PhilbertZ

Thanks for the feedback on the bushings - really looking forward to the install and the ride afterward. I've read that too - that Poly bushings put more stress on the stock metal components and things like your TR snapping do occur. I guess it makes a good case to upgrade to stronger sway bars, etc over time, after the bushing install I've been doing my fair share of internet research on the install, the tools to have, torque specs (torquing while weight is on suspension, versus while free and on stands...). I also did a trailing arm bushing install on my BMW a couple months ago - that needed a tool and was a PITA! I'll be sure to take my install slow and read, and re read the FSM over and over while going through it. WIll try to take some pics of before and after. Good luck - are there Aftermarket tension rods you can get that are stronger?

Corey - looks like you installed the complete polyurethane bushing kit on your ZX....I just got one from Prothane and am going to install it soon. Anything to look out for? For the Control Arm Bushings, do you keep the OEM metal sleeve, or trash it when replacing the bushing? Do you think I need a puller tool or will I be able to get these out pretty easy? Also, I noticed that I have in the kit some "bump stops"....do these go with the struts (meaning I need to compress and remove springs to replace)? Thanks for any advice you can give - and I hope you get your tension rod OK - did it just snap??

fantastic work - looks really clean.

I think there's a "what seats fit in a z" thread stickied here somewhere - or on another Z forum - there are several newer car seats that bolt right on if you want to "upgrade"....

I think there's a "what seats fit in a z" thread stickied here somewhere - or on another Z forum - there are several newer car seats that bolt right on if you want to "upgrade"....

Can you give us some more information on the car's present condition? maybe some photos? Anything bad that you know of (rotten suspension), crappy interior, etc? Do you have a budget? Help us help you

dang! I had just recently read about the 4 piston toyota direct bolt on swap in another Z forum and wondered if the S130 cars were "exempt" from this cool cheap mod....I guess they are (sniff)

wow that does look really good -nice work!

I thought I read somewhere that they were for venting the motor (exhaust versus intake), to avoid heatsoak....similar to the S130 blower fan that cools down the injectors. I could be totally wrong but I remember reading that...here somewhere. All mine do is let rain in!!

thanks! will be an adventure either way....

thanks oddman - didn't see your reply until I posted mine - will await the arrival of the kit and address the grease issue then. Thanks for the pre load info too - that's what I thought (getting in there to torque it will be interesting indeed, given the ride height....guess I'll lay down some planks for the wheels to create some clearance

Thanks so much Glenn! I'm on Dial up (at the in laws...) right now so that pretty much killed the PC....but I look forward to checking it out this week when I'm back in the real world That site looks like a great resource altogether - bookmarking NOW! Cheers, Phil

I just got a full set of Prothane bushings from the same eBay seller, "Never Enough" parts. $100 shipped, with the "buy it now" option. They are in the mail... When you install I have 2 questions: 1) When you torque everything back (I have the FSM with torque specs), can you do it while car is up on stands, or do you need load on the suspension to do so? 2) Do you need to grease the bushings before putting them on? If so, with what? Thanks!

But do you do that when the car is up or after it's been lowered (and the full load is on the suspension)?

NSX. Like it's been said...career launcher....right time, right place.....

For those of you who've done bushings.... I have an FSM but have not looked at it and am not at home this week. Question - when tightening everything back up with a torque wrench, do you want load on the components or not? When I did the rear trailing arm bushings on my BMW, I had to remove the strut in the rear - when I put it back, I had to torque it while the car was on the rear wheels - not on stands. Thanks! Phil

Right on - thanks for the tip on the brand - just can't believe it is so much cheaper than the other Z kits... I just bought these from eBay auction (and asked the seller if these come with the required grease). Thanks guys - hope to give an update with photos in the coming weeks when I have time to install these (not really looking forward to the install, but in a weird, "Need to learn by doing" way, I am ) Phil

So I found these on eBay - does thsi seem like a complete kit to you guys - and a decent price ($100 for the complete kit with shipping)? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/79-83-Nissan-Datsun-280ZX-Full-Suspension-Bushing-Kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ310114862416QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories I cannot make out the brand in the photos. The interesting thing is that the complete kit for the 280Z frm teh same seller's store costs much more than this kit for the 280ZX...that's why I'm wondering if it's a complete kit?

LOL Nah - they are shot....and getting replaced. Just wondering where to get teh whole kit for the S130 since they are available for the other Z's....but not mine, it seems. For grease - do you just use all purpose grease? I have that.

The kits Blackdragon have are about $35 for Poly Bushings....compared with what Energy has for $150+, it seems like the BD version would be missing some?

I've searched here and at Summit but can't seem to find this kit for 280ZX models....are they the same?

Thanks guys for the replies. I have not noticed a difference on rainy versus dry days to be honest. My bushings are shot - that I know from checking them - and it's on my list of projects - complete bushing set. I'm just wondering if it's anything in addition to that (springs/shocks)? That said.. I've heard that the energy suspension complete kit (polyurethane) is a popular upgrade. Would you guys endorse it - and if so, where would I get the best deal? Thanks!

Hi guys, I'm a self-admitted semi-amature who loves learning by doing. I've never done suspension work before, but one of my long term (hopefully not too long term) goals is to replace all my suspension bushings on the 1980 280ZX I have [i can see the [OEM rubber, cracking] bushings are shot in many places). A symptom I notice is, at low speeds, when I go over a speed bump, or enter/exit a sloped driveway/parking lot entrance, I hear what can best be described as a creaking/groaning from the front. Again - I really can't tell where it comes from, but it's tied to the wheel travel over the bumps and happens every time. I've bounced the car a couple times while parked and the croners seem to rebound only a couple times - which would suggest the struts are OK? I'm just trying to get an idea of what it could be (the bushings I already plan to replace), and if it's something that's dangerous not to replace in the short term ($$)? Perhaps the springs/shocks - is there a better way to inspect/test these than the bouncing I did? Like I said - I learn by doing - I've already learned (the hard way): drum brakes disc brakes trailing arm bushings (BMW) clutch master cylinder exhause manifold gasket differential gasket replacement and some more I'm forgetting Looking forward to learning more along the way! Thanks in advance Phil

that looks hot....keep up posted on what you end up doing (take pics!) I like the no bumper look on the S130s - hate my bumper