front strut

[hf240z]

:stupid: is the front strut assembly (including brake) of an 81 280zx exchangeable with a 240z front assembly? (240z brakes seems not that strong).

[2ManyZs]

Maybe.....Maybe not....

The 280 and 280ZX strut housings are longer and have a longer spring which would make the front end sit way too high. However, you could always either lower the stock spring perch and use 240 springs, or just cut the whole thing and install coil-overs. Not sure if the strut housing will bolt up to the stock 240 steering arm though...If they do bolt up to the steering arm, all you would need to do is cut them and install coilovers or mount the spring perch lower....

Don't really know on that one as most people just change the brakes and not the whole strut housing, so that might indicate the fact that it won't work....They do put the strut housings on the 510's in the front, so it should be possible with a little modifications....

Good idea though....

[hf240z]

hi, do you have notes/link on how to modify 240 front brake using 280zx parts?

thanks

Originally posted by 2ManyZs

Maybe.....Maybe not....

The 280 and 280ZX strut housings are longer and have a longer spring which would make the front end sit way too high. However, you could always either lower the stock spring perch and use 240 springs, or just cut the whole thing and install coil-overs. Not sure if the strut housing will bolt up to the stock 240 steering arm though...If they do bolt up to the steering arm, all you would need to do is cut them and install coilovers or mount the spring perch lower....

Don't really know on that one as most people just change the brakes and not the whole strut housing, so that might indicate the fact that it won't work....They do put the strut housings on the 510's in the front, so it should be possible with a little modifications....

Good idea though....

[Mudge]

The struts on the 81ZX are huge, compared to a 240 strut. The ID is not the same (not so important), but the stud distance is way off. I wonder however if the top rubber mounts are interchangable, I'm thinking no, but maybe there is a way to make that a yes.

Since the car is ALOT heavier (it is when you push it!), I bet the bolts are beefed up as well, which means, wont fit.

[2ManyZs]

I don't know of any sites or links that might be able to help you decide if this is something you would want to try to tackle without some guidance....

I guess anything is possible if you want to give it a shot, but you might end up wasting money on parts trying to find the correct pieces to make it work.

I think the upper mounts should be the same, it's the way it would mount to the steering arm that might be a big problem if it won't bolt up to a 240 steering arm. Perhaps the ZX steering arm could be made to work?

Of course, then you would still have to shorten the strut housing and/or reposition the spring perch to get the height correct.....