Are Tokicos Really Gone?

[Zedyone_kenobi]

I am getting ready to put the Z up on stands and totally refresh the suspension.  I would like more ground clearance and a bit of actual suspension travel.

 

I currently have 17 year old Tokico HP's that seem to be shot, and a set of progressive tokico springs.  My plans are to make the switch to 

 

Tokico HP struts again

Eibach springs (based on Diseazd reviews) 

New OEM nissan strut tops to replace my 43 year old ones. 

 

Troubling to hear people are not finding tokicos available any more.

 

Is this still true.  I will call motorsports day after christmas to see.  

 

I would like a combo that gives me about an inch more ground clearance. 

[NVZEE]

Nudge these guys - although letting retailers know there's demand is a good idea, too. I emailed Motovicity's sales dept. awhile back about the Z suspension kit and they couldn't be bothered to reply. As an option, maybe one of the Z aftermarket resources could clone some springs ...

http://www.motovicity.com/products/tokico.aspx

[Zed Head]

Since you have a set of Tokicos you could buy the HZ3038 part number and just transfer the gland nuts and spacers (rear) from your current set over to the new ones.  3038 is the base shock, the other part numbers indicate the gland nut and spacer combinations.  The 3038 seems to be available, just by looking at a quick internet search.

 

One of the forum members seems to have them - http://www.futofab.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=66&category_id=17&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=81

[Zedyone_kenobi]

man I like dealing with Futofab.  I will certainly give them my business.  I would like a bit more ride height while I am at it.  Was thinking of going to the eibach springs vs the Tokiko springs I currently run.

 

So you are saying the strut for the 240Z is identical for the front or rear, but the only thing that changes is the spacer and gland nut. Very interesting.  Make sense since the tubes are of different length.

[240260280z]

Looks like stock front and rear struts have the same damping performance based on data I posted here http://atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/springs/index.html

[Zed Head]

That is my understanding.  I'm positive it is for the 280Z, I have a set in the garage with 3038 stickers covered by 3012 and 3013 stickers.  John Coffey stated the same in a past thread when he was in a sharing mood.  I saved the statement, but may not be able to find the thread.

 

There is one caveat though.  I just saw a set of Z car Tokicos on eBay that did not have spacers.  They looked old, even though they were selling as new, and one of them had lost its pressure.  So it may be that the early Tokicos did not use spacers and the later ones do.  They were black, not blue.  So if that is the case, and you have old Tokicos, you may not have spacers to swap.  You might not have a path forward until you take your old ones apart.

 

 

Edit - here's the eBay ad, for as long as it lasts.  They look old and blown, and they're black, and I know for a fact that my newer 3013's are blue and use a spacer.  If you use the magnifyer you can see 3013 stamped in to the body, whereas the newer ones use a sticker.  So the question for you would be "how old are my Tokicos"".

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-280-Z-rear-strut-inserts-new-pair-/251775021713?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a9ef5f291&vxp=mtr

[John Coffey]

Yes, the 3012, 3013, 3015, 3016, and 3038 are the exact same shock with the only difference being the gland nut size and the spacer at the bottom.  You guys might also look for the 3099 which is the MR2 rear shock.  I has a little better rebound damping then the ones above.  You will need to make your own spacers and drill out the "D" shaped hole in the OEM upper insulators.  You can use the 3099 (or any of the above shocks) in any corner of the car with the proper length spacer underneath.  There is also the Rabbit shock but you'll have to source your own gland nut and, again, make the correct length spacer.  I forgot the Rabbit shock part number.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

This is truely disheartening.

 

I just cannot fathom that with all the 240Z's out there, their are no suspension kits for them.  I am have become finicky about my suspension lately.  The 68 Roadster I have has wonderful bounce and rebound damping, and runs KYB gas shocks.  I can still buy them.  I am just boggled that a car like the roadster is still supported while the Z has no shocks out there...

 

I would hate to tear the car apart and then be left waiting for parts to show up that may not be made to work together.

 

Who knew putting a suspension on a car could be so difficult.

[John Coffey]

There are other shock options for the S30.  Bilstein P30, KYB, Monroe, Koni,...  Tokico had stopped manufacturing shocks for slow selling applications back in 2011.  The pipeline for the S30, S130 and many, many other cars was drying up in 2012.  I doubt they will start back up for old Datsuns.  Talked with the head guy at Tokico USA in 2011 and they sold over 110 shocks for Fox body Mustang for every 1 shock they sold for ANY Datsun. 

[Zedyone_kenobi]

thanks John, guess the first step would be to see which works for a mildly lowered suspension, and which are currently available.  I guess I should start with Motorsportsauto.

 

the KYB and Koni have me interested. If I knew where to get bilstiens, I would seriously get those for my S30.  Bilstien makes some fantanstic dampers.

[siteunseen]

Here's the only place I've found that "says" they're in stock.  Haven't called them because I can't spend the money right now, mine are OK that are on there now. 

 

http://www.phantasmusa.com/fairladyz1.html

[JR Ohio]

This is truely disheartening.

 

I just cannot fathom that with all the 240Z's out there, their are no suspension kits for them.  I am have become finicky about my suspension lately.  The 68 Roadster I have has wonderful bounce and rebound damping, and runs KYB gas shocks.  I can still buy them.  I am just boggled that a car like the roadster is still supported while the Z has no shocks out there...

 

I bought the Vogtland Sport Lowering Springs and STAGG SHS High Performance strut package/kit on ebay.  I have not installed them yet because of the frigid weather.  But they look very nice.  Also just $289 for all 4 springs and 4 struts/shocks.  Also the struts are different length front and rear so I don’t expect any spacer issues.