I wanted to just swap the bottom tube and rod. I'm afraid the Nissan dealers here won't have any 1200 parts. Mine is the only one I ever see on the road.

How critical is torquing the grand packing nut to the specified amount? Should I buy a big socket?

I have the clymer manual... the instructions go as far as telling you how to remove the strut and then say take it to a dealer to rebuild it.

Thanks for the response ddgonzal.