Is anyone running Bilstein inserts in a 1200 strut,
I was down at the suspension shop today and the P36 bilsteins (1.5" dia) would go in about 3/4 of the way and then would nip up and wouldn't go any further. Monroes 1.5" inserts would go in fine. So we measured the difference between the two and it was .3mm difference. Has anyone else had this problem trying to fit koni's or bilsteins. I'd assume 120y struts would have the same problem as both 1200's and 120y's use the same 37mm strut insert. This is also on drum brake struts out of a wagon if that makes a difference

On a side note EP70 toyota starlet inserts are the Monroes that went straight in 314 compressed length 502 extended. Ideal for your real low 1200 wanting to keep the standard lightweight struts. I also believe they are available in a KYB aswell, which will probably be my choice if I can't figure a way to make the bilsteins work.

sorry cant help directly with inserts but would suggest upgrading to the 50mm struts from stanza or similar with better brakes before spending the money on new suspension

run a honing tool down the length of the 1200 struts and the bilsteins should fit. The tool should be able to take 0.3mm easy enough.

Yeah thanks benny, thats exactly what I was going to have a crack at tomorrow morning. Off to the tool shop. Was just wondering if anyone else had run into the problem.

RC: 50mm struts aren't an option I have 14X7 +10 wheels on the front and the take up all the available guard space at the ride height I'm running. I was originally going to run 280zx stuff but that increases track 50mm and as far as i'm aware all 50mm strut swaps increase track by some degree. Plus they are all heavy as hell. I jalso ust got sick of trying to track down sunny parts all the damn mini stock boys over here seem to have brought everything in existance!
Also I've got brakes covered i have some wilwood 4 pots sitting there waiting to be called in.

I do understand what your saying though RC, I am somewhat out on a limb here modifying 1200 struts, there doesn't seem to be anyone over your way that runs the little struts.

Hi Nick
We run Koni Adjustables and had to sand the paint off the inserts. It was a tight fit and the struts have to be perfectly straight

Cheers
bob

The other option is to cut the standard strut tube of the stub and then machine the stub to suit a larger tube. this way you get the lighter stub and right offset with a bigger insert. I have a jig for the lathe for doing this. the jig is easy to make if you know someone with a lathe.

Edit. If you intend to do any circuit racing the larger diameter inserts stay more consistant for a longer period because they take longer to over heat.

Hey Nick

Talk to Chris(dattochriswagon) on DOCNZ as there is a place about 30mins from me that still has some B310's with struts. He knows were it is and I think he was going to be doing a parts mission down there.

Also I measured my B310 struts that I have in the shed and they are 51mm or there abouts.

I would go there, but I am pretty busy with Rons coupes ATM.

Several people are using Bilstein number W0133-1604944 in Datsun 1200 struts.

See Datsun1200.com ariticle 'Strut Inserts'

So how low does my 12 have to be to be able to use the Starlet insert? I'm trying to keep the original struts.

You're going to have to chop 106mm out of the original strut to accept the EP70 Starlet shock...
How low depends on quite a few things