Hey guys, i was wondering if u could help me with how to take off a standard diff, and struts. If anyone could take the time to tell me step by step how to take the diff off and the front struts (as well as replacing them with a stanza front end) i would appreciate it very much. Also, for a ca18det conversion what are the easiest brakes to fit onto these struts as i cant access the search menu at all i think it might be my web browser. Links would be greatly appreciated also.

Cheers

Mik.

Hi Mik,
First thing - the best money you can ever spend on your Datsun whether you're are a mechanic or not is to purchase a workshop manual. Here is a link which should help you out (starting at $10 you can't go wrong)
Datsun W/Shop Manual For Sale

Removing a diff is really quite simple - if you haven't done it before then have a mate come and give you a hand.
Make sure you have got a decent jack and safety stands as well.
Things you gottta do
Tailshaft has to come out, rear wheels and brake drums have to come off, undo the brake pipe fitting on the diff and at the wheel cylinders, axles have to come out, leaf spring " U " bolts have to come off, depending on what you are doing with it - drain the diff as well.
Check there are no other mounting brackets on the diff connecting to anything that you are going to break if you leave them connected (like handbrake cable mounts, brake lines etc.

"Remember when you jack it up to jack it up off the chassis and SUPPORT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ON JACK STANDS (so the suspension is sagging down at full travel)"

Once you are at this stage have the trolley jack under the center of the diff while a mate keeps it balanced on the jack and then slide her out.

PS: Unless you are going to be removing the diff center itself you won't have to worry about removing the axles.

BUT GET THAT W/SHOP MANUAL FIRST AND IT WILL ALL BECOME THAT MUCH" CleAreR"

hey - that's Dodgeman's line!

Quote:

my mate was taking out lowering blocks on my car, with the jack holding the car up by the diff centre, he undid one side, and was shocked when the car dropped half a foot and the end of the diff went up into the wheel well

Thanks for that buff!! im going to get a manual soon. I checked the gregorys website they dont sell them new anymore, i guess ill have to get them off ebay.

With jacking up the car, ive always considered putting a wheel or two under each side... you dont damage the car and its safe, with a wide balance for centre of gravity, unlike car jacks and stands. I cant get under a car with a jack and stands i dont feel safe.

cheers and thanks again

mik.

Buff
Thanks. I was beginning to think i was just a voice in the wilderness.

L18_B110
It should be everyones line.

1200RC
Perhaps your mate should have READ the manual.

Jackstands of some sort should be an essential part of any workshops equipment. Working under a car on a jack is a form of Russian Roulette.

Chris

as a rule of thumb i use the stands if i or anyone else is getting under the car, but not if no-one is going under there, i had the car fal off the stands once but it was on four stands at the time, i picked up some really sturdy 6 tonne stands for $35 (pair) they are great, it was the old school ones with a small base that let me down

I bought a brand new, still in plastic Haynes Datsun 1200 Manual for NZ$8.50 from the seller on this web page. I can't see any 1200 ones listed at the moment but contact him using the link at the bottom of the page. He seems to always have new Datsun manuals. The shipping is pretty cheap as well.

Frodady, it's probably the best bargain that yoiu will ever buy. It will more than pay for itself with the first stuff up that you DON"T make as a result of using it.
Chris