280zx 2+2 front crossmember trouble
09-26-2008, 08:28 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: wisconsin
Posts: 39
280zx 2+2 front crossmember trouble
When I bought my 280zx 2+2, car fax did not show any major
repairs due to accident.
The car had been in storage for some 5-7 years if you can believe
a used car salesman !
Anyway I have had the car aligned by a reputble shop, the wheels
were balanced in 2-planes (weights on inside and outside).
The ride feels good till it pases 60-65, then it gets to feeling like
it has little or no feedback. Also, the steering is very senitive ( a
little twitch on the steering wheel, car will go left or right). It
tracks the highway straight.
The shop manager noted the car had been damaged in a accident.
I could only agree. And my inspection, I too noted that the Front
cross-member had a v-notch tear in it ( at its center) . Like it had
collapsed due to a side impact. Then partially repaired -straightened.
Is it possible that the v-notch tear in the cross-member causing
the handling problem?
2ndly, Is there a source for replacement cross-member, (is the cross-
member on a 1979-1983 280zx the same as that used in the ZX 2+2)?
My Z is over the cold weather blues, seems I changed 7-electrical
connectors on the engine sensors, but did not change the Cold
start temperature switch connector (intermittent connection).
Starts and goes through the warmup cycle without fail.
ALas, I am somewhat disapointed in the Zs ride after installing the
KYB gas struts, the car corners very flat, but it has a stiff bounce
the rough road surfaces. I am not a racer, so I was looking for a
softer ride over the construction which fills our town, here in Wisconsin.
Like Chicago, 2 seasons winter and construction (summers).
Any suggestion on cross-member sources, and softer Struts then
KYBs (remember the Zz chassis is 25+ years OLD, and the frame is
deffinitly not as stiff and rustfree as it used to be in 1983.
terrymac
repairs due to accident.
The car had been in storage for some 5-7 years if you can believe
a used car salesman !
Anyway I have had the car aligned by a reputble shop, the wheels
were balanced in 2-planes (weights on inside and outside).
The ride feels good till it pases 60-65, then it gets to feeling like
it has little or no feedback. Also, the steering is very senitive ( a
little twitch on the steering wheel, car will go left or right). It
tracks the highway straight.
The shop manager noted the car had been damaged in a accident.
I could only agree. And my inspection, I too noted that the Front
cross-member had a v-notch tear in it ( at its center) . Like it had
collapsed due to a side impact. Then partially repaired -straightened.
Is it possible that the v-notch tear in the cross-member causing
the handling problem?
2ndly, Is there a source for replacement cross-member, (is the cross-
member on a 1979-1983 280zx the same as that used in the ZX 2+2)?
My Z is over the cold weather blues, seems I changed 7-electrical
connectors on the engine sensors, but did not change the Cold
start temperature switch connector (intermittent connection).
Starts and goes through the warmup cycle without fail.
ALas, I am somewhat disapointed in the Zs ride after installing the
KYB gas struts, the car corners very flat, but it has a stiff bounce
the rough road surfaces. I am not a racer, so I was looking for a
softer ride over the construction which fills our town, here in Wisconsin.
Like Chicago, 2 seasons winter and construction (summers).
Any suggestion on cross-member sources, and softer Struts then
KYBs (remember the Zz chassis is 25+ years OLD, and the frame is
deffinitly not as stiff and rustfree as it used to be in 1983.
terrymac
09-26-2008, 10:10 PM
#2
#1... How about some pics of the damage?
#2... All 79-83 crossmembers are basically the same, but some of the steering mount holes might be different depending on rack or recirc steering.
#3... If you wanted a "soft ride", KYB's "performance struts" are the wrong choice... you should have gone stock.
#2... All 79-83 crossmembers are basically the same, but some of the steering mount holes might be different depending on rack or recirc steering.
#3... If you wanted a "soft ride", KYB's "performance struts" are the wrong choice... you should have gone stock.
09-27-2008, 06:10 AM
#3
Head Muckraker
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 9,221
You can't really have flat cornering and a "soft" ride. They're mutually exclusive. The stock shocks and struts would have been a better choice. Any aftermarket "performance" shock or strut is going to be harsher than the original because the generally accepted rule is that you're willing to give up the "soft" ride for a better handling car.
The junk yard is your friend for a new cross-member.
The junk yard is your friend for a new cross-member.
09-30-2008, 09:29 AM
#5
NisTuner
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Posts: 2,800
One thing I've come to learn is that carfax means nothing. I've seen numerous cars that have been smashed up and repaired, but the carfax report will show no record. It only will show it when the accident is reported to the insurance company. If I smash the car up and have it professionally repaired and never report it it'll be a clean record.
As everyone else says performance shocks/struts are definitely the wrong choice for a comfortable ride. I like to have a comfortable ride, but I don't mind going over the bumps harder and such when I can handle/corner way better. My Z31 is a stiff ride and I love it.
As everyone else says performance shocks/struts are definitely the wrong choice for a comfortable ride. I like to have a comfortable ride, but I don't mind going over the bumps harder and such when I can handle/corner way better. My Z31 is a stiff ride and I love it.
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