I forgot to install the Rear Strut Spacers. See link here:

Motorsport! Urethane Rear Upper Strut Spacers, 70-78 240Z-260Z-280Z - The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts

They're supposed to even out the car and make up for the fact that there's no steering bearing in the rear. So, I ordered them and they're in. But, I happened to be looking at the FSM this morning and realized they're not pictured there. I've attached the FSM below, too.

So...do I need them? The rear does seem a little low, and I checked Black Dragon and they show the parts on the 240 as well.

Curious!

RA Rear Axle and Suspension.pdf

[Darrel]

Are you sure you left them out? Usually they stick and almost seem like they are part of the top hat.

[Zed Head]

Darrel's right, they tend to become part of the insulator, and don't fall out when the strut's apart. You have to dig them out. But you said that "they're in", but the rear end still seems low. Do you mean that they arrived in the mail, but aren't installed? Not clear.

The FSM you linked doesn't show a blow-up of the strut so you can't really tell. Here's an informative link - Datsun 240Z/260Z/280Z Rear Suspension (Strut, Shock Absorber & Transverse Link)

[z boy mn]

Thanks for your responses, by "in" I meant they arrived in the mail...I haven't installed them yet. I was just beginning to wonder if I needed to.

Also, it's possible the old ones were stuck to the insulators or top hat, but the rear springs had been replaced relatively recently, so it all came apart pretty easily. I guess I'll find out when I take them apart again! Time to practice my spring-compressor skills!

[buysell]

My guess is that your old ones are still stuck in place. The strut piston would have a lot of thread exposed if they were missing.

Just my guess.

[z boy mn]

I'll let you know what I find out...I suppose if worse comes to worse I'll just get new spacers! :-D

[z boy mn]

Hey everyone, just an update on this thread. I got to tear into the rear struts this week and guess what I found inside the old rear insulators?! Yep, some rubber spacers. They were pretty old and hard, so it didn't hurt anything to have new ones, but they were there all along! So, those of you who were betting that they were already installed win a beer (but you'll have to come to MN to get it!). Happy spring, everyone--almost time to get the Z on the road!