300zx (Z32) hatch stuts for the 280zx
11-10-2010, 08:10 PM
#1
More Than Meets The Eye
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 5,120
300zx (Z32) hatch stuts for the 280zx
Okay, I had to start a thread on this. Because I can't find anywhere, about this upgrade. I have a pair of Z32 300zx hatch struts. And they wont fit on my 280zx. Either direction...so can somebody tell me if I need a set from a 2 + 2 or a 2 seater Z32? Because obviously, I have the wrong kind. I would appreciate it very much. Thanks in advance.
Oh, just to mention...the search sucks on this website. You can't use the phrase you are typing. It tells you every thread, and post with the words in your phrase. Even by them self. It makes it a real headache.
Oh, just to mention...the search sucks on this website. You can't use the phrase you are typing. It tells you every thread, and post with the words in your phrase. Even by them self. It makes it a real headache.
11-10-2010, 09:04 PM
#3
Hum... the search works fine for me. 
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ighlight=hatch
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ighlight=hatch
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ighlight=hatch
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ighlight=hatch
11-10-2010, 09:35 PM
#4
More Than Meets The Eye
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 5,120
^ Smartass... 
Anyway, what did you type to find those threads? I tried different ways, and couldn't find what I was looking for.
Anyway, so it looks like I need the 2 + 2 struts. So what year should I order, so I get the right ones? Obviously, I have 2 seater Z32 hatch struts. And the hatch wont close. Please tell me, which year I should order. And thanks.
Anyway, what did you type to find those threads? I tried different ways, and couldn't find what I was looking for. Anyway, so it looks like I need the 2 + 2 struts. So what year should I order, so I get the right ones? Obviously, I have 2 seater Z32 hatch struts. And the hatch wont close. Please tell me, which year I should order. And thanks.
11-10-2010, 10:09 PM
#5
I searched for "hatch" in the 280zx section... the title of the thread usually gives it away.
As for the year... I dunno, but this is from the 2nd thread I posted:
As for the year... I dunno, but this is from the 2nd thread I posted:
i know this threads gone over a half of a year without action, but im looking for some clarification. I went in to Napa, carquest and action auto asking for the hatch lift supports for a 90's 2+2 and at all 3 places they were saying that there are 2 different part numbers. one for 90-93 and the second for 94-96. both of which needed to be special ordered, so i figured i'd get it right the first time. they weren't able to pull up specifications on full/compressed lenght on either of them.
another note: thezstore.com only sells the supports for the 94-96 2+2 and they are $122.97...
so which ones are they, or does it even matter?
another note: thezstore.com only sells the supports for the 94-96 2+2 and they are $122.97...
so which ones are they, or does it even matter?
11-11-2010, 07:16 AM
#6
Big Poppa
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Mission, British Columbia
Posts: 4,499
i tried doing this, it really didnt seem to work. the parts place was useless. my hatch wont stay open due to the dang whale tail. please let me know if it really works, im using an uncool stick right now. lol they were saying 2+2 was the same. what a joke
11-11-2010, 10:37 AM
#7
Super Siver & Black Stud
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hayward Ca
Posts: 1,526
okay, since I'm Probably the only guy that's done this ill tell you how i did it.. first i got the struts from a 90 Z32 2+2 and installed them upside down because thats the only way they would bolt on... i took some pictures this morning and also took a measurement on the cylinder length at 16 1/4" i tried to look for a part number but the only writing on the sticker was all in japanese..
11-11-2010, 12:21 PM
#8
More Than Meets The Eye
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Mesa, Az
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^ Thanks man, that is what I needed. I will try and get a pair of those maybe today. Appreciate the pics, and information. And hopefully it will benefit others, that are trying this upgrade. Rock on man! 
11-11-2010, 03:31 PM
#9
More Than Meets The Eye
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Join Date: Feb 2005
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okay, since I'm Probably the only guy that's done this ill tell you how i did it.. first i got the struts from a 90 Z32 2+2 and installed them upside down because thats the only way they would bolt on... i took some pictures this morning and also took a measurement on the cylinder length at 16 1/4" i tried to look for a part number but the only writing on the sticker was all in japanese..
1990 NISSAN 300ZX 2+2 3.0L 2960cc V6 MFI (R) [VG30DE] DOHC : Body-Exterior : Lift Support Wiki Price
RHINOPAC Part # 4814 More Information About this Part
Hatch Lift;w/o spoiler 2/89-96 (Only 2 Remaining)
Part Image
$12.79
Add to Cart
RHINOPAC Part # 4829 More Information About this Part
Hatch Lift;2/89-93 (Only 4 Remaining)
Part Image
$12.79
Add to Cart
SACHS Part # SG125005 More Information About this Part
Trunk Lid; Trunk
Part Image
$14.12
Add to Cart
STRONGARM Part # 4818 More Information About this Part
Hatch Lift; 2+2; Canada; w/spoiler 2/89-93; Rear
Hatch Lift; 2+2; United States; w/spoiler 2/89-93; Rear (Only 2 Remaining)
$18.15
Add to Cart
STRONGARM Part # 4829 More Information About this Part
Hatch Lift; 2+2; United States; 2/89-93; Rear
Hatch Lift; 2+2; Canada; 2/89-93; Rear (Only 4 Remaining)
$18.15
Add to Cart
11-11-2010, 04:11 PM
#10
Super Siver & Black Stud
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hayward Ca
Posts: 1,526
i just took another quick measurement of the strut fully extended and it came out to be 30" from tip to tip.. i looked up the parts you posted and 2 of them showed the physical measurements of the struts one was too long and the STRONGARM Part # 4829 was the closest one to mine.. im just not sure of how its attached... the picture looks different then what i have.. maybe they're using a generic pic
heres a pic of the connecting ends on mine
heres a pic of the connecting ends on mine
11-11-2010, 04:45 PM
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 91
For what it's worth, I'm using the MightyLift struts from Autozone. The were inexpensive, installed perfectly and lift the hatch no problem - only problem is that the hatch still doesn't "pop" when I lift the cabin lever. So either the struts don't have enough pressure at full compression, or I need to replace/upgrade the little mini-springs that push up in the back.
11-11-2010, 11:58 PM
#12
More Than Meets The Eye
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 5,120
i just took another quick measurement of the strut fully extended and it came out to be 30" from tip to tip.. i looked up the parts you posted and 2 of them showed the physical measurements of the struts one was too long and the STRONGARM Part # 4829 was the closest one to mine.. im just not sure of how its attached... the picture looks different then what i have.. maybe they're using a generic pic
heres a pic of the connecting ends on mine
heres a pic of the connecting ends on mine
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1808156
11-12-2010, 11:22 AM
#14
More Than Meets The Eye
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 5,120
Thanks for your response man. It does say in the item description. That it comes with hardware. I would assume that means the ball ends? I know the ones I got from somebody that has Z parts used but almost new. They had the ball ends on them. It is just that they are for a 2 seater coupe. That is why I couldn't close my hatch.
Anyway, if they don't fit, or have the ball ends, I can send them back. They are pretty good with that. I get most of my parts from that website. Thanks again man, I will keep you posted. And if they do work. I will let people know on here, and spread the word.
Anyway, if they don't fit, or have the ball ends, I can send them back. They are pretty good with that. I get most of my parts from that website. Thanks again man, I will keep you posted. And if they do work. I will let people know on here, and spread the word.
11-13-2010, 12:50 AM
#17
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I hear you man. I will post here, if they work. And spread the word. I get tired of using vise grips. lol Anyway I got your back bro'. I'll keep you posted. Should be this coming week. They are pretty good at getting things to you quickly.
11-13-2010, 02:11 AM
#19
More Than Meets The Eye
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I would bet, that the ones I have right now, for the 2 seater 300zx. That are too short, may work in a 2 + 2 280zx. Considering the 2 + 2's hatch's are shorter than the 2 seater. So that might work. Might want to try and see. You would never have to replace the lift supports again.
11-13-2010, 05:33 PM
#20
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 91
11-19-2010, 05:24 PM
#22
More Than Meets The Eye
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Join Date: Feb 2005
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Success!
I got the hatch supports this afternoon. I just put them on, and they work awesome! If you pop the hatch, it will come up on it's own. All you do is mount them backwards. I also want to mention, it will take some effort to push the hatch back down. And if you have your latch adjusted correctly. You should be able to use the lever to pop it up. Mine doesn't work, because I still have to adjust it. So I still have to use the key for now. I will take pics tomorrow. Too dark now.
Another thing I wanted to mention. You should be able to leave the original 280zx hardware, where the supports mount. I did it, and still didn't use the hardware that came with the supports. You can use them if you choose. But since I didn't need them. I decided to keep the originals on the car.
Here is the part # and such.
www.rockauto.com
part # 4829/ 1990 300zx 2 + 2 hatch support.
RHINOPAC Part # 4829 More Information About this Part
Hatch Lift;2/89-93 (Only 2 Remaining)
Hopefully, they will restock more. But I am sure you could find them anywhere. Good luck with your upgrade everybody.
Another thing I wanted to mention. You should be able to leave the original 280zx hardware, where the supports mount. I did it, and still didn't use the hardware that came with the supports. You can use them if you choose. But since I didn't need them. I decided to keep the originals on the car.
Here is the part # and such.
www.rockauto.com
part # 4829/ 1990 300zx 2 + 2 hatch support.
RHINOPAC Part # 4829 More Information About this Part
Hatch Lift;2/89-93 (Only 2 Remaining)
Hopefully, they will restock more. But I am sure you could find them anywhere. Good luck with your upgrade everybody.
11-19-2010, 06:00 PM
#23
Super Siver & Black Stud
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hayward Ca
Posts: 1,526
dont forget to mention that this mod should be done with ZX owners who have a heavy wing on their cars.. its perfect for my car since i have a ZX-R wing on my car and for those that have whale tails... the stock shocks wont be able to hold up the hatch with that extra weight...
11-19-2010, 07:10 PM
#24
More Than Meets The Eye
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 5,120
dont forget to mention that this mod should be done with ZX owners who have a heavy wing on their cars.. its perfect for my car since i have a ZX-R wing on my car and for those that have whale tails... the stock shocks wont be able to hold up the hatch with that extra weight...
11-19-2010, 08:44 PM
#25
Super Siver & Black Stud
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hayward Ca
Posts: 1,526
The z32 two seater hatch WILL NOT FIT the 280 ZX 2+2 hatch. It's too long. If the Z32 2 seater strut is too long for the 2 seater on the 280zx. Than it's going to be WAY too long for the 2+2...
