Revision as of 23:09, 24 December 2016

Custom caster rods (aka "castor rods" aka "tension rods" aka "radius rods" or "strut rods") are useful when you wish to add more caster. The 1200s rods are non-adjustable and subject to slight binding when a lot of caster is dialed-in.

For the stock item, see Tension Rod

1 Overview
2 Torana Rods
3 Pitroad Rods
4 Nissan Competition
5 Photo Index

Overview

Longer castor rods can be shortened to improve castor:
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Adjustable rods, adjustable for castor, have more threads so they can be pulled farther in.
Jointed rods remove the slight binding effect

510/1600 rods
pivoting strut rods (sometimes seen in Japan)

Torana Rods

A set of GM LJ Torana rods that have adjustment, but drilling is required to fit the thicker rod to the body, and modifications need to be made to the rod to match the balljoints.

lc torana castor rods: Discussion of GM Holden Torana adjustable caster rods into Datsun 1200

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Pitroad Rods

Pitroad sells these mail-order: Pillow ball tension rod
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The downside to this type is there is not much room for bushings. Datsun Competition recommended using stiff bushings, but not removing them completely.

Nissan Competition

Tension/Compression Rod Bearing Kit. This kit prevents suspension geometry changes under high cornering forces, and reduces front end dive while braking. It retains the stock rear bush, but replaces the front bush with this easily-rotating bearing.

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Experimental Engineering Tension/Compression Rod Bearing Kit. This kit fits: All 510, 610, 710, B210, 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX, S12 200SX, & Z31 300ZX thru 7/87. This kit includes all parts necessary for one car, a 'U' shaped gauge for setting pre-load, and complete instructions.

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The T/C Kit eliminates all rearward movement of the front wheels caused by bushing deflection. At the same time it reduces the amount of force required for the T/C rods to pivot during suspension travel by 75% vs. stock rubber and by up to 95% vs. polyurethane bushings. This is accomplished by replacing the forward bushings on the tension/compression rods (aka: strut rods) where they attach to the chassis with pivoting ball & socket joints. These joints completely eliminate all rearward deflection under driving, cornering, and braking loads. This insures that castor remains constant and toe changes under heavy braking and cornering loads are very nearly eliminated.

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