Hey Guys,
Just a quick question. I was wondering how to tell 240k struts from 1600 struts, is there a certain code stamped on them, different size?
Please educate me on them

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Back in the day when you brought a Datsun you got a tin of bog with it

Measure from the weld at the spring perch down to where the strut tube meets the stub assembly, from memory the measurements are -
early 1600 ('68-'69 models) - 10.5 inches (267mm),
late 1600 ('70-'72) and early 180b - 11.5 inches (292mm),
late 180b - 11 inches (279mm),
240k and 200b - 10 inches (254mm).


Also, 240k struts ( late 180b and 200b too ) should have a larger stub axle - assuming you've got a standard 1600/early 180b strut to compare it with - and the brake caliper bosses have a different bolt spacing and offset. Having said that there is more than one 240k strut type, one for twin-puck calipers and at least one variant for the single-puck calipers, and to my knowledge it's not easy to tell them apart unless the brakes are still fitted. I found the twin-puck calipers and hubs/rotors will bolt up to a single-puck strut, but the caliper bosses are offset differently in 2 dimensions and it won't work.

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1971 Datsun 1600 Wagon - finally getting the attention it deserves.
1972 Datsun 1600 Sedan - rescued from oblivion, awaiting a new lease on life.
1998 Honda XR400R - had one, sold it, missed it, bought another, keeping it.

Thanks for the detailed answer

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Back in the day when you brought a Datsun you got a tin of bog with it

Also are they a straight fit to a 1600? do the holes in the strut towers need drilling out, im not sure what the correct name for it is but can you use the original 1600 swing arm? ( the arm that the strut sits in at the bottom) or do you need different ones?
cheers

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Back in the day when you brought a Datsun you got a tin of bog with it

If you're talking complete struts with brakes then it's pretty much a bolt-in swap for any of the types above, assuming your wheels fit over the calipers. If the strut tops aren't compatible for whatever reason you can use the original 1600 ones instead. Use the 1600 lower arm and steering arm but just watch that the calipers bosses don't foul on anything when you bolt it all up. I have heard of clearance issues with the 240k calipers (mine are ok but only just), in which case I understand most swap the struts from left to right to position the calipers on the front side of the strut. Just check everything for clearance with steering full lock each way, full bump and droop - usual CYA stuff.

The hydraulics - if you're going from standard 1600 brakes to 240k brakes then your master cylinder should be a 7/8" ID version (for drum rear), and the brake caliper hoses will need replacing depending on the type/condition of what you've got. If you're going to that sort of bother and modifying the hard brake lines in the engine bay, than a 180b booster will give the pedal a good feel and the rear bias valve may need to be changed to make sure your rears don't a) lock before the fronts on dry hotmix, or b) do nothing at all.

So I guess the short answer is yes, but.

Suggest searching the "brakes" section threads, a strut swap is usually involved when upgrading 1600 brakes.

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1971 Datsun 1600 Wagon - finally getting the attention it deserves.
1972 Datsun 1600 Sedan - rescued from oblivion, awaiting a new lease on life.
1998 Honda XR400R - had one, sold it, missed it, bought another, keeping it.

I vaguely recall that 240K strut tops are slightly different (only a mm or two). My 1600 originally had 240K struts and had the three top mounting holes in the strut towers filed out a little. Its now running offset 180B strut tops on the 240K struts, and I have no idea where the 240K tops have got to so I can't check for you.

If you only have bare struts, I could check the part number stamped into mine for you ? Keep in mind that there are a few variations on 240K struts though.

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1970 ex Group A Rally P510
1971 P510
1972 180B SSS
1965 SP310 Fairlady
1966 SP311 Fairlady

Thanks heaps for the information guys.
Dave- dont worry about checking the numbers ill go to the shed and have a play around with my struts and see what will work.
Thanks again guys

_________________
Back in the day when you brought a Datsun you got a tin of bog with it