swtjames23 Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 Title says it all, I'd like to replace the springs and struts in the front (and the rear) but I'd like to keep the ride height as close to stock as I can. Does anyone have experience with using 280Z lowering springs on a 240? Would that work? Any advice is appreciated. The car is a '73 240Z with a '79 400 small block and Saginaw 4 speed. All the suspension appears stock right now and the front sags quite a bit compared to my parts car with the stock L24 motor. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Scott Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 (edited) Back in the day I tired Motosports lowering springs. Looked cool, but hated the parking bumps, Apples left in the road etc. I went to the red Arizona Z car springs, the ones that have higher rate, but near stock height. Love them and never looked back. I don't see them on their site anymore, but every now and then they pop up used. Also found with my 383, T56, Aluminum heads, manifold, waterpump, lightweight flywheel etc really lightened the front end. Not as hunkered down but easier to drive around in the real world Edited April 22, 2015 by John Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rags Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 Something is wrong with how you current suspension is set up. Swapping to a sbc with a 4 speed will not make the front drop at all. That setup is +/- 50 pounds from the stock engine and trans combo with more of the weight rear biased than the stock setup. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtjames23 Posted April 23, 2015 Author Share Posted April 23, 2015 Ok, rags, so maybe these stock springs/struts are just worn out? And if I were to replace my struts and springs with new OEM type replacements, it should return to stock height? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtjames23 Posted April 23, 2015 Author Share Posted April 23, 2015 Also, any thoughts on the idea of using 280 lowering springs on a 240? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 Can you post pictures? Maybe you got a tree growing thru your parts car? Do you know for sure that your springs haven't been cut or heated? Shocks shouldn't affect ride height. Could be wheel/tire combination. Help us help you-post up some pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtjames23 Posted April 23, 2015 Author Share Posted April 23, 2015 I realize it's hard to tell from the pictures, I couldn't get a good angle especially on the second one. But the parts car (the black one) sits about 5/8" higher than the silver one. Same size tires, same size rims, relatively similar tread on both tires and nothing significant (weight-wise) is missing from the parts car. If anything, the parts car (the taller one) could be sagging somewhat because I can see it has noticeable negative camber. By the way, the reason I want stock height is for taller tires. I'm running a 400 SBC, 4 speed (1:1 4th) with the 3.54 r180 and this thing is like a tractor. Taller tires are the cheapest and easiest way I can think of to make this thing a little more freeway friendly. If nothing else, I at least don't want the front to ride any lower and I do want to improve the suspension. Again, any and all advice appreciated. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zdlite Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 (edited) When I upgraded to new Nissan "Euro" springs on my stock engined 240 I expected the 1/2 or so lowering they claim comes with them. Instead the new springs raised the car about that much. Quite possible your existing springs are just worn out and need replacing. Be careful going with a tire over 25" tall. Guaranteed to cause rubbing at full lock in the front and depending on width can cause issues out back as well One last suggestion, coil overs will solve your problems. I resisted them for years (decades actually) but finally had to go to them to stop all the rear wheel well interference due to a high HP V8 and tires that are just too tall for the car. They are not hard to install and give you tons more options for spring rates, ride height and not to mention better tire clearance. Don't section your struts and all you need to do is grind off the existing perches and have a washer welded in place. Simple to do, a weekend task really, maybe $40 to get them welded at a shop if you don't weld. It is really really nice to be able to fine tune ride height with coil overs. Edited April 23, 2015 by zdlite Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtjames23 Posted April 23, 2015 Author Share Posted April 23, 2015 I was actually thinking of going with 27" (215/75r14) tires in just the rear, keep the stockers in front. Coilovers would be great, thank you for the advice, they're just not in my budget at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtjames23 Posted April 23, 2015 Author Share Posted April 23, 2015 Here's a pic of the stance, does it look lowered to you guys? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LLave Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 To me that looks like lowering springs in the front. Might want to pull a wheel off and look for markings on the springs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rags Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 Ok, rags, so maybe these stock springs/struts are just worn out? And if I were to replace my struts and springs with new OEM type replacements, it should return to stock height? If the springs are the originals, I'm sure they have lost some of their original specs. New OEM springs would restore the original ride height. 280Z lowering springs would make the front lower than a stock 240Z and wouldn't work at all in the rear as they have a different length. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtjames23 Posted April 24, 2015 Author Share Posted April 24, 2015 Ok so I did some more reading, most Z owners say their fenders are around 26-27" from the ground with stock tires. My fenders are 25.25" in front and 25.75" in the back, I'm pretty sure this thing is lowered. Also, I won't likely find any markings. It looks like everything is covered in undercoating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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