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how to replace datsun 620 front shocks (+ fitting pinto shocks!)


Dawa

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wasnt planning on doing a write up but "Lee R" had asked me to in my build so i figured why not :)

plus, it took me 2 afternoons to do the install but after reading this and the proper prep, it should only take you a couple hours.

 

there are 2 parts to this how to:

1 - basic (stock) shock removal & replacement

2 - modifying the ford pinto's front shocks to fit

 

i used KYB GR-2s, which are the 'oem' equivalent, Part numbers @ bottom of page.

 

part 1:

straight from the book!

tumblr_m9aldjbIxV1qe7x6po1_1280.jpg

 

1) before the install, prepare tools/equipment/etc & remember, SAFETY FIRST!

2) "crack the torque" (slightly loosen) the lug nuts while the truck is on the ground. better now than when the wheel is in the air (free spinning.)

3) you probably dont have a lift so apply the e-brake and install wheel chocks to rear wheels. THEN raise the front of the car using the front cross member

that runs between the control arms/under the oil pan as your jacking point. Once raised, support the vehicle with jackstands.

3) remove wheel.

4) hold upper stem of shock absorber and remove nuts, washer, and rubber bushing. (this is where a ratcheting wrench comes in handy.)

tumblr_m9aldjbIxV1qe7x6po7_500.jpgnut was 14mm.

5) remove bolt from lower end of the shock absorber. (17mm)

6) "retain lower rubber bushing in position" install the lower end of shock absorber to the bracket of the lower link, and torque the bolt

to 23 to 30 ft lb. the part in quotations will most likely be N/A because your new shock will come with its own rubber bushing.

*note - insert the bolt from the front side of the vehicle.

tumblr_m9aldjbIxV1qe7x6po6_500.jpg

<- front of vehicle (this is driver's side) rear of vehicle ->

7) install the upper end of shock absorber to body bracket and tighten lock nuts to 12-16 ft lb. this is where a crow's foot would come in handy because you

there isnt enough clearance to fit a socket & torque wrench in there. here's the computation for using a crow's foot with a torque wrench

torque5.gif

 

 

 

 

 

part 2:

 

i thought the 'install' would be a direct swap but it is not. the pinto shocks need some minor modification to get them to fit.

 

all you need are some basic tools

-something to cut with (i used a hack saw)

-something to enlarge a hole with (drill bits)

-personal protective equipment for hands, feet, AND EYES ESPECIALLY!!!

 

shocks side by side:

tumblr_m9aldjbIxV1qe7x6po2_1280.jpg

(black shock) new ford pinto with much longer metal tube/collar. blue shock = old 620.

 

 

the bottom mounting hole of the stock shock uses a 12mm bolt, the interior diameter of the pinto is smaller so you need to enlarge it. i drilled mine out.

use a 15/32 drill bit (11.9mm) anything smaller wont do and anything bigger will allow more bolt play than stock. if the bolt still doesnt fit, sand the

circumference of the shoulder of the bolt. it doesnt take much. most of what i sanded off looked like rust. when i got down to bare metal the bolt fit.

 

here is the set i bought ($30, home depot) that included the 15/32 bit

f4e36ae4-a5aa-4760-86b0-ee81122b190e_300.jpg

some of the bits included AND fraction to mm conversions for reference

27/64 = 10.715mm

7/16 = 11.112mm

29/64 = 11.509mm

15/32 = 11.906mm

31/64 = 12.303mm

1/2 = 12.700mm

 

the stock shock's bottom mount outer diameter is approx. 31-32mm

tumblr_m9aldjbIxV1qe7x6po8_500.jpg

whereas the O.D. of the pinto's bottom mount is over 80mm, so youll have to cut it down to size.

tumblr_m9aldjbIxV1qe7x6po3_500.jpg

 

that's it for the modification! re-install is the reverse of removal, see part 1.

 

 

parts/prices/sources

KYB GR-2 / datsun 620 / rear / part number 344046 / $21.92 each, $43.84 shipped (from ebay, seller: allautomotive)

KYB GR-2 / ford pinto / front / part number 343134 / $23.69 each, $52.33 shipped (from summit racing)

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  • 3 weeks later...

Holllyyyyy crap do these make a difference!

 

I'd like to add that Gabriel Classic shocks are not necessarily the ones to use for this. There quality is great, but the sleeve in the bushing at the eyelet isn't perfectly round making it nearly impossible to drill straight. And that's using a drill press and new bit.

 

I countered this by using a slightly undersized bolt. 7/16-14 is nearly perfect. As long as it's tight, there's absolutely NO bolt play.

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  • 1 month later...

is there a nut on the back side if not what thread pitch is the 17mm bolt and length

tumblr_m9aldjbIxV1qe7x6po6_500.jpg

on this bottom bolt? yes there is a nut. in this photo you can somewhat see a socket and extension on the nut.

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  • 1 month later...
  • 9 months later...

How did you press it out?

 

 

I sprayed a little pb blaster on the metal tube that I needed pushed out.  I put it on my jack, scooted it under the arms coming off the frame for the cab mount, they have holes in them from factory, and pressed it out.  It gets it flush with the bushing. then a pair of vice grips and some fap muscle... Or you could use a socket and continue pushing it out. I don't have a press, used what i had.

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I sprayed a little pb blaster on the metal tube that I needed pushed out.  I put it on my jack, scooted it under the arms coming off the frame for the cab mount, they have holes in them from factory, and pressed it out.  It gets it flush with the bushing. then a pair of vice grips and some fap muscle... Or you could use a socket and continue pushing it out. I don't have a press, used what i had.

Awesome!  I don't have a press either.  Will be going this route too then  :thumbup:

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 years later...
  • 2 weeks later...

I'd like to add that "1999 Nissan Frontier" front shocks might be a better / easier choice.

 

 

Edit: 

 

I found O'reillys auto parts list Datsun shocks the same as Frontier 4WD shocks already? Now I'm really confused.........

 

1979 Datsun 620 shock:

 

 

  • Extended Length (In): 12-1/2 Inch
  • Compressed Length (In): 8-3/8 Inch
  • Travel Length (In): 4-1/8 Inch

 

 

 

1978 Ford Pinto shock:

 

  • Extended Length (In): 11 Inch
  • Compressed Length (In): 8-3/8 Inch
  • Travel Length (In): 2-5/8 Inch

-> These have to be modified to fit.

 

1999 Nissan Frontier, 2WD - 4 cyl

P/N Monroe #32113

 

  • Extended Length (In): 13-3/4 Inch
  • Compressed Length (In): 8-7/8 Inch
  • Travel Length (In): 4-7/8 Inch

 

-> These bolt right in, zero modifications.

 

1999 Nissan Frontier, 4WD - 6 cyl

P/N Monroe Shocks #32206

 

  • Extended Length (In): 12-1/2 Inch
  • Compressed Length (In): 8-3/8 Inch
  • Travel Length (In): 4-1/8 Inch

 

-> These bolt right in, zero modifications.

 

 

 

 

I don't think there's a difference between the 4 cylinder or V6 shocks, but the difference is due to the 2WD or 4WD as the 4WD shocks are shorter - better for the guys going really low.

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To prevent the shock bottoming wouldn't the compressed length need to be shorter than the stock 8 3/8"??? None of these look like an improvement.

 

I've always heard that the Frontier shocks were the best upgrade -- but they're the identical replacement parts?

 

Wtf?

 

It does appear that the Pinto shock may be the best option.

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