Hey guys!
I'm new to the Z-car family. I picked up a 280ZX for $235 locally that needs some work. The seller said that it needed a new U-joint and new ball joints up front.


I got under the car for the first time today and wiggled the drive shaft because I was told that if the universals needed to be replaced there would be play in the shaft and that I would be able to turn it before anything would engage.

The shaft seemed tight to me from what little mechanical knowledge I have but whenever I release the clutch theres a thud and it feels like the rear end is going to fall out


How hard is it to replace the ball joints? He said that they were causing the gnarly wear on the front tires. Autozone priced me $65 for both of them. I'm thinking that the alignment is off because the tires pitched horribly when they were off of the ground.


How hard is it to replace the pressure bearing line in the power steering system? Mine leaks badly but thats all the leaks under the hood


It isn't hard at all to replace the exhaust gasket before it goes to the Y, right? Mine leaks right there.


Thanx in advance guys!

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Feel free to browse around the forum as most of your questions have been asked & answered before. Check out this thread:

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/280zx-common-problems-checklist-purchase-inspection-16386/

Also... go to your local parts store asap (like right now) and buy a 280zx Haynes service manual. It will be the best $14 you ever spent.

 

Yeah, I read through that but I didnt see anything related to the U joints.
Would that explain the hard shifts?

I'm picking up a Haynes manual tomorrow
edit: Just bought one off of eBay for $6.80 shipped

 

These are some good reads on u-joints / cv's. I came across an awesome "how to diagnose the Z rear end clunk" page the other day and didn't bookmark it... doh!

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ghlight=joints

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ghlight=joints

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ghlight=joints

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ghlight=joints

 

Thanx man!
The bushings sound exactly like what is going wrong!

 

I was having the same problems with my 83. After reading some of the posts here found out about the bushing. Replaced it and problems went away.

 

Would I be better off replacing the bushings or getting the washers and welding them?
I can weld well and have access to what I would need.

If I go the washer method should I just fab a solid mount?

Would I have to remove the diff if I just weld the washers or could I just stick it on the lift?

 

Does anyone know if the diff has to come off to weld the washers on?

 

No... but to get the mustache bar off you will need to remove the 4 long diff neck bolts to be able to move the diff & let the bar slide off. You may need to drop the driveline from the diff to driveline flange too.

 

Thanx Nismo

I'm trying to get an idea of everything that needs to be done before I get her out on the lift at the shop.

 

the front ball joints are super easy, held in by 14mm from the lower conrol arm (3 of them) and 2 17mm to the strut assy. and i think the tie rod may have to come off, but cant remeber, its been a bit. just jack her up, remove tires, and youll see, use an impact, the front wants to turn a corner otherwise making it a bit harder.

 

How will I know for sure that my ball joints are dead?
The power steering is out (just needs to have the pressure side of the line replaced) so I dont know how she really handles.

The wear on both front tires is insane. completely bald on the insides and at least double the legal tread on the outsides.

What do you guys think of these headers?
I figure some cleaning and flat black high temp flat black would do them nicely
These will give me plenty of low end over the stock manifold, right?

 

I just read that the N42 has diamond exhaust ports. Does this mean that I can't use these heads on my '79?

 

None of the L6 heads uses "diamond" exhaust ports. They're either "round" or "square".

 

Is this a mistake in the sticky?
I havent pulled off the manifold yet

 

i have an N42 head, they are and odd shapped square, i guess you could almost mistake them for a diamond, seeing as how a diamond IS a square, just on its side. also, those are the rebello headers arent they? they are expensive as *****, where did you see them at? and how much?

also, im overhauling my rear subframe assembly, and im taking pictures to accomidate it as a write up i guess. it might be good for you to look at... infact, everyone should look at it cause its gonna be bitchin! im surprised not many people have commented in it.

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...highlight=rear

 

Should they work on the N42 head? The gasket is universal for all of the heads so everything should seal, right?

My exhaust is all stock (I think) and it has a slight leak. Rather than fixing it I think I'll take the opportunity to upgrade

I hope I can trust you all to leave me with my bidding. I found them on eBay. The current bid is $40 + $40 shipping

 

Heres a pic for comparison



They look like the same to me. Either that, or a decent copy!
they are $330-350 on their site O.o

 

Looks like a killer deal, good luck in the bidding.

 

thanx man

 

well, I decided that I'm going to get my car running well before I start any upgrades :P

have at them if you want them:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ksid=p3907.m32

 

I have an N42, N47, P79 and P90 head at the shop. I'll take pictures of the exhaust ports on all 4 Monday so you can compare them.

Generally, only "round" and "square" ports, including the heads with emissions liners, are referenced when discussing exhaust ports on the L6 heads

 

thanx man!

 

Prolly a dumb question, does anyone know what size the nuts to the studs/bolts under the flange are. Trying to be descriptive as possible; just the nut size, thread pattern etc, right where it goes from two to one. Just need to quiet an exhaust leak until I can get my new exhaust installed.

Many thanks...

 

get a nut off one of the lower studs (not the upper 3 they are bigger) go to napa and have tehm match it for you.