510 suspension/brake upgrade

Discussion forum for the venerable 510, and its non-US counterparts, the Datsun 1600 and Bluebird.
codyisbad
Posts: 129
Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2005 1:53 pm
Car: '71 510 '90 300zx

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I have read many places a common upgrade is 280zx struts + brakes. What I can't figure out is when getting these parts what exactly should I get? I know I need the strut, but do I need the 280zx knuckle/spindle or will the caliper and strut bolt on to the stock 510 knuckle/spindle? Also I read to switch to z31 hubs for the proper track witdh. I went to the junkyard and all I could find was a 280z. These are different from the 280zx correct? I got the z31 front hubs, in 5-lug. What is the best way to convert the rear to 5-lug.


ca18datsun510
Posts: 2050
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2002 7:28 pm
Car: bmw 330i zhp, 91 infiniti m30, 89 240sx, 07 zx6r, 05 trx450r
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you take the whole assembly.

the strut tube is pressed into the knuckle, not bolted.

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evildky
Posts: 14713
Joined: Sat Jan 31, 2004 9:23 pm
Car: 71 240ZT, 87 300ZXN/A-T, 06 350Z GT, Tundra TRD RW
Location: Louisville, KY
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actually the strut assy is one with the spindle and the steering is just an arm on the bottom of the strut held on with 2 bolts, you can use either, the shorter one will yield quicker turning

codyisbad
Posts: 129
Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2005 1:53 pm
Car: '71 510 '90 300zx

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Ok, I actually looked at the front suspension and realize my first question was pretty dumb, obviously they are all one piece. I still have my last question though. Is there another way to convert the rear to 5 lug besides redrilling the hubs?

ca18datsun510
Posts: 2050
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2002 7:28 pm
Car: bmw 330i zhp, 91 infiniti m30, 89 240sx, 07 zx6r, 05 trx450r
Contact:

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evildky wrote:actually the strut assy is one with the spindle and the steering is just an arm on the bottom of the strut held on with 2 bolts, you can use either, the shorter one will yield quicker turning
actually, the tube is pressed in, not technically one piece. and the "steering thing" is not just an arm bolted on, its the ball joint assembly. use the one from the 510. also, swap the struts side to side. pass--->driver, driver---> passenger, for clearence for the brake calipers.

as for the 5 lug, you could take the rear drums and the hub setup to a machine shop and see if they car drill the holes for you and put in studds. only idea i have hope it helps.

codyisbad
Posts: 129
Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2005 1:53 pm
Car: '71 510 '90 300zx

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Thanks. For the brakes I am trying to use z31 turbo rotors all around with z32 calipers all around.


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