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Re: Strut shock replacement

To: bn1@pacbell.net, Shop talk <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: Strut shock replacement
From: Dennis Hale <dhale_510@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Dec 2001 08:58:22 -0800 (PST)
If you have the original struts in the Z, then you do
not have a crtiridge in there. They used the strut
tube as the outer wall. They had very good valving but
marginal oils. Often changing the oul is better than
converting to a cartridge. Motorcycle fork oil,
Redline shock oil, or even generic hydraulic fluids
all works well. Engine oil is very bad. 20w is stiff,
stock was about 7w before it rotted.
The stock strut may be identified by the sealed nut
design, if your nut has a seal againt the shaft it
likely is this. There is a square O-ring under the nut
that turns to something no longer called an elastomer
in time. You can pick it out and everything will come
apart nicely. The old fish oil will small badly.
Measure how much comes out so you can put the right
amount back in. Datsun used a bunch of different
volumes over the years. Likely the number will be
around 300cc, a pint of oil will do the job. The
O-ring is a common size too. 
The whole process will require taking the strut off
the car, but you are not saving time or effort leaving
it in there anyway. The oil costs under $10 a pint.

On the other hand if you have some cheap worn out
aftermarket strut cartridge stuck in there, you will
just need to get physical. Maybe a good heating with a
Mapp gas torch would loosen things up. If you are
committed to cartridges, you could drill out the
bottom and run a punch in there. Old strut rods make
great long punches. You also get to use your BFH
tools. 8-) Again, take the things out of there and go
at it.  

=====
Dennis Hale

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