bigcountryboy

Datzenmike, I just saw what you said about working out a spring rate based off the stock springs being cut. Didn't think of that. Thanks.

Sorry I always forget that sarcasm projects poorly across the interwebs. I know struts won't fix the problem. That's why I said that I need new springs. That is why I asked about spring length. I have done a lot of reading on suspension and have a decent idea of what I need to do to lower it, such as a higher spring rate and normally a shorter spring. I just can't find the info on how to determine what length to get. I've seen the calculators for finding out spring rate increase if you cut coils and the ones that can tell you what the spring rate of a given spring is by it's dimensions, but nothing about how much shorter of a spring that you would need if buying a new spring. I don't want to go off and spend $100+ on a pair of springs just to find out that it's not even close to what I'm looking for and have to buy more springs. Again, I appreciate the input as I didn't realize that I would have to cut the the stock strut tube for the 280 inserts to actually go lower. I was under the impression that I just had to put a spacer under the insert to fill the gap and then I could just lower the spring perch. Fat510, thanks for the reminder. I forgot about the wheel clearance issue with the 280zx struts.

Thanks guys, that info helps a lot. Datzenmike, I was going to use the stock springs but my passenger side sags a good 2" lower than the driver's side unless new struts will fix that issue I'm pretty sure that I need new springs. Fat510, I'll have to do some measuring for clearance as I have stock 13's on my wagon. Love the car though. Mine is just like yours, even the same blue. Again thanks for the info. I'll definately be using it.

Hey everybody, I'm new here and new to datsuns. I have a '79 "510" wagon that I bought at the beginning of last year. I've just been driving it as my point A to point B car. I have to replace all of the bushings in the suspension here in the next couple of weeks along with springs front and back, as my suspension is shot. I figured that while I was at it i would lower the car. I have been reading the forums for the past few months and will probably be going with the shaft collar method in the front and a mix of blocks and a bastard spring pack for the rear. But, i still had a couple of questions that i didn't find answers for. I would like to drop the car 3 1/2 to 4 inches but was not sure how involved it was to go that low. I'll try to keep this short as possible since i'm putting my thoughts in with the questions. 1. How low can I realistically go using 280zx inserts in the stock housing. I read that 2" is the max safe drop for stock struts if you take it easy. I figured with the 280zx inserts I could go 3.5" and still be safe going off a stock setup. I couldn't seem to find how low peoople were dropping their cars with just the 280 insert. 2. My front coils are toast so I need to get new ones. I plan on using coils from a circle track supplier but I could not find any info on what length to use when lowering. I know I need a stiffer spring but I don't know how to determime length. 3. Does anyone know where to find leaf spring bushings for the '79 cars. I've looked online and found whatlooks kinda like leaf spring bushings but thet are listed as rear lower control arm bushings. Any input will be greatly appreciated. I do know my way around a car but it has been limited to older offroad trucks and GM metric chassis dirt cars. I just wanted a little input before I tear into this car and mess things up.