![[Datsun 1200 encyclopedia]](/wiki/upload/wiki.png)
The B310 strut swap into a B110 is popular. You get better brakes, and better availability of strut inserts. The B310 is model years 1979-1982 (aka Sunny, or Datsun 210 not to be confused with B210). We are talking about B310s with 13" wheels, not those with 12" wheels which have small brakes. All USA models have the large brakes, and all Canada models except A12A Canada models. In Australia, any A14 or A15 powered B310 should have the good parts.
For more overview, see main article: Strut swaps.
This is the easiest upgrade, but are still light in performance compared to modern cars. discussion:
Rotor Sizes
| Dia. (mm) | Part Number | Source |
| 212.5 | 40206-H1006 | B110, B210 with A12 1974, 1975 |
| 220 (AN18) | 40206-H7500 | B210 A12 1976-1978,B310 with 12" wheels |
| 232 | 40206-A1155 | B210 A13, PB110?, PB210 early? |
| 245 (AN20) | 40206-U6700 | B210 A14, B310 A14/A15, PB210 late? |
The strut tops are different: The B310 tops have a higher profile and raise the car up, so use the B110 tops with the B310 struts. If there is nothing poking up through the hole in the strut tower,then it's a B310 top
The B310 struts are larger diameter (51 mm versus 45mm) and use smaller-diameter springs (100mm versus 110mm)
B310s have a larger brake than B110, that same size as the largest B210 brakes. You will need to modify the springs to make this work. Also the tie-rod ends are different.
B310 1979-1982 (aka 210 in US or Sunny in AU or 120Y/140Y in some countries) strut swap
- B310 strut tops use larger diameter bolts, so drill out the strut-tower bolt holes to match
-
- B310 on left, B110 on right
-
Strut Inserts
The damping force of the B310 strut is very similar to the B110 strut, so no worries there
Features:
- will clear 13" wheels
- significant increase of track width
- Virtually same spring rates as B110
Can't you just put the big brakes on the B110 B310 strut? No one knows. Maybe the B310 rotor and caliper will bolt right into a 1200.
B110 strut housing is 45 mm diameter. The larger B210/B310 unit is 51 mm.
Contents |
Coil Springs & Strut Top
Now the spring of the B310 strut is too long for the B110. So cut the spring
- Use the B110 coil spring (110 mm diameter), spring cup and strut top hat, and fit it to the B310 strut. If you lower the car more than an inch or two you will need to flair the fenders.
Or
- Remove the spring perch and use a weld-on Coilover Springs kit. You can lower the car more by getting the tires in closer to these small-diameter coils (using different offset wheels)
- Remember that that the stock 1200 spring rate is 90 lb/in
Optional: Cut strut tube for lowering purposes:
Balljoints and Lower Suspension
The spacing where the strut bolts to the steering arm is the same as a A10 (1978-1982 Stanza aka 510), 610 (180B), 810 (Maxima, 200B), etc. This is different from the B110/B210 spacing. So, use A10 or B310 (Sunny, 210) parts.
B310 parts:
- steering arm (knuckle)
- LCA (same length as B110?)
A10 Parts:
- lower control arm, slightly longer than B110
- decreases camber to more negative (good)
- increases tread width (good or bad, as wide tires won't tuck up under the fenders)
- steering arm (knuckle)
- balljoints
- outer tie rod ends
All Datsun/Nissan struts -- except B110 and B210 -- up to and including R31 Skyline and 280ZX will bolt to an A10 or B310 steering arm, the B310 lower control arm is same length as a 1200 one but will accept a larger steering arm and ball joint. So you can use the B310 Lower control arm with other struts to keep the same 1200 width, or if you want wider track use the A10 arm. Then instead of having to modify B210 castor rods like every one does use the B310 rods.
The A10 ball joints and the B310 ones are the same. Use A10 or B310 outer tie rods and A10 sway bar links because these are thicker.
The Skyline R31 strut does not fit on a B310/A10 arm, a small ring spacer needs to be machined up. Also it has the wrong spindle again, resulting in increased camber (not good). Fit perfectly with 15x6.5 rims with a 38 offset.
Use B210 sway bar. It is 20mm compared to the 1200s 17mm, and wider to match the extra width from the B310 or A10 lower control arms.
These parts allow the use of any B310/A10/510/610/810/280ZX etc. struts to be fitted.
Tension Rods
If using the B310 lower control arm, use the B310 caster rod.
If using the A10 lca, the B110 and B210 Caster rods (aka tc, radius, tension rods) can be used. The length is correct, but bolt spacing needs to be wider for the A10 balljoint and tapped to M10. This means drilling one new hole in the tension rod.
For more details, see Caster Rods.
Instructions
Parts Needed
Grab the whole front strut/brake assembly as well as the brake hoses and the brake bias controller unless you plan on using an adjustable unit. Also grab the brake master cylinder.
Make sure to get the good struts, the ones with 245mm rotors. Two smaller sizes exist but are not worth swapping as they won't gain you much over the B110 parts.
Exception: If you wish to retain 12" brakes, you could use the 220mm Strut & Brakes setup from an A12 powered B310 (Or the A12A Canada version).
Details
Use at your own risk. There is no guarantee these steps are complete.
Optional:
- Fit quick-ratio B310 steering knuckle
