Datsun 1200 Suspension - I know it's not Toyota =p

**the_random_hero** · 30-01-2010, 03:10 PM

Ok guys, working on my brothers 1200 ute, with (from what I can see) a 120Y front strut conversion. I have inserts that will fit both the 120Y and 1200. Now, problem is it looks like absolutely EVERYTHING is going to have to come off just to fit these strut inserts. There are no 'crash bolts' as with other cars who's suspension I've touched, so does this mean caliper, ball joint, rotor, wheel bearings, etc has to be removed? I was going to just remove the calipers/ball joint but I can't get at the bottom bolt due to there being a steering knuckle in the way.

If so, when the wheel bearings (which I am assuming will be exposed once I remove the hub to get at the rotor) are removed do they have to be repacked before putting them back on?

**Bananaman** · 30-01-2010, 03:54 PM

Don't understand what you mean by crash bolts, but they are just a normal macpherson strut aren't they (they also fit a ke20 corolla afaik.. same steering bolt pattern). So there should just be 2 bolts holding the strut to the steering knuckle (forgive me if thats the wrong word for it). And then 3 bolts on the strut top.

Undo brake line, push down LCA, remove the whole strut from the car. Compress the springs, take off the stut top, undo the gland nut, remove strut insert? You should be able to leave the disc and caliper on through all this, unless the 1200 has some unusually spastic design compared to similar vintage toyotas..

**the_random_hero** · 30-01-2010, 04:15 PM

I think my wording is wrong, or maybe just my memory of the suspension setup. Will go have a crack at it, might bring a hammer to assist in the removal.

**TRDcelica90** · 30-01-2010, 04:21 PM

Hey mate my cousin has a 1200 coupe, we've found out that you can use the Stanza struts and also use skyline r31 brakes. but u will need to use the stanza lower control arms too, woot rep for me! lol

**Alex** · 30-01-2010, 04:42 PM

using the stanza lower control arms will give you a couple degree neg camber also, iirc it's 3 degrees

**Alex** · 30-01-2010, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by the_random_hero

I think my wording is wrong, or maybe just my memory of the suspension setup. Will go have a crack at it, might bring a hammer to assist in the removal.

I have a 1200 coupe and these struts are one piece with spindle/hub

Take the caliper off, undo the bolts holding the strut to the lca and the top strut bolts then remove the strut complete.

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**the_random_hero** · 30-01-2010, 09:52 PM

All done guys, impossible to remove the caliper without removing the assembly from the strut body as there is absolutely zero clearance. First side took an hour (!!!) to remove, couldn't get the gland nut off yet but will give it a go tomorrow. Other side came off VERY easily, gland nut wasn't actually screwed into the top of the strut body, so as you can imagine the strut insert was absolutely fucked... Had that whole thing back out, fixed and back together in half an hour.

**Bananaman** · 31-01-2010, 01:24 PM

Of course, makes more sense to take off the caliper, what was i thinking. This is how i've done it every time, hate bleeding brakes with a passion. Just make sure its not hanging off the brake line itself