1975 280z rear coil springs

[Roblaw]

Hey all, I've been searching for new rear coils for the Z. Really sags back there and front looks like a "gasser" in comparison. Seems aftermarket only offers all 4. I've read about Chevette springs but unsure about going that route. Anyone know of a good source to get stock height rear coils?

[Zed Head]

This place is really just one guy.  You could call him and see if he'll sell you just two.

https://zcardepot.com/collections/suspension/products/coil-spring-set-stock-and-lowered-240z-260z-280z

Edit - also, just thought of this, there are places that will wind you a spring.  The spring data is in the FSM.

Edited May 20, 2020 by Zed Head

[Roblaw]

Zed, thanks for that.

[SteveJ]

Chevette springs are relatively easy to do. I did them on my 260Z. It might take a couple of test fittings to get the height where you want it. They are pretty firm as far as springs go.

[Zed Head]

Might consider that if the rears are sagged a lot, the fronts might be sagged a little.  So there will still be a mismatch.

There's always used springs too.  @zKars

[Roblaw]

I looked at the spring rate for the Chevette coils on Rockauto. They were close to the OEM rate Zed provided but the spring lengths were a little shorter.

Steve, is the 280z rear end heavier than the 260z? I'm thinking the Chevette coils are pretty close in rate to OEM for a 280z, maybe a little softer in fact.

Unless the Rockauto numbers are arbitrary. They are real cheap. I may just get some and see how it goes.

[SteveJ]

You probably will need to cut the springs to height. When I first put the springs in there, it looks like I was trying to create a 4x4 Datsun.

This thread may help you: https://www.zcar.com/threads/chevette-coil-spring-swap-on-280z.349281/

[Roblaw]

Here's what I'm dealing with.

[Zed Head]

Measure from the rocker panels to the ground, front and back.  There's nothing dramatic in your picture.

Try lifting the back end up by hand also, I had a strut that would stick.  And, if you find that you only need 1/2 inch try new struts first.  The gas struts will raise the car by about 1/2 inch.