Datsun 280Z Polyurethane Suspension Bushing Install: Part 1

[@dennislynton7706]

Just found you and you do great work. My 1981 needs same attention, thanks!!

[@steelofcrom]

Thanks for posting the removal. I had heard people explain it but it is really great to see the actual process !

[@nitr4mmedia]

Very helpful video. Got the same box of poly bushings with my Z when I bought it, and I'm about to change them out, I know quite a few needs changing. Thanks again, now I might dare to do this on my own. Not really a gifted mechanic, so every video like this is very helpful.

[@spookyintentions989]

This was really exceptional, I was not expecting this video to be as great as it was. You have yourself a subscriber sir!

[@geraldoberfoell6873]

My son will benefit greatly from your video, it's such a confidence builder to see the work being done!

[@vmurphy659]

Great video. Even a novice at this type task can follow. Very clear thanks.

[@nicholaskoenig1089]

Awesome, I'm working on the front end of my 280Z rn too.

[@MindDezign]

urethane bushings don't last as long as original rubber . I've owner five Z over the years,not including the two, I m building, a 240 and a 280 ( being built to 240 weight ) Of coarse new bushings replacing 40 year old bushings are better, but original new rubber bushings will be a better street / performance car. Allot of Datsun Z owners fit race suspension parts to their car ,then they only drive it occasionally( what is that all about) They make the car so harsh to drive they sell it ( oh,it's a beast! Noo, you made it into one, by fitting racing ,made for a few laps around a track then trailer it home , you selected ,the over kill parts,to harsh of a ride for the street) or use their Honda everyday. I would put urethane bushings on steering rack ( you can fit them just by loosening the rack mounts you do not need to remove the rack)I would use urethane on the sway bar ends but use rubber sway bar mounts,I would use factory rubber control arm bushings on all four corners so you have the performance ride the factory engineered into this car. I would not use the entire urethane kit for a daily driver. If you were going to race it more than drive it on the street then use them ,they will crack even with lube they will even squeak with lube.They will not last long, no way near as long ,as the factory rubber.my car is a mix of urethane and factory rubber the sway bar ends and steering rack are the only useful places to use urethane for a daily driver. Replace 40 year old bushings with new factory rubber bushings your car will be way more fun to drive, then urethane everyday of the week. lowering a Datsun by one inch will also redistribute weight and improve handling alot ,but again ,no need to go over board crazy and fit adjustible coil over kits.All you need is a one inch street lowering spring set.You will have all the handling you could ever use on the street and be able to occasionally race it on a week end like funkana and such as ,it will handle very well and it won't beat you up.All urethane for the street is over kill and " they do not last at all" .Remember these cars came from the factory already a good handling car. Just replace 40 years of mushy/ cracked,dry rubber will make your Z feel like the athlete it always was. Improved set of shocks ,the original ones were not performance enough.If you want real sneeky performance ,use no wider than 7" wheels with 205 wide rubber on all four corners any wider is just for show and will ruin performance handling .I would fit a solid front diff mount , they wear out fast, even when fitting a new factory one. Well done video .Enjoy you Z they are awesome cars!

[@masayoshitakasue4764]

MindDezign hey i have a old 240z im trying to look online for a suspension bushing kit in oe rubber i cant seem to find any do you have any reference?

[@rastaming6884]

masayoshi takasue techno toy tuning

[@S30luis]

Alright you changed my mind. Ill run some rubber and poly in those places.

[@rob4812]

@@masayoshitakasue4764 zcarsource.com has a rubber bushings kit. I have not purchased it, but am leaning that way over polyurethane. I realize this is an old post, but helping out others who may read this.

[@leomarmason]

good luck on getting the rear spindles out! (unless it was done already )

[@paultavres9830]

Had a 74 260 Z wit 32,000 orig miles got rid of it about 10 years ago kind of wish I would have kept it Had lowering kit with mini lite wheels on it

[@WillRRoberts]

Thanks for the video! What brand/color/gloss spray paint did you use?

[@davewm9589]

how do you like the feel of the PU vs the OE rubber? I have a 280z survivor, the rubber is looking old but it rides and handles fine. I was looking to go all OE since I want the softer ride (assuming its different from the PU that is). Nice videos BTW.

[@MemoryLaneGarage]

The front end feels much more stable over bumps. Also the steering is noticeably tighter now. With the old rubber bushings there was some play in the steering wheel on center (my steering rack was actually able to slightly move side to side due to worn rack bushings). Now the steering rack is held rock solid to the subframe and the front end responds the instant that you turn the wheel. Definitely a project worth doing on an old car for improved driving feel as well as safety.

[@davewm9589]

Great thanks for the feedback.

[@MemoryLaneGarage]

Also, I don't think that the car feels more "harsh" with polyurethane bushings. I would say it just feels more "solid". Like you, I thought my car drove pretty good before but it's substantially better now with new bushings. There's no new vibrations or noises with the polyurethane. The only difference from my stock bushings is that it drives better now. And if you get the black color bushing kit it looks just like stock visibly so it's a win-win to go polyurethane in my opinion.

[@davewm9589]

perhaps I will go that route on future purchases, I have already got the TC and mustache bar rubber bushings purchased was waiting for cooler weather to install. My primary goal is a smooth ride. its a bit harsh at times but that may just be the nature of the ride. I had a 260 back when new and did not recall feeling every bump/rock/twig... in the road.

[@rasputian2010]

Any tips with tension rod? Mine was to tight to put both bushing on and had to use one old and new per side.

[@sujit3691]

Great video! Glad you produced this. I am working on my rear struts at the moment and have a question. I do not know how to remove the lock bolt from the transverse link in order to take the spindle out. Can you let me know how to do this? 280z 1977. Thank You

[@HarryYese]

What rims are those? I'm looking for the gold ones, but I don't know a brand or type.

[@MemoryLaneGarage]

HarryYese These are stock wheels off of a 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis with the performance package.

[@HarryYese]

Thanks a lot, it will help me in a Google image search, that way I'll find some brand rims!

[@Z32orDIe]

where did you buy the poly kit? and do they sell a complete kit for the z32. all the "complete" kits i find are missing the rear knuckle bushings. comes with every other bushing for the z32 other then the rear knuckles. still dont know why they call ita complete kit if it isnt complete lol. so im hiping the kit youre showing they sell for z32 as a complete kit =]

[@MemoryLaneGarage]

The kit came from eBay. Not sure if they have a Z32 kit but I'd assume they do

[@Polybius11]

for future reference you can just rent a bushing press kit from most part stores for super cheap

[@billm83army]

No part 2??

[@izzygreenvw]

is there a part number you can give me to find the bushing

[@vvise-youtube]

awesome video. you earned my sub!

[@MemoryLaneGarage]

Thanks

[@FatModsInc]

Chase! I love it man! And look, you reached 300 subscribers! Congrats! You should seriously take some time and perfect your KZbin and film style, i think you could be really successful with it.

[@MemoryLaneGarage]

Thanks but I don't take KZbin all that serious. I only make videos of a fraction of the stuff I actually do with cars. Every now and then I decide to record it in case other people could use it to help them. I do plan on making videos more often in the future though. I've got some interesting projects planned for myself and some friends cars. Should have some new videos up soon of my Silvia, an R32 skyline gtr, and a really nice S14. Maybe some other stuff...

[@FatModsInc]

That's awesome! I look forward to seeing what you do next. Hey and btw, I would love to meet and work on cars some time. I just wish we lived closer, and I would have already asked. But seriously, I would love to build a Miata at some point and I think it would be so cool if we could do it together.

[@MemoryLaneGarage]

+FatMods yeah I used to have a 2002 nb miata LS (6 speed trans and lsd). Great cars

[@FatModsInc]

Well, It's great to talk to you. Keep up the good work! I'll see you around buddy!

[@SC457A]

Where can I get some of those wheel spacers for my Z?? Trying to convert to five lug

[@MemoryLaneGarage]

This isn't the best way to convert to 5 lug because you effectively move the hub an inch further out. But it's the cheapest and easiest way. Haha Got the adapters off eBay. I think they were advertised for a mustang. The center bore of the front ones were too small to fit over the bearing so I had them machined open a bit larger. And since the 5 lug shares one stud with the 4 lug pattern you have to put in one extended stud. I used ARP extended studs for a Miata because that's all I could find with the right diameter shank and that was long enough. It's a Frankenstein setup but it works great

[@SC457A]

I understand about the spacer set up. Its a drag only car and trying to find front runner wheels for a 4-lug is pretty limited on choices. Drag lites for a Mustang fit at least.

[@andrewb5761]

What paint did you use for the parts?

[@MemoryLaneGarage]

Rust-Oleum

[@rastaming6884]

Part 2?

[@schecksyote928]

whats the size on those wheel spacers

[@MemoryLaneGarage]

They are 1 inch thick and convert the lug pattern from the stock 4x114.3 to 5x114.3

[@DFresh2tron]

Did you ever do the rear

[@MemoryLaneGarage]

DFresh2tron Not yet. I've been working on my S13 a lot and haven't done much with the Z in months

[@chaseincats]

great info - terrible music

[@kegelcramp]

get that shit off your roof. that ain't no Damn shelf.

[@ronaldhayes8866]

The music sucks