78 280Z rear axle hardware

[One Way]

Just beginning the resurrection project on the rear axles and related components.  Removing the outboard axle nuts required some heat-red hot- to break loose after 40 plus years.  I know new nuts and lock washers will be required, but what do you think about the bolts?  The J.I.S. M10 hardware is a bit difficult to locate-14mm hex size-and the taller height nuts I believe will work in that spot.  Interference nuts or regular nuts with lock washers?  Just looking for recommendations on the best hardware options.  I have got the new rubber boots and clamps already and will be pressing out the u-joints as time permits to size them up.  Surprisingly the u-joints still feel pretty good moving but like all the other aged original parts they should be replaced.  Thanks for all the help with our resurrection project, John-Lugoff, SC.

[Zed Head]

The Nissan u-joints are high precision pieces.  Final sizing is done by their color-coded washers of various thickness.

I bought a set of new $20 each Precision u-joints and basically ruined a set of half-shafts.  They were looser with new aftermarket than they were with used Nissan.  If you're not buying new Nissan (~$80 each if you can find them) think twice about replacing the used ones.

[One Way]

I was looking into getting the DANA-SPICER u joints.  Normally the highest grade u joints readily accessible.  I did notice after cleaning away all the grease and grime and rust, one of the joints has a long extended grease zerk while the other one has the usual short stubby one.   Some of the u joints I have looked into have the long zerk.  The DANA-SPICER shows just the short one.  I will certainly be doing some careful measuring as we proceed with this particular project.  There is a slight amount of play in the LR outer joint.  I have not yet removed or cleaned the RR axle.  Thanks for the helpful advice, John-Lugoff, SC.