Author Topic: The Suspension Build Guide For Your S12 (Read 28755 times)

Leegamer · « **Reply #40 on:** 09:15:48 AM / 09-Sep-09 »

You want 280zx struts for the front, not Z31.

Z31 shocks will work for the rear if you have IRS.

8SixS12 · « **Reply #41 on:** 08:47:20 PM / 11-Sep-09 »

Update 01-21-09
Sorry guys I haven't updated this in a while. Thanks to Sterling for cleaning this up for me too. Anyway, I forgot to mention that you can run Z31 front inserts into the S12 strut tube also. I don't know if it was the turbo or na shock that fits, because one was 10mm larger in diameter than the other. Anyway with that said, you can run all 4 Konis and Canuck springs or whichever in your stock S12 setup and be on your merry way.

So this info in post #1 is wrong then?^^^

mod_mastaz · « **Reply #42 on:** 10:12:10 PM / 11-Sep-09 »

You can run the Z31 front shocks. The 280ZX ones are like stock length, so if you have Canucks lowering springs, the Z31s are actually better fitting because they are slightly shorter. I don't know which insert is the right one. If you look on the Z31 forums you can find out which one is 10mms larger or not. I would think the Turbo ones are 10mm larger so check around before ordering anything.

Troskinator · « **Reply #43 on:** 06:16:51 PM / 06-Oct-09 »

ok this is going to sound very noobish, because it is
could you use the v6 5 lug instead of the s13 4 lug, and whhich one will give you the most angle/aftermarket support?
and would it be best to swap in a s13/s14 subframe

Xano · « **Reply #44 on:** 07:53:37 PM / 06-Oct-09 »

S13 4 lug is best, SE parts are no different than 4cyl parts besides overall thickness and its 5 lug.

S13 gives aftermarket and angle, and you can buy 5 lug rotors and hubs to convert the S13 items to 5 lug.

Troskinator · « **Reply #45 on:** 08:14:52 PM / 06-Oct-09 »

im kinda confused, i dont want to do the s13 4 lug because im getting a realy good deal on some 5lug wheels and im on a budget so i couldnt affort to do a 5 lug conversion, so is there any way i could use the se 5 lug

David B · « **Reply #46 on:** 08:31:31 PM / 06-Oct-09 »

Quote from: Troskinator

im kinda confused, i dont want to do the s13 4 lug because im getting a realy good deal on some 5lug wheels and im on a budget so i couldnt affort to do a 5 lug conversion, so is there any way i could use the se 5 lug

s14 stuff

Troskinator · « **Reply #47 on:** 09:23:16 PM / 06-Oct-09 »

i dont want s14 stuff because i already have se 5 lug, is there any way to modify it to work? and sorry for the dumb question, im not good with suspencion stuff

gerrybg · « **Reply #48 on:** 10:10:03 PM / 06-Oct-09 »

Yes you can use the se 5 lug set up but you need the whole strut because the se calipers have wider mounting points so the struts have wider caliper mounts to suit, so your ca20 brakes won't mount to the strut and also won't work with the se rotors.
So in short find complete struts brakes and hubs off an se.

For the rear use the se trailing arms. (You can swap out juts the rear 5 stud hubs, but it is such a shit job getting them out, (I know I've done it) you are better off just swapping the whole trailing arm complete with hubs brakes etc). Hope that answers your question.

Oldskool · « **Reply #49 on:** 01:36:17 PM / 23-Nov-09 »

I'm going for the s13 setup, but I have a question, will I be able to put in the original s13 coilover, because the diameter of the spring of the s13 is bigger, and the spindle can't pull of a compleet turn.
Am I doing something wrong or should I take upgrade (adjustable) coilovers?

RAW0330 · « **Reply #50 on:** 09:24:09 AM / 27-Nov-09 »

The size of the coil won't matter when turning the wheel due to the fact it turns with the spindle. It's bolted to the spindle on the bottom, and the upper mount has a bearing which allows rotation of the assembly.

seishuku · « **Reply #51 on:** 11:29:39 AM / 27-Nov-09 »

It matters when it doesn't fit inside the S12 strut tower.

CamInHead · « **Reply #52 on:** 02:20:36 PM / 28-Nov-09 »

I recently got some z31 n/a rear arms (5stud and vented brakes). We offered up a known turbo disc and the back spacing was slightly different, though the actual disk thickness identical.

Anybody picked up on that before ?

RAW0330 · « **Reply #53 on:** 07:01:13 AM / 02-Dec-09 »

Quote from: seishuku

It matters when it doesn't fit inside the S12 strut tower.

Good point, but he asked whether or no it'll affect turning, assuming it'll fit in place.

mod_mastaz · « **Reply #54 on:** 08:06:57 AM / 03-Dec-09 »

CamInHead: It depends which year your Z31 arms are, If they are 84-86, they are the standard arms. If they are the 87-89(turbo or n/a) then they will accept the vented rotors/calipers and are 10mm wider on both sides. What year z31 disc and what year z31 arms are you comparing to/have?

CamInHead · « **Reply #55 on:** 01:53:35 PM / 09-Apr-10 »

Don't know for sure but the fella I got my bits off says they're later N/A, 5-lug. Point I wanted to make is it appears to be that either will work but aren't interchangeable ie; use either Z31 n/a or turbo but not a mix of the two.

XenoVibe · « **Reply #56 on:** 12:27:53 AM / 17-May-10 »

which size are the Z32 calipers, 26mm or 30mm? or do both fit?

deadpirate · « **Reply #57 on:** 12:33:46 AM / 17-May-10 »

^they both have the same bolt pattern so they both fit

XenoVibe · « **Reply #58 on:** 03:34:34 AM / 17-May-10 »

Brake option #1:
Z32 Front brakes
- Z32 Master cylinder 1" or 1 1/16"(15/16" is fine but will give a slightly mushier pedal feel)
- S13 Z32 front brake conversion line
- Z32 rotors(matching calipers)
- IF 4-LUG! --- Redrill rotors

Does this mean that you can keep using stock brake lines in the rear?
Also what is that S13 Z32 Front brake conversion line mean?
What does he mean by "matching calipers"?

deadpirate · « **Reply #59 on:** 03:40:04 AM / 17-May-10 »

Quote from: XenoVibe

Brake option #1:
Z32 Front brakes
- Z32 Master cylinder 1" or 1 1/16"(15/16" is fine but will give a slightly mushier pedal feel)
- S13 Z32 front brake conversion line
- Z32 rotors(matching calipers)
- IF 4-LUG! --- Redrill rotors
Does this mean that you can keep using stock brake lines in the rear?
Also what is that S13 Z32 Front brake conversion line mean?
What does he mean by "matching calipers"?

doesnt effect your brake lines

the lines are different because they have different banjo bolts

you need matching rotors for the matching calipers (26mm vs 30mm)

seriously dude, this isnt hard to put together