JBs280Z

I'm hearing horror stories about replacing the front struts on my 280. Is it really that hard or is it worth it to save a few bucks and do it myself ?

Bleach

spring compressors are annoying to use. They take time. Other than that I didnt' hear any horror stories. I did the struts in a 280Z and 280ZX myself.

lww

I've done them myself as well. The best part is, once you've replaced the stock springs with aftermarket lowering springs, you usually don't have to use a spring compressor anymore.

Niku-Sama

whys that?

NismoPick

Because lowering springs are shorter so you can usually get the cap on & off w/o compressing the springs.

Bleach

I used the built-in spring compressors that came on my ST springs.

280zx2by2

is a differnt spring/shock needed for the 2+2 cause of the extra weight? how much are spring compressors? also, whats a good brand for springs and skocks/struts

i need rear springs and shocks bad! just watch

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fusea...deoid=35401437

thanks for any info...

NismoPick

No difference in struts. There is a part# difference between 2seater & 2+2's springs.... but the actual difference is not noticeable.

Free... you can rent one at your parts store & get the $$$ back when you return them.

Search... we have lots of threads on that.

JBs280Z

Well what I've heard is that after the removal of the spring, extraction of the old cartridge is a nightmare. The spring compressors are no worry I have plenty of experience with them but I've never replaced a strut cartridge. I replaced the rear shocks no problem but that doesn't involve a cartridge swap. Is it that big of a nuisance ?

NismoPick

Just takes a large wrench (Vice Grips ... Monkey Wrench ... Combo Wrench) to get the top retainer nut loose. Then you slide out the cartridge. WARNING: The outter strut sleeve contains oil. Drain it & refill about 3/4 way w/ some strut oil or ATF.

PS... where's your Haynes Manual?

Bleach

you need just a small amount of oil, right?

CWHammer

The FSM says 9.3 US fl oz of Genuine Nissan Strut Oil.

This is a great p[lace to get info.

http://www.xenons130.com/reference.html

snwbrderphat540

the struts CAN get stuck in the strut housing. mine did, pulling them out they exploded on me lol! but then came out very easily after that. you do need some vice grips though to grab them to pull

JBs280Z

Well I sort of "misplaced" my manual the last time I moved. I've been searching diligently for it ever since but with no luck. This sounds like something I can tackle on my own though. I appreciate the info and advice from everyone.

280zx2by2

ha, im prob not going to do this one by myself, see i didnt even know you needed oil, id a been screwed right there

Bleach

just ask yo momma for some veggie oil from the kitchen...

280zx2by2

naw ill get my automotive teacher(MR. Nawlsket) to do the whole job cause hes my bitch, plus that means ill have a whole day to skip next year

NismoPick

You're ghey with your auto teacher? Yikes!

280zx2by2

man bitch...

snwbrderphat540

lol, before a mod says it i will, swears stay in non technical forums (aka the lounge section) part of that etiquette thing we speak of. you can still make a joke though as long as you don't go way off and thread jack. just saying. i would have used the word biznitch

280zx2by2

ok, hes my man biznich...sorry mods

Bleach

I dont' see any ..."izzle" added to these words. This is getting out of hand

280zx2by2

forizzle my nizzle, its crazizzle, keep it on the downlizzle

entropy31

2 week ban.

snwbrderphat540

lol 2 weeks on the grounds of abusing the izzle