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Blocks may be used for lowering leaf-spring cars like the Datsun 1200. This is the traditional easy, time-tested and inexpensive method. See Lowering for different methods.
Contents |
Overview
Datsun 1200 use a straight axle mounted on top of the leaf springs, so by fitting blocks between it and the spring, the rear of the car is lowered.
3.5" lowered, combination of reset springs (2") and 1.5" lowering blocks
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Block are available in different heights such a 1.5", 2" , 3" for differing amounts of lowering.
Buy a 1200-specific block, or a "universal" 2.0 inch wide block. "Kits" come with block and U-bolts, so make sure the u-bolt fits a 1200 (M10 bolts, ute needs wider u-bolts than sedan/coupe/wagon). Ute may use 66mm internal width u-bolts (approx. 2.6").
Width: 2.0" (narrower 46mm may be used) Height: whatever you want Pin: 12.75 mm Hole: 12.75 mm U-bolts: M10 diameter (approx. 3/8" -- will the common but larger 7/16" work?) * M10 x ?2-1/4" ??? (1200 sedan/coupe + 1974 B210) * M10 x 2.5"??? or 2.6"??? (1200 ute)
Larger Datsuns use 2.5" wide blocks, so they will not fit the 1200. B10/B110/B210 all use 2.0" wide leaf springs, although the block specifications vary.
Sources:
Bprojects South Yokohama Dellow Lovells 50mm LBNIS5065 1000/1200/120Y Lovells 75mm LBNIS7565 Universal: * JC Whitney * any race shop such as * Jegs * Summit
U-bolts * local truck spring shop custom made (about $40 per set of 4 in USA)
Bprojects sells long u-bolts which can be used with blocks or without blocks (cut to fit length needed).
Using B210 isoclamp might lower your car 1/4" but results in quieter ride
NOTE: As with any lowering, the suspension travel becomes restricted compared to the factory ride height.
Plain block with screw in pins
custom-made blocks
Modular blocks, stackable 7mm
Dimensions
Dimensions width: 50mm a: 12mm b: ~15mm c: 110mm d: 8mm e: 13mm
Ute needs wider bolts for larger axle housing
50mm wide
Datsun 1000 dimensions
50mm wide (same as 1200) locating nubbins: 1"/25mm (1200 uses small 1/2" nubbins)
Regular Datsun blocks can be used on 1000 by creating a larger sleeve to fit the locator on top and boring out underneath.
Suspension Travel
- Trim the bump stop rubber by 1" to gain more travel
- Fit more compressible shocks
- Stiffen the effective spring constant to make bottoming out less likely, e.g. add leafs or add an overtravel leaf from a ute
Pinion Angle
From top to bottom: OK 1 stock 2 lowered with straight blocks 3 angled diff. Transmission must be angled to match 4 lowered with angled blocks NOTE: transmission must be angled to match NOT OK 5 only diff angled 6 only gearbox angled
NOTE that lowering the car does not change the alignment angle. Although the driveshaft angle changes, the pinion-to-transmission angle does not change. Hence, no angle blocks are necessary.
stock alignment angle (black lines)
lowered - alignment angle does not change
Even if the lowering is done unevenly, the important angles do not change.
lowered unevenly - alignment angle does not change
Notes
- Lowering blocks are legal in most countries, including most Australian states
- New Zealand reportedly allows max of 50mm lowering blocks
- Square blocks will lift the diff squarely and will not change pinion angle
- Angle-ground blocks will change pinion angle so are NOT recommended. These are normally used with extreme lowering and require the diff angle to be modified or the transmission angle modified
- Handbrake cable will need to be re-adjusted after lowering
- On a BW68-equipped sedan, the blocks make for less access to the brake adjuster and brake bleeder. This is because the BW axle has in bottom-mounted brake cylinders
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Limits
2mm suspension travel left. The bump stops can be cut about 1" to increase the travel, but after that the shock will bottom out (see Lowering Shocks).
The limit for lowering, using any means. To get the car even lower, you can use 1) smaller diameter tires or 2) modify the chassis (tubbed, etc)
Lowering tires (lowers 1.5" from stock)
