New Zealand Datsun Club

Hi guys, I am currently restoring my 120y. Have sprayed the motor bay and a12 will go in soon. All the running gear has been sprayed black and the underbody re undersealed.

Does anyone have any suggestions for lowering the rear and front (legally) and how low can we go without machining shocks and keeping the springs captive?

I know there are b310/b110 top caps around to drop the front around 30mm if anyone has any?

Look forward to hearing ideas and comments

Cheers

Shortening shocks isn't a biggie dude.
Don't be put off by doing it.

Easiest and quickest would be 2" blocks in the back (which is the biggest blocks you can use legally) and shortened springs up from (something like king springs).

If you want to go lower up front then shortening shocks is easy. if they are the original oil filled struts you can put in a spacer, or if they are newer sealed inserts you can get them machined to suit. I have 2" blocks in the back and lowered springs up front with shortened shocks to keep it captive (its not very low, only 2" all around).

Next step (which I am working through at the moment) is coilovers up front and reset leaves at the back. Once you get into coilovers you will need to get certed.

Where abouts would I be able to get shocks shortened? Engineers possibly?

Or you say a spacer on the shock to keep them captive? They are the original shocks. Do the spacers allow you to go low while keeping captive?
Also I am looking into getting leafs reset, where would be the best place?
Cheers

autolign will shorten your shocks, I have had a few pairs done through them. Last was $120 I think.

If they are the original oil filled one then you can put a spacer inside the shock and it stops it extending as far as normal, which will keep shorter springs captive.

Resetting leaves, best bet will probably be archers in rotorua. Dont thnk there are any places closer (Im in wellington and havnt found anything closer).

Cheers.
With the spacer, how easy is it to install and where abouts would I locate some? Do you know how big you can go with them?
Also with your shortened shocks, where did you find suitable springs?

Thanks for your help

bit of small steel pipe will do trick 1" diameter or there abouts, prob about 60-80mm long
(depending on desired ride height & spring selection, and whether you can get 30mm via 310 top hats)
you can refill shocks with ATF or hydraulic oil for extra dampening too as I understand.
I used heavier motorbike shock oil
(dont use oils that don't have antifoaming characteristics)

I have used cut avenger rear springs in the past.
But a set of king springs trimmed to length probably best & easiest acquired option

if you look at my 120Y build thread (via link under signature) I ran 2" blocks with chopped front avenger springs up front, choked (shortened) shocks & 310 top hats.

Thanks Kitch.

I have pulled a strut out this afternoon (intending to put a spacer in)and have removed the nut holding the shock in but the shock won't budge out. Any suggestions?

I am also on the lookout for some b310 strut top hats if anyone has some or knows of

unless there is some corrosion inside (unlikely) it will just be bound up on the O-ring that the shock cannister spigoted top seal has.
prob just needs a wiggle or a whack!

Cheers Kitch
I managed to get one out and have found its not orginal oil filled unit. These are sealed completely and say made in vanezuela do not heat or open.

Not sure what these are out of or if you can machine them as it is sealed?