HELP!! rear Koni install, gland nut issues!!

[thoseRZZZs]

Good morning All!! I am in the process of installing Koni shocks on my '71. After getting some great help from John at Fred Martin Nissan in Akron, I've come to the conclusion the threads on the rear gland-nuts AND the inside of the strut tube are just mangled. One tube is out of round at the top, about 1 thread-depth out of round, so it doesn't want to screw on at all. And the other gland-nut threads and tube threads are good for about 1/4" and then smashed at the bottom of the threads. Has anyone had this problem before?

The threads are 48 x 1.5, but I don't know where to get a tap/die kit to clean threads with this diameter. My Dad and I think maybe having the top 1" of the strut tube cut off, and have a new piece welded on with threads already cut in would do the trick. I'd like to avoid that if at all possible. Any and all help is very much appreciated!!

Thanks!

[thoseRZZZs]

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller!? Bueller!?

[John Coffey]

M48 x 1.5p taps are a little difficult to find. Use a M12 x 1.5p threaded bolt to hammer the top of the strut tubes round. Lay the bolt thread in the tube thread and hit the side of the bolt with a hammer to correct the out-of-round areas. You can also carefully move the bolt around the threads in the tube and tap on it to restore any damaged threads. Order 3 new gland nuts from Koni and use one as a tap to correct the threads on the strut tubes. Use a light oil to help that process along.

[AZ-240z]

Just a thought, but sometimes finding replacements is the path of least resistance.

Datsun 240Z Right Rear Suspension Strut Spindle Assembly w Brake Drum | eBay

Dan

[thoseRZZZs]

Thanks, John Coffey, I ended up having a ship correct the issue. They got one nut on perfectly, the other they got a couple threads in and tack welded a spot to hold in place... guess ill be grinding if my strut takes a dump!

[zKars]

I'd be making darn sure that the one that's spot welded is actually holding the insert in that tube tightly!

I know you're in a spot, but if that insert is loose, and can bang up and down inside the strut tube as you drive, it will hammer that barely hanging on gland nut out in no time flat and you and maybe someone around you will be in deep do-do...

[SteveJ]

Just in case anybody looks at this thread...

When I was getting ready to do the rear springs & struts, I put some brake fluid in a squirt oil can and for two or three days, I would periodically apply brake fluid to the gland nut.

While this wouldn't have helped the OP, it did work nicely for me in that the gland nuts came off fairly easily.