The 1983 280ZX Service Manual has a whole section on rebuilding struts. Is this something that is commonly done, or should they simply be replaced? Thanks for your opinions.

 

You're talking about the front struts? cuz the rears are all one piece.

Front struts just have a cap that is unscrewed @ the top & the shock canister pulls out. You can also separate the ball joint from the strut (best done while still on the car).

 

well, I think they are usually just replaced.
The fronts have what is called a strut 'insert'. and the rear, is a strut. Oh, some places call the rear a shock probably because the bottom end is held on with a bolt.

 

Rebuilding a strut would be like buying a used set of false teeth... it just ain't right. And yes, the rears are also struts but they are a differnt type than the front. The Z31 had shocks on the rear (outside the spring).

Rod.