JDM Fairlady Z 2/2 rear struts etc

TimFZ

Club Member
My rear springs are a little soft and underdamped. Whilst this is an amazingly comfortable ride, on larger bumps, it can hit bump drops and exhaust can scrape, especially with the kids in the back. I'm wondering if I have options for a slightly more controlled rear. I know the Fairlady is more of a GT than a sports vehicle and don't want it hard.

Based on the Haynes manual for the 260z 2+2, which is probably incorrect for the JDM car, it states "Hydraulic rear strut with coil spring", and coil is 11.4mm wire thickness, 100mm diameter, 10.65 coils, 381mm free length.

I have not had the struts off yet and they seem to be shielded so its not easy to see the springs. But I wonder if I just need a little assistance, could I use rubber spring assisters in-between the coils in should I plan for strut replacement? Any idea of options to keep ride height roughly the same.
 

Ian Patmore

Well-Known Forum User
My first thought was ; I would have thought the correct stock spring would suffice, as they are designed for the 2 by 2, rather than 2 seater ones. Are they still the correct stock springs?
 

TimFZ

Club Member
My first thought was ; I would have thought the correct stock spring would suffice, as they are designed for the 2 by 2, rather than 2 seater ones. Are they still the correct stock springs?
I'm not sure if they are standard or whether they are too soft for me because they may be replacement non 2/2 springs. I will see if I can measure the spring thickness etc.
 

TimFZ

Club Member
My first thought was ; I would have thought the correct stock spring would suffice, as they are designed for the 2 by 2, rather than 2 seater ones. Are they still the correct stock springs?
OK so I have looked at the springs, Haynes manual says 100mm coil diameter, 10.65 coils, wire diameter 11.4mm for a 260z. The only difference I measured was wire diameter of 11.6mm which should be slightly stiffer, anyone know if this is correct for a 2/2?
 

Albrecht

Well-Known Forum User
This might give you some extra reference:
 

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TimFZ

Club Member
This might give you some extra reference:
Thanks, I have at least 9.5 coils and it's soft so they could be standard 2 seat springs. It's 650mm to my wheel arch from the floor which on my car looks like a smaller gap above my tyre than the front.. I have added some rubber spring assisters (18 to 25mm type) which has added 15mm to the rear rest ride height unladen, and hopefully should allow better rear seat and boot loading preventing bottoming for shows. Will report back if I have any issues.
 

TimFZ

Club Member
Quick update, the spring assisters have added about 15mm to rear ride height but more importantly, the spring still feels soft but does not dip so much now over bumps etc. The car actually handled better too! Good cheap fix and were easy to fit with a little silicone spray!
 
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