I just finished putting R31 inserts into sectioned stanza struts. I can confirm that all the different R31 gland nuts (holds insert in) did not fit the stanza tubes. I had a nut from my R31 struts, a fine thread nut and a large thread nut that came with the new shocks and all were too big. I used the stanza ones I had but thought it was interesting that they were all different.

I have lowered the stanza spring perch so it is level with a stock rim (about 10mm clearance). Obviously this isn't enough for the stock stanza spring so I also cut them by 70mm. I put a flat on the R31 insert thread so it fits the stanza top and also machined a bush so the step down is the right size for the bearing seal.

But I now remember reading somewhere that I had to use 1200 strut tops. Apart from the top three studs being bigger are there any other differences that stop me from using the stanza tops that I've just put together?

Just trying to have everything ready so I can do the strut/brake swap fairly quickly while I'm at work Thursday (got no work on but still being paid to stick around encase I get called out).

Good advice and info, thank you.

If I'm going to cut the forward section of the arch I might go a little further and flare it all or just cut it and use my bolt on's... Although I'm not keen on another defect magnet.

I measured the struts and your right very little difference. The R31's have aprox 9mm more offset.

280zx are very similar to r31 struts, in the same kinda family of struts, see here.

wheels with 0 or neg offset will always hang out the guards with stanza or larger struts. ive got 200b/stanza struts in my car with slightly lengthened control arms, i think...i forget where i adjusted them too, and 200b steering arms which give a little bit more track increase. my wheels (15x6 +20 offset) sit about level with the outside of the guard
ive probably got 5-10mm extra track over standard stanza stuff

if you want to run 15s or a tyre of similar size to a 195 50 15 then you have to cut the guards, otherwise the tyre will at some point catch them and bend them
Alot more apparent when you have adjustable castor rods aswell and pull the wheels forward a bit more
Mine with the castor adjusted as far forward as it can be gives the wheel about 5mm if that of clearance to the guard with about an inch or more, probably more, cut out of the front of the guard

Pretty much the way i'd go about choosing struts, is to first choose the wheels you want to run, and then the brakes you want to run. then choose a strut that works with both, or offers a good compromise

Based on having less track I would have a larger selection of wheels with no or negative offset. I would be able to use adjustable lower control arms to get more camber instead of needing camber tops to stop wheels hanging too far out. Also turn without outer edge of wheels touching front of wheel arch. But that's all based on stanza having less offset to R31. I have both struts in a family workshop, next time I'm around I'll do some measurements.

If they are both the same maybe I should sell both sets and try to find some 280zx struts. Its funny how I wouldn't have a problem if I only had one set to choose from. I suppose I'm lucky to have an option.

nope from measurements ive done they are pretty much the same, the r31 hub if put into a stanza strut will sit either out or in further than the stanza hub, cant remember which as it was a while ago that i did it

what more options does it give you? apart from the smaller wheels for similar sized brakes?

After talking with a mate last night it seems more worth while to do the stanza struts not just for the reasons listed but also because they give more options for future modifications.

I remember reading somewhere that the R31 face is 30mm more offset than most other datsun struts?

Track is the same between stanza and r31.
You need to buy inserts either way.
R31 brakes are a little better if you were planning on keeping the stock brakes. But not much better
Have to run larger wheels on the r31 struts given the same size discs and calipers
Probably have to cut the spring perches off the stanza struts to shorten them anyway
Can fit more positively offset wheels on r31 struts without fitting the strut

Thanks, I'm still 50/50 on which struts to use.

Stanza:
More camber
Less track (nicer wheel fitments)
Brakes don't look as good
Need to section to get desired height
Need inserts to suit height

R31:
Wider track with stock wheels
Need to buy 14's or bigger
Requires sheer load spacers
Need to change spring perches to fit smaller springs in towers

R31's are cheaper and require less work but I'm not keen on more track with less camber.

If I had the money I would do both with good inserts and springs, try both and sell one set but I cant until the new house is finished and that's a good 5 months away.

As it is an 85 model ute all you need to change is the balljoint and steering arm to stanza items.

So you are using r31 struts now? I would have stayedwith the stanza struts or home bluebird ones and cut them down (then they are pretty much the same as r31 but you get more camber.
1200 and stanza springs are both pretty soft. 200b or bluebird rear springs are the right diameter and a bit stiffer.
Dont think the stanza struts will really be worth more with springs though.
If the ball joints and tierod end are still tight, you can just get new boots for them and regrease them.

You can't really do much fabrication till you have the inserts, as the spring perches will have to be moved if you go shorter inserts later