Coilovers

(Difference between revisions)

Datsun 1200 encyclopedia | Recent changes | Edit this page | Page history | Switch to MediaWiki mode

Special pages Double redirects Broken redirects Disambiguation pages Log in / create account Preferences My watchlist Recent changes Upload file File list Gallery of new files User list Statistics Random page Orphaned pages Uncategorized pages Uncategorized categories Unused categories Unused files Wanted pages Wanted categories Most linked to pages Most linked to categories Articles with the most categories Most linked to images Articles with the most revisions Short pages Long pages New pages Oldest pages Dead-end pages All pages Prefix index List of blocked IP addresses and usernames Book sources Categories Export pages Version System messages Logs MIME search List redirects Popular pages Search

Printable version | Disclaimers | Privacy policy | Current revision
Categories: Suspension Modifications | Lowering

---

Revision as of 05:14, 29 March 2009 ddgonzal (Talk | contribs) (->Spring Seats) <- Previous diff		Current revision ddgonzal (Talk | contribs)
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	Coilover springs can be fitted to the Datsun 1200, replacing the front coils springs. In the rear they can supplement the leaf springs. One advantage of coilovers is that many spring rates are available for customizing.	+	Small-diameter springs can be fitted to the Datsun 1200, replacing the stock front coilover springs. In the rear coil springs can supplement the leaf springs. One advantage of aftermarket coilovers is that many spring rates are available for customizing.
	= Overview =		= Overview =
-	With stock Datsun 1200 struts or upgraded struts, you have the option to convert them to coilover spring configuration. Advantages include:	+	Stock Datsun 1200 [[strut]]s are coilovers from the factory, but with fixed, large diameter springs. You have the option to convert them to adjustable spring height and/or small-spring configuration.
-	* Adjustable spring height, for lowering or for adjusting different length springs	+	Advantages of small-diameter coil springs include:
-	* Many spring rates are available for customizing	+
-	* If using small-diameter springs, you gain	+	* Adjustable spring height, for lowering, raising, or for adjusting the ride height
		+
		+	* If using small-diameter springs, you gain:
		+	** Many spring rates are available for customizing
	** more room to move the strut inward for extra negative Camber		** more room to move the strut inward for extra negative Camber
-	** more room for tires, or wider tires	+	** about 15 mm more room for taller-than-stock tires (stock size tires fit under the spring portion)
		+
		+	== Adjustable Ride Height ==
		+	Adjustable spring height is used for lowering, raising, or for adjusting the ride height: The lower spring seat is replaced with 1) threaded collar that fits over the strut tube and 2) threaded spring stop which can be rotated to raise or lower it
		+
		+	{{PhotoTh|91046238.jpg}}
		+
		+	Alternatively you can use a simple seat stop (non-threaded), which is adjustable if you use a commercial-grade shaft clamp (see [[Fastening Spring Seats]]).
		+
		+	Stock lower seat VS threaded adjustable seat
		+	<br>{{Album|9799}}
		+
		+	Adjustable spring seat with stock springs
		+	<br>{{Album|26464}}
		+
		+	* Moving the adjuster nut will lower or raise the car. It will not change the spring rate
		+	* How much adjustment range you'll have depends on the length of the threaded adjuster collar
		+	* Coilovers do not change the extended length. That is set by the strut (length of strut tube and the stroke of the piston)
		+	* Coilvers do not change the compressed length. That is set by the strut housing and the bump stop
		+
		+	Yes, you can make the stock spring height-adjustable. See [[Datsun_1200_Competition_Suspension_Manual#Adjustable_Ride_Height|Datsun Competition - Adjustable Ride Height]]
		+	<br>{{PhotoTh!|05.png|suspension}} {{PhotoTh!|06.png|suspension}} {{PhotoTh!|06.jpg|suspension}}
		+
		+	== Small-diameter Springs ==
		+	Struts can be converted to use small-diameter springs. Coilovers springs are available in a variety of sizes from 1.88" diameter up to larger-than-Datsun-springs 5" coilover springs. The common aftermarket size used with Datsuns is 2.25" I.D.
		+
		+	With the small springs, you gain:
		+	* Many spring rates are available for customizing
		+	* more room to move the strut inward for extra negative Camber
		+	* about 15 mm more room for taller-than-stock tires (stock size tires fit under the spring portion)
		+
		+	With smaller springs, the strut top can be moved further inward (to gain negative camber) before the spring hits the inside of the strut tower. Stock diameter 100mm springs can only gain about 2 degrees negative camber using this method. But small springs can go to 4 degrees negative.
		+
		+	Small-diameter springs & small Strut Tops
		+	<br>{{Album|26383}}
		+
		+	= Spring Rates =
		+	Choose your spring rates for coilovers like you would for any spring. Coilover springs are available in many different rates from soft to rock firm.
		+
		+	See main article: [[Spring Rates]]
		+
		+	= Coilover Kits =
		+	Kit can be used for &#934;45 stut tube such as Corolla KP61, EP71, AW11, YZ Sports: 48511-YZ502, etc.
		+
		+	{{Album|25576}}
		+
		+	[[Parts Sources|Ground Control]] has fully adjustable [[Coilovers]] kits for the Datsun 1200 and other models, for $199 USD a pair. NOTE: that the kit does not include the struts themselves, just the spring seats & coils.
-	[[Parts Sources|Ground Control]] has fully adjustable [[Coilovers]] struts, for $199 USD a pair.	+	Lower Spring Seat (threaded) and Upper spring seat
		+	<br>{{Album|17532}}
-	[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=9194 http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/9194.jpg] Coilover kit from Ground Control	+	Coilover kit from Ground Control fitted to Datsun struts
		+	<br>{{Album|9194}}
	Discussion: [http://datsun1200.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=20569&forum=1 stiffer suspension]		Discussion: [http://datsun1200.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=20569&forum=1 stiffer suspension]
		+	[http://www.paradiseracing.com/SCcoiloverkits.htm Paradise Racing] has front coilovers for Datsun 1200: Part Number DATF $175. Their softest spring rate (250 pounds) is suitable for racing.
-	Or, you can modify Nissan struts to accept standard 2-1/4 inch coils	+	= Non-Kits =
		+	Instead of buying a kit, you can modify Datsun struts to accept standard 2-1/4 inch coils. You can buy the springs and spring seats separately.
-	[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=10666 http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/10666.jpg]	+	{{Album|10666}}
-	= Front =	+	My threaded sleeves are 125mm long. They are placed 172mm up from the hub casting.
-	An advantage of coilovers on the front is that they are small-diameter. This mean you can move the strut top further to gain addition negative camber.	+
-	* Stock springs: 110mm (4.33 in)	+
-	* Coilovers: 2 in	+
-	The Datsun 1200 strut housing is [[Strut Specification|45 mm diameter]] (many other Datsun are 50.8 mm).	+	45mm stock struts
		+	Sleeve length: 125 mm
		+	Strut length: 393 mm from top of hub casting
		+	Sleeve starts: 172 mm up from hub casting
-	Stock strut inserts have a 17mm stroke.	+	{{Photo|54302-H1072-3.jpg}} {{Photo|54302-H1072-2.jpg}} {{Photo|54302-H1072-1.jpg}}
-	The better coilovers actually have the thread for the top cap on the inside of the threaded sleeves. This way you just have to cut the strut to the length you want and then weld the threaded sleeves on and the cap screws into the top of the sleeve. They also have a turned step on the inside of them where the threaded sleeve rests on the top of the strut body. This way no load is supported simply by a weld.	+	= Front =
		+	The main advantage of moving to small-diameter coilover springs is that many rates and lengths are available. With the stock large-diameter size, only a few off-the-shelf springs are available such as the King [[Lowering Springs]] (lowers a 1200 30mm) and choices of longer springs. By converting to small-diameter springs, the full range of pre-made springs are available by rate and length, for example, Eibach's line of 2.25" springs.
		+	The other advantage of small-diameter springs on the front is that you can move the strut top further inwards to gain additional [[Camber#-VE_Camber_.28Negative_camber.29|negative camber]] when using camber tops. With the stock springs, only a little adjustment is possible before the spring hits the inside of the strut tower. With small springs, much adjustment is possible.
		+	* Stock springs: 100mm (4") I.D.
		+	* Small-dia. springs: 2.25" I.D.
-	Remember that the stock spring rate is 91 pounds/inch, so 250 pound springs will result in a very stiff ride, suitable for track racing with a lowered car. Not recommended for bumpy surfaces such as public streets or off-pavement racing. For street use, consider 175 pounds the upper limit.	+	See: [[Strut_Tops#Camber_Tops|Camber Tops]]
		+	<br>{{Upload|8427_4b0f59be0a461.jpg}}
		+	Smaller springs can also give slightly more room for taller-than-stock tires (stock size tires fit under the spring portion). The stock springs are 110 mm O.D. while small springs are typically 2.25" (~77mm O.D.) which will gain an extra 15mm or so closer to the strut tube, allowing for wider wheels, even those with less offset(for that "dish" look).
-	[[Parts Sources|Ground Control]] has fully adjustable coilover struts, for $199 USD a pair. See [http://datsun1200.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=20569&forum=1 stiffer suspension]	+	The Datsun 1200 strut housing is [[Strut Specification|45 mm diameter]] (many other Datsun are 50.8 mm).
-	* [http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=9194 http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/9194.jpg] Coilover kit from Ground Control	+
		+	Stock strut inserts have a 17mm stroke.
-	[http://www.paradiseracing.com/SCcoiloverkits.htm Paradise Racing] has front coilovers for Datsun 1200: Part Number DATF $175. Their softest spring rate (250 pounds) is suitable for racing.	+	The better coilovers actually have the thread for the top cap on the inside of the threaded sleeves. This way you just have to cut the strut to the length you want and then weld the threaded sleeves on and the cap screws into the top of the sleeve. They also have a turned step on the inside of them where the threaded sleeve rests on the top of the strut body. This way no load is supported simply by a weld.
		+	Remember that the stock spring rate is 91 pounds/inch, so 250 pound springs will result in a very stiff ride, suitable for track racing with a lowered car. Not recommended for bumpy surfaces such as public streets or off-pavement racing. For street use, consider 175 pounds the upper limit.
	= Rear =		= Rear =
-	Coilovers can be easily fitted to the rear of sedans, and less easily to coupes). Some modifications to the shock tower are needed.	+	Coilovers can be easily fitted to the rear of sedans (and less easily to coupes). Some modifications to the shock tower are needed.
	One idea is to remove all the leaf springs except the main leaf. The main leaf is left to control placement of the axle housing. The coilovers handle most of the weight of the rear suspension.		One idea is to remove all the leaf springs except the main leaf. The main leaf is left to control placement of the axle housing. The coilovers handle most of the weight of the rear suspension.
Line 53:		Line 113:
	KONI sells 42mm Inside Diameter and 50mm I.D. threaded sleeves for coilover use. They use 2-1/4 inch (57mm) I.D. springs. KONI 80-series are 42mm O.D. shocks, while 30-, 82- and 87-series is 50mm O.D.		KONI sells 42mm Inside Diameter and 50mm I.D. threaded sleeves for coilover use. They use 2-1/4 inch (57mm) I.D. springs. KONI 80-series are 42mm O.D. shocks, while 30-, 82- and 87-series is 50mm O.D.
-	= Spring Seats =	+	generic coilovers
-	You can buy the spring seats separately from the springs. Since most 'kit's are only available in high spring-rate (stiff) springs, not suitable for streets 1200s, this give you the flexibility to mix and match.	+	<br>{{Album|12321}}
-	== Stock 1200 Spring Seat ==	+	Ute coilovers
-	If using stock 1200 springs, just reuse the stock spring seat. You can carefully grind the welds off the strut housing, and presto! you have a movable spring seat. Move it to a new position and fasten securely.	+	<br>{{UploadPost|14768_4d5c83bba9843.jpg|357100}}
		+
		+	SPAX on dattodude sedan
		+	<br>{{Album|24766|jpg|340}}
		+
		+	= Spring Seats =
		+	You can buy the spring seats separately from the springs. Since most "kits" are only available in high spring-rate (stiff) springs, not suitable for streets 1200s, this give you the flexibility to mix and match.
	== Threaded Seats ==		== Threaded Seats ==
Line 75:		Line 141:
	reference: [http://datsun1200.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=29750&forum=1 removable spring seat]		reference: [http://datsun1200.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=29750&forum=1 removable spring seat]
-	= Seat Fitting =	+	= Fastening the Spring Seat =
-	Traditionally, spring seats are welded to the strut body.	+	Traditionally, spring seats are welded to the strut body. Or, some Datsun fans use a Shaft Collar instead of welding the bottom perch. Both methods allow adjustment on-car after installation.
-		+
-	NOTE: Unit coilovers (not Strut type), as might be used on the rear suspension of a 1200, often have an integral flange and the seat just is tapped on until it bottoms.	+
-		+
-	== Weld ==	+
-	Welding the spring seat to the strut body is the generally accepting fitting method. Options include:	+
-	* Seat welded directly to strut body. This is how the factory did it	+
-	* A seat stop is welded to the strut body	+
-	* Hybrid: a seat stop is welded to the seat, then that assembly welded to the strut body	+
-		+
-	== Strut Collars ==	+
-	Some Datsun fans use a Shaft Collar instead of welding the bottom perch. Works a treat, even some racers and a few commercial spring companies use this method.	+
-		+
-	[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=10084 http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/10084.jpg] Shaft Collar on S310 Strut	+
-	* Use a two-piece shaft collar	+
-	* Do *not* use a set-screw collar	+
-	* Get the kind with cap screws, not set screws. They are double the holding power	+
-		+
-	# cut/grind the stock Datsun spring cup	+
-	# fit the clamp to the strut tube and tighten	+
-	#* When installing a split collar, it is important that a small gap remain between the two halves of the collar.	+
-	#* You must use a torque wrench for safe installation	+
-	# put the spring cup over the tube, it sits on top of the collar	+
-		+
-	This is adjustable, like the more traditional threaded collars except instead of being welded, it is clamped to the strut tube. Use s single split Shaft Collar. Instead of threading the seat up/down, loosen and move the collar.	+
-		+
-	[http://www.climaxmetal.com/2pc_metric_collar.htm http://www.climaxmetal.com/images/Products/M2C-S_170.jpg]	+
-	45mm Collar (1.77 inch): For Datsun 1200 and 120Y	+	See main article: [[Fastening Spring Seats]]
-	* 45mm bore	+
-	* 73mm O.D	+
-	* 19mm thick	+
-	* Weight Steel: 12.5 oz	+
-	* Price: [http://www.mcmaster.com/#9520t19/=17ctlo Aluminum: About $27 USD], [http://www.drillspot.com/products/463338/Ruland_Manufacturing_MSP-45-F_Shaft_Collar Steel: $23]	+
		+	= Base Height Coilovers =
		+	Most coilover kits installed on Datsuns use a normal height adjustment mechanism which pre-loads the spring to adjust the ride height. But there is a more advanced system called 'Base height adjustable'.
-	2" Collar (50.8 mm): For most Datsuns (including 280ZX and B310)	+	To install a 'base height' adjustable kit, you cut your standard strut tube down to about 2" long and weld on an internally threaded sleeve. The fully threaded coilover unit then screws into the sleeve, and a lock ring secures it in place at the desired height. The coilover unit also features a conventional adjustable spring platform further up the body - this allows for independent spring pre-load and ride height settings.
-	* 2" bore	+
-	* 3" O.D	+
-	* 11/16 inch thick.	+
-	* Weight Aluminum: 4.4 oz	+
-	* Weight Steel: 11.0 oz	+
-	* Price: [http://shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=split+shaft+collar+2%22&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=split+shaft+collar+2%22&_osacat=0 About $15 USD] for steel	+
-	=== Counterpoint ===	+	1: Fixed spring seat
-	Some people use a standard muffler clamp instead of a Shaft Collar. That sounds less secure than a Shaft Collar. They use two of the half-circle parts with straight bolts. This is basically a sheet-metal shaft collar.	+	2: Adjustable spring seat
		+	3: Base-height adjustable system
		+	{{Photo|9799.jpg}}
-	Are either of these methods safe? Some feel they are not. Others have run them in race cars for years with no problems.	+	With the base-height system, the strut insert (shock) no long fits in the strut tube. Now it fits between the strut-stub and the coilover tube.
		+	The problem with conventional coilovers is if you set your car up on corner weight scales, the passenger side will be lighter, so you jack the weight from side to side side/front to back/diagonal etc to correct it - except then the spring pre-load is uneven and so too is the droop characteristics. Base height adjustables offer the solution here as ride height and spring pre-load are independent set.
	[[Category:Suspension Modifications]]		[[Category:Suspension Modifications]]
		+	[[Category:Lowering]]{{End}}

---

Current revision

Small-diameter springs can be fitted to the Datsun 1200, replacing the stock front coilover springs. In the rear coil springs can supplement the leaf springs. One advantage of aftermarket coilovers is that many spring rates are available for customizing.

Contents 1 Overview 1.1 Adjustable Ride Height 1.2 Small-diameter Springs 2 Spring Rates 3 Coilover Kits 4 Non-Kits 5 Front 6 Rear 7 Spring Seats 7.1 Threaded Seats 7.2 BMW Spring Seats 8 Fastening the Spring Seat 9 Base Height Coilovers

Overview

Stock Datsun 1200 struts are coilovers from the factory, but with fixed, large diameter springs. You have the option to convert them to adjustable spring height and/or small-spring configuration.

Advantages of small-diameter coil springs include:

• Adjustable spring height, for lowering, raising, or for adjusting the ride height

• If using small-diameter springs, you gain:
  • Many spring rates are available for customizing
  • more room to move the strut inward for extra negative Camber
  • about 15 mm more room for taller-than-stock tires (stock size tires fit under the spring portion)

Adjustable Ride Height

Adjustable spring height is used for lowering, raising, or for adjusting the ride height: The lower spring seat is replaced with 1) threaded collar that fits over the strut tube and 2) threaded spring stop which can be rotated to raise or lower it

Alternatively you can use a simple seat stop (non-threaded), which is adjustable if you use a commercial-grade shaft clamp (see Fastening Spring Seats).

Stock lower seat VS threaded adjustable seat
Album 9799

Adjustable spring seat with stock springs
Album 26464

• Moving the adjuster nut will lower or raise the car. It will not change the spring rate
• How much adjustment range you'll have depends on the length of the threaded adjuster collar
• Coilovers do not change the extended length. That is set by the strut (length of strut tube and the stroke of the piston)
• Coilvers do not change the compressed length. That is set by the strut housing and the bump stop

Yes, you can make the stock spring height-adjustable. See Datsun Competition - Adjustable Ride Height

Small-diameter Springs

Struts can be converted to use small-diameter springs. Coilovers springs are available in a variety of sizes from 1.88" diameter up to larger-than-Datsun-springs 5" coilover springs. The common aftermarket size used with Datsuns is 2.25" I.D.

With the small springs, you gain:

• Many spring rates are available for customizing
• more room to move the strut inward for extra negative Camber
• about 15 mm more room for taller-than-stock tires (stock size tires fit under the spring portion)

With smaller springs, the strut top can be moved further inward (to gain negative camber) before the spring hits the inside of the strut tower. Stock diameter 100mm springs can only gain about 2 degrees negative camber using this method. But small springs can go to 4 degrees negative.

Small-diameter springs & small Strut Tops
Album 26383

Spring Rates

Choose your spring rates for coilovers like you would for any spring. Coilover springs are available in many different rates from soft to rock firm.

See main article: Spring Rates

Coilover Kits

Kit can be used for Φ45 stut tube such as Corolla KP61, EP71, AW11, YZ Sports: 48511-YZ502, etc.

Album 25576

Ground Control has fully adjustable Coilovers kits for the Datsun 1200 and other models, for $199 USD a pair. NOTE: that the kit does not include the struts themselves, just the spring seats & coils.

Lower Spring Seat (threaded) and Upper spring seat
Album 17532

Coilover kit from Ground Control fitted to Datsun struts
Album 9194

Discussion: stiffer suspension

Paradise Racing has front coilovers for Datsun 1200: Part Number DATF $175. Their softest spring rate (250 pounds) is suitable for racing.

Non-Kits

Instead of buying a kit, you can modify Datsun struts to accept standard 2-1/4 inch coils. You can buy the springs and spring seats separately.

Album 10666

My threaded sleeves are 125mm long. They are placed 172mm up from the hub casting.

45mm stock struts
Sleeve length: 125 mm
Strut length: 393 mm from top of hub casting 
Sleeve starts: 172 mm up from hub casting

Front

The main advantage of moving to small-diameter coilover springs is that many rates and lengths are available. With the stock large-diameter size, only a few off-the-shelf springs are available such as the King Lowering Springs (lowers a 1200 30mm) and choices of longer springs. By converting to small-diameter springs, the full range of pre-made springs are available by rate and length, for example, Eibach's line of 2.25" springs.

The other advantage of small-diameter springs on the front is that you can move the strut top further inwards to gain additional negative camber when using camber tops. With the stock springs, only a little adjustment is possible before the spring hits the inside of the strut tower. With small springs, much adjustment is possible.

* Stock springs: 100mm (4") I.D.
* Small-dia. springs: 2.25" I.D.

See: Camber Tops
Upload click to view

Smaller springs can also give slightly more room for taller-than-stock tires (stock size tires fit under the spring portion). The stock springs are 110 mm O.D. while small springs are typically 2.25" (~77mm O.D.) which will gain an extra 15mm or so closer to the strut tube, allowing for wider wheels, even those with less offset(for that "dish" look).

The Datsun 1200 strut housing is 45 mm diameter (many other Datsun are 50.8 mm).

Stock strut inserts have a 17mm stroke.

The better coilovers actually have the thread for the top cap on the inside of the threaded sleeves. This way you just have to cut the strut to the length you want and then weld the threaded sleeves on and the cap screws into the top of the sleeve. They also have a turned step on the inside of them where the threaded sleeve rests on the top of the strut body. This way no load is supported simply by a weld.

Remember that the stock spring rate is 91 pounds/inch, so 250 pound springs will result in a very stiff ride, suitable for track racing with a lowered car. Not recommended for bumpy surfaces such as public streets or off-pavement racing. For street use, consider 175 pounds the upper limit.

Rear

Coilovers can be easily fitted to the rear of sedans (and less easily to coupes). Some modifications to the shock tower are needed.

One idea is to remove all the leaf springs except the main leaf. The main leaf is left to control placement of the axle housing. The coilovers handle most of the weight of the rear suspension.

Paradise Racing has rear coilovers for Datsun 1200: Part Number DATNAR $349 for non-adjustable, and DATR $499 for 12-position (soft to firm) units. Their softest spring rate (250 pounds) is suitable for racing.

KONI sells 42mm Inside Diameter and 50mm I.D. threaded sleeves for coilover use. They use 2-1/4 inch (57mm) I.D. springs. KONI 80-series are 42mm O.D. shocks, while 30-, 82- and 87-series is 50mm O.D.

generic coilovers
Album 12321

Ute coilovers
Post 357100

SPAX on dattodude sedan
Album 24766

Spring Seats

You can buy the spring seats separately from the springs. Since most "kits" are only available in high spring-rate (stiff) springs, not suitable for streets 1200s, this give you the flexibility to mix and match.

Threaded Seats

A coilover 'kit' typically comes with a threaded tube and nut-type seat that can be screwed higher or lower. They typically come in 2-1/4 inch size for 2-1/4" springs.

You can buy these separately and use with your own spring choice.

BMW Spring Seats

Instead of buying new, 2" diameter expensive springs, re-use your existing ones by using BMW removable spring seats.

BMW sports option rear coilovers have a glued on lower spring seat that can be tapped off, the ID is the same size as the datsun OD so can be slid over the Datsun 1200 strut and welded on. They come in late 70s-80s 320i, probably in a lot of other BMW models too.

The BWM spring has a flat bottom, for use use the the BMW seat. However, the top of the spring is the same as the Datsun spring so it fits the 1200 top seat perfect. These BMW springs are around 200 lb/in, suitable for racing 1200s.

Do they work with the stock 1200 springs?

reference: removable spring seat

Fastening the Spring Seat

Traditionally, spring seats are welded to the strut body. Or, some Datsun fans use a Shaft Collar instead of welding the bottom perch. Both methods allow adjustment on-car after installation.

See main article: Fastening Spring Seats

Base Height Coilovers

Most coilover kits installed on Datsuns use a normal height adjustment mechanism which pre-loads the spring to adjust the ride height. But there is a more advanced system called 'Base height adjustable'.

To install a 'base height' adjustable kit, you cut your standard strut tube down to about 2" long and weld on an internally threaded sleeve. The fully threaded coilover unit then screws into the sleeve, and a lock ring secures it in place at the desired height. The coilover unit also features a conventional adjustable spring platform further up the body - this allows for independent spring pre-load and ride height settings.

1: Fixed spring seat
2: Adjustable spring seat
3: Base-height adjustable system

With the base-height system, the strut insert (shock) no long fits in the strut tube. Now it fits between the strut-stub and the coilover tube.

The problem with conventional coilovers is if you set your car up on corner weight scales, the passenger side will be lighter, so you jack the weight from side to side side/front to back/diagonal etc to correct it - except then the spring pre-load is uneven and so too is the droop characteristics. Base height adjustables offer the solution here as ride height and spring pre-load are independent set. 

---

Edit this page | Discuss this page | Page history | What links here | Related changes




Datsun 1200 encyclopedia | About Datsun 1200 Club | Switch to MediaWiki mode