BTF/PTM

So my 72 240z is an absolute blast to drive, and naturally it needs a lot of improvement becuz it's a 38-year-old car. Not surprisingly, I can hear mild clunks and bumps in the rear suspension as I shift gears and throttle brake and things like that. I don't hear any big kabangs or clatters or other noises like pieces are slamming together becuz the bushings are ground to powder, it just sounds like the bushings are aged and soft so they're allowing some component jostling. My question is, at what level of suspension noise should I park the car and plan for bushing replacement before something comes apart? I've read and heard that the noises I'm hearing are pretty routine and nothing to be concerned about, which is why I'm asking early. Thanks, guys.

I just took it to both Aamco and Rapid Transmission. Neither group could find anything resembling a 5th gear. Nor could I beyond the "maybe that was it" feeling. I'm guessing on this, because I've never played with a RWD transmission while it's sat outside its chassis before, but I don't think a 5th gear should be a "maybe" feeling, rather it should be a solid click into another gear like the other 4.

I picked up a 5speed gearbox with the z I'm buying. I think I managed to find a fifth gear while fiddling with it (turning input shaft by hand & operating shift mechanism). I can only find two numbers, one is on the top of the bell housing and another is inside on the cover where the input shaft comes through. Can someone tell me what, if anything, these numbers indicate? http://s132.photobucket.com/albums/q27/AwwsChwA/five%20speed/

Thanks! The braking system feels good other than being overall weak. No drags or pulls to one side or the other, no shakes or squeals, so on and so on. I'll check into the booster, maybe have a local shop look at it. Hopefully they're not outrageously expensive to replace, but on a 39-year-old car I guess it's something that may need to be done.

Hi all, First off, I did read the really well-done thread on all the possible brake system swaps out there, so don't worry my questions aren't in regard to what calipers will fit or whether I should use slotted rotors. I'm picking up a 72 datsun 240z tomorrow, and it's equipped with a 15/16" master cylinder and otherwise stock brakes. Of course, the brakes feel weak with the oversize cylinder pushing against stock calipers. I'm leaning toward installing a pair of 78-84 toyota truck calipers to balance it out, but I'm also wondering if I should have the vacuum booster checked out as well and possibly replaced since it's probably original. Anyone have feedback on this issue?