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[Datsun 1200 encyclopedia]

B310 Strut Swap

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Categories: Brake Modifications | Suspension Modifications

Revision as of 05:48, 31 August 2007
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Revision as of 05:30, 9 June 2008
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Line 161: Line 161:
* Fit quick-ratio B310 steering knuckle from [[Pitroad]]. * Fit quick-ratio B310 steering knuckle from [[Pitroad]].
 +
 += Part Numbers =
 +JDM part numbers
 +* 40052-W5000, 40052-W5060 ARM, KNUCKLE RH
 +** A10: All
 +** B310: A14/A15 7910-up, also early and late GX
 +* 40160-W5000 ASSY-BALL JOUNT, LOWER RH
 +** A10: All
 +** B310: A14/A15 7910-up, also early and late GX
= Photo Index = = Photo Index =

Revision as of 05:30, 9 June 2008

The B310 strut swap into a B110 is popular because it is a true bolt-in swap -- no cutting or machining needed. You get better brakes, and better availability of strut inserts. We are talking about B310s with 13" wheels, not those with 12" wheels which have small brakes. All USA models have the large brakes, and all Canada models except A12A Canada models. In Australia, any A14 or A15 powered B310 should have the good parts.

B310: 1979-1982 Sunny, 140Y/150Y, Datsun 210
!not to be confused with B210 (1974-1978)

For more information on strut swaps, including other choices, see main article: Strut swaps.


This is very similar to the A10 Strut Swap, main differences:

  • No machining needed for B310 strut. With A10, you need to cut the strut shorter. Otherwise there will only be 2" of suspension travel
  • Aussie A10 has bigger, better brakes. Same rotor, but 4-pot Girlock calipers with large pads. Advantage for A10 in Australia
  • USA A10 has nearly same pad size as large B310 (2.5 inch wide pad for both, of slightly different style). No advantage for A10 in USA.
    • USA A10: pad type D103 - 2.5" wide backing plate
    • USA B310: pad type D117 - 2.5" wide backing plate
A10: 1978-1982 Stanza 1600, 510, Violet/Auster


B310s have a larger brake than B110, The B310s are the same size as the largest B210 brakes:
3891.jpg
B310 on left, B110 on right


This is the easiest strut upgrade, but are still light in performance compared to modern cars. discussion:


Rotor Sizes

Dia. (mm)Part NumberSource
212.540206-H1006B110, B210 with A12 1974, 1975
220 (AN18)40206-H7500B210 A12 1976-1978,B310 with 12" wheels
23240206-A1155B210 A13, PB110?, PB210 early?
245 (AN20)40206-U6700B210 A14, B310 A14/A15, PB210 late?


The B310 struts are larger diameter (51 mm versus 45mm) B110 strut housing is 45 mm diameter. The larger B210/B310 unit is 51 mm. There are more strut inserts (shock absorbers) available for the larger type.


Counterpoint: For a mild street car, large strut & brake upgrades are probably overkill, while the track increase may mean that flares & guard/fender modifications are required. The increase in unsprung mass helps to kill the ride quality, neither of which is good.


The B310 uses smaller-diameter springs (100mm versus 110mm).


3890.jpg
Strut Comparo


Strut Inserts The damping force of the B310 strut is very similar to the B110 strut, so no worries there


Features:

  • will clear 13" wheels
  • significant increase of track width
  • Virtually same spring rates as B110


Can't you just put the big brakes on the B110 B310 strut? No one knows. Maybe the B310 rotor and caliper will bolt right into a 1200.


The B310 strut tubes are longer than the B110's strut tube, but only by 10 mm. In overall length they are the same as the B110 from the ball joint to the top of the strut hat.

See who_your_datty_1200's Strut Swap Photos: My winter project...


Contents

IMPORTANT

In Australia, there are multiple B310 strut/brake systems. Get the one with 245mm rotor.

In Canada, there is large and small brakes. Be sure to get the setup with 245 mm rotor.

In USA, there is a single strut/brake system (245mm). Just be sure it's not a Canadian model, as a few are in the USA.


Coil Springs & Strut Top

The strut tops are different: The B210 & B310 tops have a higher profile and raise the car up, so use the B110 tops with the B310 struts. If there is nothing poking up through the hole in the strut tower,then it's a B310 top

  • 10021.jpg
  • B310 strut tops use larger diameter bolts, so drill out the strut-tower bolt holes slightly to match -- but better to just use the B110 strut tops.


Now the spring of the B310 strut is too long for the B110. So cut the spring to the appropriate length (same as the B110 spring). Or better yet, use the B110 spring and top hat.


  • Use the B110 coil spring (110 mm diameter), spring cup and strut top hat, and fit it to the B310 strut. If you lower the car more than an inch or two you will need to flair the fenders.


Optional: Cut strut tube for lowering purposes:
257.jpg
If you don't plan on lowering the car, there is no need to cut the tube shorter.


Optional, for racing or lowering

  • Remove the spring perch and use a weld-on Coilover Springs kit. You can lower the car more by getting the tires in closer to these small-diameter coils (using different offset wheels)
    Remember that that the stock 1200 spring rate is 90 lb/in


Balljoints and Lower Suspension

The spacing where the strut bolts to the steering arm is different from B110 spacing. So, use the B310 lower parts:

  • steering arm (knuckle)
  • Ball joint, which matches B310 steering arm at top, and B110 LCA at bottom
A10: 1978-1982 "Datsun 510" aka "Stanza"


B310 Ball-joint Offset

  • 7978.jpg

About 15-18mm difference.

The Ball-joint bolts on top of the Lower Control Arm. The steering arm (steering knuckle) fits on top of the ball joint via the taper post.

  • The longer B310 ball-joint will gain negative camber. The downside is it pushes the tire to the outside, and widest tires will foul on the outer fenders.
    • 195-width tires are the widest that will fit with the B310 setup, but require wheels with appropriate backspacing.


The B310/A10 ball joint uses a larger diameter taper. It will not fit into the B110 steering arm. But you need the B310 steering arm anyways to bolt to the strut. So use a matched set: B310 ball-joint, steering arm and strut tube.


  • the B310 and A10 lower control arms are the same part number
  • They are the same length as a B110 control arm


All Datsun/Nissan struts (except B110 and B210) -- up to and including R31 Skyline and 280ZX -- will bolt to an A10 or B310 steering arm (knuckle arm). The B310 ball joint fits this knuckle, and bolts to the B110 control arm.

These two parts (steering arm and ball-joint) allow the use of any B310/A10/510/610/810/280ZX etc. struts to be fitted to the B110.


Sway Bar

Optional: While you have the suspension disassemble, it is a perfect time to upgrade to the B210 anti-sway bar. It is 20mm compared to the 1200's 17mm. See B210 Sway Bar Upgrade.

Even Bigger Brake Possibilities

  • Volvo 4 piston calipers from a 240DL wagon bolt to the B310 strut fine, but have different style flare fittings. Have the B310 outer hubs turned down to 140mm diameter. Use (possibly) Subaru leone vented discs
  • Land Cruiser 4-pot calipers bolt straight on to B310 struts. But which rotors to use?
    there are two types of these calipers they are
    • from late 80's early 90's HILUX, or FOUR RUNNER and the early ones have a small solid disc, these are the ones to use with the z struts.
    • The later model ones have vented disc and these are to be used with A10/B310 and other struts and utilize some sort of vented disc, i think people on this site have done this with verada discs or 300zx
  • GM Commodore caliper
  • Nissan S13 rotor & caliper
  • MK63 4-pot calipers


Tension Rods

If using the B310/A10 lower control arm, use the B310/A10 caster rod. Alternatively, the B110 and B210 caster rods (aka tc, radius, tension rods) can be used. The length is correct, but bolt spacing needs to be wider and tapped to M10. This means drilling one new hole in the tension rod.

For more details, see Caster Rods.


Instructions

Parts Needed

Grab the whole front strut/brake assembly as well as the brake hoses and the brake bias controller unless you plan on using an adjustable unit. Also grab the brake master cylinder.

Make sure to get the good struts, the ones with 245mm rotors. Two smaller sizes exist but are not worth swapping as they won't gain you much over the B110 parts.

Exception: If you wish to retain 12" brakes, you could use the 220mm Strut & Brakes setup from an A12 powered B310 (Or the A12A Canada version).


Details

Use at your own risk. There is no guarantee these steps are complete.

  1. Remove strut
  2. swap the springs and strut top from the B110 onto the B310 strut
  3. Put B310 strut on
  4. Connect the brakes lines, bleed the brakes
  5. Check wheel alignment. Especially set the toe-in, it will have changed

Optional:

  • Fit quick-ratio B310 steering knuckle from Pitroad.


Part Numbers

JDM part numbers

  • 40052-W5000, 40052-W5060 ARM, KNUCKLE RH
    • A10: All
    • B310: A14/A15 7910-up, also early and late GX
  • 40160-W5000 ASSY-BALL JOUNT, LOWER RH
    • A10: All
    • B310: A14/A15 7910-up, also early and late GX

Photo Index

1254.jpg 1407.jpg 1861.jpg 1964.jpg 2573.jpg 2574.jpg 2820.jpg 3890.jpg 3891.jpg 5068.jpg 5069.jpg 5070.jpg 7978.jpg 8531.jpg 8912.jpg 9194.jpg 9219.jpg 12913.jpg