Return 240z to Stock Height

[87mj]

I have a '71 that may be suffering from sagging springs.  Does anyone know of a way to return it to factory ride height particularly in the rear?  It looks as if all replacement springs lower the vehicles rather than return it to factory height.  My existing springs are factory.

I was considering installing used 280z rubber shock insulator in the rear.  I thought that would raise it up about 3/4". Has anyone done that with any success while retaining factory 240z springs?  Would it require 280z shocks too?

I would rather go with 240z mounts since those are still available new but it may not be an option.

Thanks

Edited December 12, 2016 by 87mj

[Terrapin Z]

Hi 87mj,

Not to suggest this is your only solution, but it might be one to consider.

I would think if you had a weakened spring, the fix would not be to just install a taller isolator as you would still have a weak spring in there. Prone to bottoming or complete failure. 

I would put in new (old) springs, and struts as well if they were still original too. Just my opinion by what you describe.

I have a set of stock springs from an early 74 260Z (vin 20xxx) which were the 240 style suspension set up. 

The springs are listed separately in the carpartsmanual.com parts list as late 73 to early 74. There is some mention of a ratio but that part is cut off on the website. 

I would expect these to be a little higher spring rate than the earlier cars as the overall weight of the car was going up through the years.

I have not seen any specifics for spring rates in my searches but it should be out there somewhere. 

Perhaps it would work out for you. I am sure others might have suggestions too. 

TZ

[grannyknot]

In a pinch you could use a isolator/riser like in the pic but newer spring would be the best solution.

[87mj]

Thanks both of you for the suggestions.  Grannyknot, where did you find those spacers?  That looks like you increased your height by 3/4".  Is it tricky to find spacers to fit the z coils?

[grannyknot]

It has been a while,... I think I just googled poly spring spacers then found one with a similar diameter and the height I was looking for, I had to cut it to get the step and shaved off the the upper edge to match the stock perch. You will need proper spring compressors to get the shock nut on, I was trying to eliminate the rear end sag that sometimes happens with Eibach lowering springs, this how the car sat with those 3/4" spacers on the rear, to my eye that is the right height for these cars.

Edited December 15, 2016 by grannyknot

[87mj]

I never thought about spring spacers.  They look very well seated on those spring perches.  I really didn't want to go with used 280 shock mounts. My '71 mounts are wore out. Getting some that are 5 years newer from a 280 didnt sound smart.  My car has 60k miles on it so my used springs are probably less used than most other springs so I was hitting a dead end.  I will give that a try.

[Carl Beck]

On December 12, 2016 at 3:55 AM, 87mj said:

I have a '71 that may be suffering from sagging springs.  Does anyone know of a way to return it to factory ride height particularly in the rear?  It looks as if all replacement springs lower the vehicles rather than return it to factory height.  My existing springs are factory.

Some questions - how long have you owned the car?

How do you know it is sagging in the rear - vs sitting higher in the front? From the bottom of the rocker panel - front and rear - how high is it off the ground?

Springs don't usually wear out nor weaken in 60K miles. Installing modern high pressure gas shocks can raise the ride height of a 240Z .5 to .75 inches.

http://zhome.com/240ZSprings/240ZSpringsUS.htm

FWIW,

Carl B.

[z boy mn]

I don't know if this is helpful or not, but I have a set of stock springs that have not been on the car in ages. They're from a 71, but haven't had a car sitting on them for the better part of 30 years. I don't know if metal fatigues or wears out when there's no weight on them, but maybe they would return your car to its original height? I installed Eibachs a few years back (and I like them), but the PO had race springs on the car (which were awful). You can PM me if you are interested.

Otherwise, I know there are spring boosters you can get that you put between the coils; maybe you could test these to see if they help. Seems that if the spring is weak, though, they'll just cause it to sag in a different area.

Edited December 21, 2016 by z boy mn
Fixed for clarity...

[Terrapin Z]

z boy mn,

Your post looks to be a quote from me, but the content seems to be your own post. Did you try and quote me then retype your post into the quote?

It just looks odd, and now members are contacting me looking to buy your springs. 

Perhaps you can edit your post and take the quote out and place your text in as your own, to eliminate the confusion.

Thanks 

TZ

 

[Terrapin Z]

Double post

 

Edited December 21, 2016 by Terrapin Z

[z boy mn]

Hey Terrapin, sorry about that. It was my post, somehow it got quoted or something? Obviously, I'm not a computer expert! I've also been contacted about the springs, could be they leave MN soon! I'll try to correct my post above to it's more clear. (FIXED!)

Edited December 21, 2016 by z boy mn