Main Menu

Home News Forum Photo Album Tech Wiki Downloads Web Links Polls FAQ Members Map

Fast Search

Slow Search

Google Ad

The Datsun 1200 strut top (top hat) is a rubber insulator for the the strut, and utilizes a bearing for easy rotation for the steering system. Most aftermarket adjustable strut tops do not include an insulator, so are not recommended for a street or off-road vehicle.

1 Also see
2 Overview
3 Measurements
4 Comparison
5 Covers
6 Part Numbers
7 Camber Tops
8 Photo Index

Also see

Overview

Stock 1200 strut tops protrude above the tower:
album

The stock tops are non-adjustable regarding Wheel alignment.

The strut top consists of the Insulator, Bearing and Oil Seal

Measurements

Bolt circle PCD      123 mm (4.84 inch)
stud to stud center  107 mm (4.21 inch)
stud nuts            08911-10810 NUT-HEX M8 x 1.25
tower hole           about 80 mm
strut rod nut        08912-34210 NUT-HEX SELF LOCK M12
strut rod hole

123 mm Circle (107 mm stud to stud) is the same as Datsun 510(1600), A10 (Stanza/510), Nissan Silvia, R31, etc.

album

Comparison

Strut tops: B210 (left) vs B110 (right)
album
The B110 strut tops are different from B210 & B310 tops. They latter have a higher profile and raise the car up, so use the B110 tops. If there is nothing poking up through the hole in the strut tower,then it's "wrong" for a 1200.

Fitting 1200 tops into 120Y lowers the car 2"

Covers

TIP: You can use rubber covers from an early 90's Mazda 323 w/ electric adjustable suspension. Thse covers sits perfectly over a 1200 strut tower, even with large 1200 strut tops or camber-adjustable strut tops.

B310 tops

Part Numbers

54320-H1000 INSULATOR-STRUT MOUNTING (2)
 08915-53810 WASHER-PLAIN M8 (6)
 08915-13810 WASHER-SPRING M8 (6)
 08911-10810 NUT-HEX M8X1.25 (6)
54325-H1000 BEARING-STRUT MOUNTING (2)

Camber Tops

Aftermarket strut tops (camber plates) are adjustable in one or two dimensions. Unfortunately, most do not include an insulator and so will transmit shock and vibration to the body.

Adjustable in one dimension (camber only):

Two dimension adjustable (camber + caster):

Bolt circle: 123mm

NOTE: The standard springs diameter restrict how much camber/castor you can get by moving the top of the strut around -- if you just buy the adjustable tops, you'll find you can maybe get 1 degree more camber before the spring hits the inside of the strut tower. This is why when most people get adjustable strut tops, they also go for smaller diameter springs, which one you've done that, you may as well pay the extra coupla hundred for adjustable height threaded sleeves.

Datsun Competition

The Datsun Competition suspension manual recommends slotting the tower bolt holes for camber adjustability.

See main article: Camber

DIY

For about $20, you can make camber tops. Buy a 5mm (1/4") circle 6" in diameter. Fit into strut tower, and mark the holes. Drill the three holes. Drill the center hole off-center for extra negative camber. Mount using the stock strut top bearing.

These won't have the stock rubber anti-shock mounting.

You can also drill the center hole a little rearward of center for extra castor, but with large-diameter tires it runs the risk of pulling the tyre in to the footwell. See Castor.

Noltec

NOLTEC makes camber tops for Datsun B110, B120, 120Y & B310.

N44071  polyester bushed for street use (bell above)
N44071s Solid mounted for track use (bell above)

NOLTEC N44016  polyester (for street) bell below
NOLTEC N44016S solid (for clubsport) bell below

Trim the sections of the centre plate that are hanging out.....then you will get plenty of adjustment.

"Bell above" vs "bell below" styles
full

full

Cusco

Cusco 204 410 A is a pillowball top hat for Datsun 1200.

http://www.cuscousainc.com

* Camber Adjustable Type
* Can be used with OE spring
* +30mm Vehicle Ride Height raised
* Comes with Pillow Nut: H (M12x1.25mm, Depth 5mm)
* Comes with Collar: Type 10

Aftermarket

S13 camber tops fit straight into the 3 holes of the Datsun 1200 strut towers.

The only downside is that as the 1200 strut top reaches up through the strut tower 2 inches, you would be then mounting the shocker end 2 inches lower using adjustable tops. This means you have lost two inches of shocker travel in the bump direction. So it is preferable to get "bell above" style tops to mitigate this.

Camber tops raise the car about 30 mm, so after fitting, you must lower the car back down by lowering the spring perch. This is OK with otherwise stock suspension, but if your car is already lowered it is recommended to use a shorter strut insert but which still has a full range of travel.

Generic Nissan tops mount 180 degrees the wrong way so when set for negative camber in a 1200 that would be the setting for positive camber in an s13.
album

discussion

Alternatively, you may rotate them 180 deg although some brands will need grinding on one side to fit this way.

You might have to do this to get the top studs come through.
post

They also need a rose joint spacer between bearing and tophat to allow spherical bearing in tophat to allow movement!

The strut rod may not go through the top hat far enough to get the nut on. So use a shanked nut (as come with aftermarket kits).
album
This shanked nut also fits the large hole, and centers the small strut rod.

discussion

If using non-stock strut inserts such as the VW Golf inserts, the strut rod nut i a different diameter. In this case you may need a different shank nut, or a different pillow joint spacer.

discussion

Adjustable strut tops are often available on eBay, or some buy them from TRD. Most Datsun/Nissan use the same bolt circle, but some use larger diameter bolts or larger strut shaft diameter (modify as necessary):