Datsun 1200 used tradional shock absorbers in the rear suspension (the front used a McPherson strut). Shocks differ between coupe, sedan and wagon (van). Kayaba (KYB) and Tokico are the factory rear shock brands, so they are good. These came in a black tube. Oil shocks are recommended for street use.

Shock Interchange Tips

As 1200 shocks are no longer in stock, choosing an alternative shock has become the norm.

For cars that have been lowered, see #Lowering Shocks section below

Ensure the shock does not bottom out. For Coupe, wagon and ute, the weight of the car must not rest on the shock (it should instead bottom out on the bump stops). Too long of shock, and at full bounce, the shock will bottom out leading to early wear. When fitting, push down on the rear side and ensure the spring hits the bump stop. If it stops before hitting the bump stop, the shock is too long (compressed length is not short enough)

Ensure the shock has enough rebound length (extension). Loosen the lower shock mount, then Jack the car up one side, letting the wheel hang down. See if the shock will still slip into the mount. If the shock extended length is too short, it won't fit, and it will cause the suspension to stop short when going over holes, etc.

Coupe shocks use smaller lower mounts (8mm) than most shocks (12mm). Swap the lower bushings OR use KYB KIT105 sleeve adapter (reduces lower mount from 12mm to 8mm bolt size)

Gas Charged

Gas charged shocks became available in 1972

They raise the car up 10-15 mm

They can work better on bad road surfaces - for example washboard roads - as the gas pressure keeps the oil from aerating under extreme vibrations

Album 24392

Overview

Shocks differ for Sedan, Coupe, Van and Truck.

Coupe shocks are similar to sedan shocks (both have upper threaded bayonet), but Coupes have smaller piston shaft.

Sedan shocks are stronger and have a bump stop -- they can support the weight of the car under full bounce.

New aftermarket shocks can cause bounce. The genuine Nissan shocks are carefully tuned for the stock suspension and do not cause bouncing. Most all aftermarket shocks are more firmly valved and cause a harder ride. If you get adjustable units they work well.

Album 24916

Van (wagon) and Truck (ute) shocks are identical except for a small difference in rebound specification.

Coupe & Sedan shocks are different in physical measurements and in compression/rebound.

Album 24951

Mounting

Aftermarket

Bilstein and KONI are considered the best mass-market shocks, while Boge, Tokico and KYB are considered quality brands. KONI classic/special is recommended for street and track.

Adjustable Shocks

Adjustable-length, adjustable-damping

Post 496080

See discussion: Where can you get replacement strut inserts?

KONIs are rebound damping adjustable only, so get the correct damping to start with.

KONI can rebuild most KONI shocks, so if you find a used pair or even worn out part of adjustables, call KONI to see if they can be rebuilt. The new name is "classic" or "Special-D".

KONI are twin-tube, oil filled shocks. All the control of regular gas shocks, but without the extra harsh ride that gas shocks cause.

See KONI web site:

How do I adjust them?

HAYASHI DOAR11 8-way adjustable shocks

https://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/wiki/doar11.jpg https://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/wiki/doar11x.jpg https://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/wiki/doar11y.jpg https://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/wiki/doar11z.jpg

Air Shocks

* Suitable for 1200 sedan Gabriel Air Jacker 39579 043645307906 * Original use: HX Holden 1976-1977 rear Open 501mm Compressed 305mm Stud at top Rubber bush bottom ~16mm hole... use sleeve bush The shock mount is slightly offset

post

Part Numbers

Sedan

comes with bump stop

upper mount: S1 (standard 3/8 inch O.D. stem bayonet mount, 16 threads)

lower mount: E2 (12mm I.D. x 32mm long Eyering with bushing and metal sleeve)

Nissan

Album 24801

Nissan 56200-H1001 COMP-ABSORBER SHOCK REAR (order 2) - Sedan $57.18

Nissan 56210-H7926 fits, and is just slightly softer $76.40

56210-H1001 SHOCK ABSORBER KIT-rear (order 2) - Sedan TOKICO NLA

56200-H1001 COMP-ABSORBER SHOCK REAR 56113-09400 WASHER 55240-H1001 BOUND BUMPER A 56124-H1001 BOUND-BUMPER B 56112-09400 BUSH 56123-H1000 SEAT-BOUND BUMPER 56218-H1000 BOLT-SHOCK ABSORBER LOWER MOUNTING 08911-14210 NUT-HEX M12X1.25 08915-24210 WASHER-SPRING LOCK

Kayaba

Album 15943

KYB 442006 oil B110 sedan (from KYB catalog)
KYB 552003 gas (from KYB catalog: PB110 & B210 while supplies last
KYB 55476 ? non-gas
KYB Gas-A-Just KG3798A Album click to view
KYB K6064
KYB 342003 gas B110 sedan (from KYB catalog)
- One vendor says it fits all 1970-1982 sunny sedan
- Interchange:
  - KYB 552003
  - SACHS 101 272
  - ACDelco AF42878
  - ACDelco AX69990
  - Nissan 56200-H1001, 56200-H5025, 56210-H1001, 56210-H2801, 56210-H2825, 56210-H5000, 56210-H5025, 56210H5026, 56210H5825, 56210H5826, 56210-H6100, 56210-H6126, 56210-H7900, 56210-H7925, 56210-H7926
KYB 552003 (B210)
- also 66-70 Corolla except Van
KYB 442006 oil
- also 66-70 Corolla except Van (Toyota OEM 4853012013, 4853119056, 4853119125)

Shock Kit (2 spacer, 2 washers and 2 locknuts) * KYB KIT105 Shock (Sleeve) Adapter Kit; Rear Lower

KYB GR-2 Gas Shock 343140 fits (per KYB catalog): * 1971-73 Datsun 1200 Sedan * 1976-82 Datsun 200SX all * 1979-82 Datsun 210 all * 1978-81 Datsun 510 exc. wagon * 1974-78 Datsun B210 except coupe * 1978-85 Mazda RX7 all * 1967-74 Toyota Corolla exc. wagon * 1973-74 Toyota Corolla SR5 all Specifications: * ext. length: 20.75 inches * com. length: 13.39 inches * stroke: 7.36 inches * no dustcover * no rebound stop * comes with bump stop * upper mount: S1 (standard 3/8"/10mm O.D. stem bayonet mount) * lower mount: E2 (12mm I.D. x 32mm long) * Eyering with bushing and metal sleeve Length is measured from center of eyering to shoulder of stem

200SX and 210 also use KG4764A (Obsolete) use mounting kit C199: 1980-83 Datsun 200SX all 1979-82 Datsun 210 all Specifications: ext. length: 21.06 inches com. length: 13.90 inches stroke: 7.17 inches no dustcover comes with rebound stop comes with bump stop upper mount: S1 (standard 3/8 inch O.D. stem bayonet mount) lower mount: E2 (12mm I.D. x 32mm long)

RX7 shocks also come in KYB Gas-A-Just model KG4644A: 1978-85 Mazda RX7 all 1987-89 Toyota Van (4 w/d) Specifications: ext. length: 21.34 inches com. length: 13.39 inches stroke: 7.95 inches comes with dustcover comes with rebound stop no bump stop upper mount: S1 (standard 3/8 inch O.D. stem bayonet mount) lower mount: E2 (12mm I.D. x 32mm long)

Tokico

Tokico Prodra-G-ᴳ (Prodrag)

featuring heavy-duty larger diameter piston

トキコ　プロドラG　リアショックアブソーバー

gold 金

black 黒

green HEAVY 緑ヘビー TOKICO HEAVY DUTY SHOCK ABSORBER

B110 1088 56200-H1001 KB110 1031 56210-H1825 VB110 2048/E2048 56210-H1425 B120 2048/E2048 56210-G1025 56210-G1026 PB110 1088 56210-H2825 KPB110 2203 56210-H2525

PRODRA-G- For Your Powerful & Beautiful Driving. TOKICO GAS CARTRIDGE チッンガス入り、分解しないこと火に入れないこと CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE DO NOT TAKE APART DO NOT APPLY FIRE TOKICO ZH1 [green] ZA1 [gold]

^POST SG2203 R (gas charged) for PB110, so are a bit stiff for the lighter 1200

2203 - 2= Bore Size 203=Serial Number

Album 28106 Album 19486 Album 28107

Tokico is your best choice! * Blessed experience * Excellent technology * Splendid production * Talented quality control

Others

Which is best?

ACDelco (gas charged) Gabriel Guardian (gas charged) Monro-Matic Plus (gas) Orca/BOGE KYB Gas-A-Just KYB GR2 Gas

ACDelco 520166 or 88946011 (Sedan, gas charged)

Gabriel Guardian (gas shock) PN 81501 fits: - 1200/B110 1971-1973 Sedan - 200SX 1976-1984 (solid axle) - 210/B310 1979-1982 all - 510 1978-1981 exc. wagon

MONRO-MATIC Plus (gas) PN 33272: 74-78 B210

Orca/BOGE PN OR-27103x2 is 50/pair at http://classicgarage.com

Coupe

Coupe shock has small diameter 8mm pin that goes through the bottom eyering bush, and a smaller-than-sedan 8mm stem

Upload click to view

Post 492343https://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/wiki/shock_coupe-0c.jpghttps://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/wiki/shock_coupe-0e.jpg

Sedan shocks may physically bolt to the coupe, but 1) have less stroke and 2) are softer

Nissan 56210-H1825ᴳ SHOCK ABSORBER KIT-rear (2) - Coupe * 2011 USA catalog $65 each * 2019 USA catalog Discontinued * Classic Garage NOS $80/pair Specs: * Stroke: 7.1 inch (180 mm) * Compressed length: 10.2 inch (260 mm)

Tokico 1031ᴳ * replaces 56210-H1825 * BOGE 27-A17-Aᴳ * SACHS 110 166ᴳ

Potential

1974-1979 MKII Escort & RS2000 (sedan/coupe) rear shock * Monroe 15-3065+ max: 478 min: 288 (28mm longer than 1200 Coupe) Perhaps good with 1"+ lowering blocks? Not good for reset-spring lowered coupes?

Gabriel Classic 82020ᴳ * Rockauto.com $14/each Specs: * 279 mm (11.00") Compressed [19 mm longer than stock] * 460 (18.11) Extended * 181 (7.11) Stroke

KYB KG3608ᴳ Gas-A-Just

KYB GR2/Excel-G 343143ᴳ * Amazon.com $31 each Per KYB interchange, this fits: * 1971-73 Datsun 1200 Coupe * 1974-78 Datsun B210 Coupe * 1970-74 Toyota Corolla wagon (starting 5/70) * 1966 Volkswagen Type I (except 1200) * 1967-70 Volkswagen Type I all FRONT * 1971-77 Volkswagen Type I (except Super Beetle) FRONT Specifications: * Compressed Length 11.89" [42 mm longer than stock] * Extended Length 17.01" [8 mm shorter than stock] * Upper Mount S1 (10mm stem) * Lower Mount E2(12x32) * Use with KYB KIT105 sleeve adapter (reduces lower mount from 12mm to 8mm bolt size) * Stroke 5.12 inch [51 mm less than stock]

1992 Hilux Front * do not compress as much as stock (not good for lowered coupes?) * reportedly work good for offroad rally racing * 360 mm extended [80 mm less than stock] * 300 mm compressed [40 mm longer than stock]

Koni 80-1551ᴳ adjustable * 1965-1994 Alfa Romeo, about $200 pair reportedly: * extended: 415 mm (25 mm less than stock) * compressed 270 mm (10 mm longer than stock) * stroke: 145 mm (35 mm less than stock) * eyelet 7mm wider than coupe (so ^POST trim the bushing)

KONI KO-80-1787 VW FRONT Steering Damper

KONI KO-80-1977 - Coupe (NLA) * reportedly: 430 Uncompressed / 270 Compressed

Koni 80-2359 / 80A-2359 * sold by Nissan Motorsport as Nismo Part Number 99996-2359A

1980 SAAB 900 Front Shock SACHS 55 1700 106 517, 89 91 713 * 360 Uncompressed * 275 Compressed

KYB 343136 * 1966-1970 Datsun Roadster 1600 & 2000 (rear) * 275 mm (10.83") Compressed [15 mm longer than stock] * 455 (17.91) Extended * 180 (7.09) Stroke [same as stock] * Mount S1 & E1 These do not compress as far as stock, but are close

Gabriel 82130 * 1966-1970 Datsun Roadster 1600 & 2000 (rear) * 275 mm (10.84") Compressed [15 mm longer than stock] * 450 (17.70) Extended * 174 (6.86) Stroke [6 mm less than stock] * Upper mount S6 (3/8 threads, 7/16 shoulder) * ES22 lower mount (1/2" i.d., 1.25" long)

For off-road racing, here is a longer but stiff shock. ARB Old Man Emu NitroCharger Shock (N43) for FJ55 Toyota front. 295 mm compress length. Require the bigger 16 mm pin diameter bottom plates from a 910 Bluebird or Vanette. NOTE: Stiff shocks with gas cause increase mount loads, so it's also good to brace the area where the top pin mounts to the body as this starts to fatigue.

Wagon

Nissan 56210-H1425 SHOCK ABSORBER KIT-rear (2) - Van KONI KO-80-1904 - 1200 wagon/van, Toyota Landcruiser * Koni Classic Red * Sunny 1200 Station Wagon (VB110) 70-73 Heavy Track Rear 80-1904 https://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/Parts/80-1904.jpg

Album 25694

Potential Wagon Shocks

Mini part number 150309 AVO adjustable TA233 Extended length: 316mm Body: 212mm

Also see Truck section below.

Truck

1200 ute (truck) shocks are physically same as VB110 wagon, but with different damping characteristics.

Album 20528

B120 　ﾘﾔｻｽﾍﾟﾝｼｮﾝ <ｼﾔｼｰ>

ショック　アブソーバー 56210-G1025 SHOCK ABSORBER KIT-rear (2) リヤ　ショック　アブソーバー　キット 56210K 56210-G1026 ABSORBER KIT-SHOCK, REAR コクインNO 56210-G1001　トキコ 8504- [Tokico] superseded 56210-G1025 コクイン　56210-G1000 カヤバ -8503 [Kayaba (KYB)]

Interchange: Hyundai, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Nissan * SACHS 101280 * AL-KO 1436 * BOGE 275509 * KYB 343121 [gas] * KYB 443066 [oil]

Kayaba KYB oil: 443066 KYB gas: 343121ᴳ Excel-G, 553100 Per KYB catalog, these replace Nissan OEM parts: * 56210-G1000 (truck/ute) * 56210-G1001 * 56210-G1025 * 56210-G1026 * 56210-H1400 (van/wagon) * 56210-H1425

Tokico (Hitachi Automotive Systems) Oil: 2048ᴳ Gas: E2048ᴳ Per Tokico catalog, these replace Nissan OEM parts: * 56210-G1025 * 56210-G1026 * 56210-H1425 (van/wagon) * Datsun B110, B210, B310 * 1987-1994 Vanette C22 4WD * 1980-1984 Toyota Blizzardᵂ LD10V * 1980-1986 Toyota LiteAce M20 * 1977-1982 Toyota Town Ace TR11/15 * 1980-1982 Daihatsu Delta KD20 single tire * 1977-1979 Daihatsu Delta Wide * 1975-1984 Daihatsu Taft * 1981-1999 Mazda Titan * 1969-1973 Mitsubishi A51V,52V,53V,54V * 1978-1985 Mitsubishi L300/Delica * 1983-1987 Mitsubishi L300/Delica some * 1995- Mitsubishi L300/Delica some * 1972-1985 Mitsubishi Lancer van (see Mitsubishi_Lancer_(A70)ᵂ)

Koni Album 24915

Possible interchange

coxsteve: Last Ute I built we used VW Passat Wagon Koni rear shocks worked a treat

1973-1980 VW Passat Estate (rear) * Top eye * Bottom eye KYB 443049 KONI 22-2291

Daihatsu TAFT F10/F20 REAR (1971-1978) Mitsubishi Colt A20/A20V/A23/A27 1964-1972 REAR Mitsubishi Lancer A72V/A75V/A141V/A142V/A148V/A149V 09.76-04.79 REAR Toyota BLIZZARD LD10..TP (SOFT TOP) 03.80-05.84 REAR Datsun SUNNY VHB310 (VAN) 10.77-10.80 Datsun SUNNY 1200 VB110 (VAN) B120 Series (TRUCK) 01.70-05.73 Datsun SUNNY VB210 (VAN) 03.73-10.77

Volkswagen Type I

* E2 type eye mounts * 390mm extended, 255mm compressed length KONI KO-80-1349 adjustable (450N/900N) * VW FRONT 1955-1967 KONI KO-80-1350 adjustable (750N/1050N) * VW REAR 1955-1967 * about 40% stiffer (750N vs 450N)

KONI 80-2149 externally adjustable + upper mount * 386mm long with 129mm stroke * Top mount: M12 x 34mm * Bottom mount: M12 x 48mm

Maddat

Maddat Product No. ARSK: Adjustable Rear Koni Shocks (pair), Suit Ute, Sedan or Wagon

Ute/Wagon pictured

https://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/wiki/ARSK.jpg

Coupe version

Post 477326

Suit Coupe Koni 80 1551 (26-2012) Rebound Adjustable off vehicle extended: 415 mm (25 mm less than stock) compressed 270 mm (10 mm less than stock)

Post 477326

Lowering Shocks

Sedan lowering more than 2 inches causes problems as the rear lower shock mount is on the axle housing.

Sedan

Sedan shocks have built-in bump stops. The weight of the car is designed to rest on them (they have a reinforced ledge on the shock). Also, the sedan shocks bolt to the axle housing bracket, so lowering the car compresses the shock.

https://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/wiki/shock_sedan0.jpghttps://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/wiki/shock_sedan-2.jpg

You can get about 1" extra travel by cutting the Bump Stop in half (Bound Bumper A). The downside is when you hit bigger bumps it will have less cushioning effect.

Album 24951

Here's the other place you gotta watch. Look under your lowered sedan and see how much room between top of differential snout, and the pinion snubber. If needed, cut an inch off the snubber and reshape into cone (which helps with compression).

Post 422644

If your sedan shocks are actually bottoming out, measure the ones you have. Stock ones are 339 mm compressed (measured from center of eyering to shoulder of stem -- not to the end of the stem).

Coupe shocks are the go for your 2-1/2" to 3" lowered sedan -- they are 18% stiffer and 3" shorter. The issue is the small bush hole, which can be drill out to the 12 mm sedan size. Be sure to move the bump stops (bound bumpers) from your old sedan shocks to the new shocks. For sedans lowered 1" or 2" stock length shocks work fine. BUT not recommended for stock-height sedan because at maximum drop they extend 2.6" inches less.

Datsun Competition recommended modifying the shock mount by using the Coupe mount plate.

Coupe/Ute/Wagon

In general, lowering the coupe, ute or wagon does not require a shorter shock. On these models the bump stops prevent the shocks from bottoming out.

Post click for topic Post 492343

Album 26720 Album 26721

Whether lowering by reset spring, or lowering with blocks, the compressed length does not shorten. So a shorter shock is not needed.

Post 492352 Post 492352

However, removing or cutting down the bump stops will require a shorter shock. Once you cut about 1" (?) off the bump stops the standard shocks can bottom out. Coupe uses a small mounting stud, so bottoming out will either bend the stud, or the shock will be internally damaged. Ute uses a large stud, so the shock will likely be damaged before the shock stud bends. To avoid this problem, use a shorter shock — or modify the shock mounting location.

Post 496058 https://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/wiki/shock_coupe-3-block.jpg

One thing that will help when trimming the bump stop is to reshape it into a cone shape (as in the original) but a shorter cone. The shape helps progressively stop the suspension compared to just cutting it off flat.

Alternatively for using longer-than-stock shocks, the lower shock mount can be moved down. See Datsun 1200 Competition Suspension Manual.

Album 19038

NOTE: In this photo the bump stops have been removed, allowing about 2" more compression -- although it is not recommended as it will "crash" when you go over a large enough bump. Recommendation: keep the Bump Stops but shorten them as appropriate.

COUPE: Koni 80-2359 (or 80A-2359) is reportedly for 1200 Coupe with increased suspension compression due to bump stop modification. Pedders may have a compatible shock. If you use an aftermarket shock that comes with bump stops, remove the the bump rubbers. The sheet metal of the shock was not designed to stop the weight of the car.

UTE/WAGON stock compressed length: 288 mm (11.3 inches): Monroe Original Gas 23908 - stiff * Holden Astra G Sedan 2002-2004 rear * Push the metal tube out from the bushing of the eyes Monroe GT Gas 150048 * Type 1 & 3 Beetle rear KYB 343144 GR-2/Excel-G * Type 1 Beetle rear * 10.3 inch compressed length (1" shorter than stock, good for about 1/2" extra travel) KYB KG5529 Gas-A-Just * Type 1 Beetle rear * Compressed Length (in) 10.59 (good for about 3/8" extra travel)

KYB 343008 GR-2 (reported exact fit for 1200 Ute) * Original application: 1978-1988 Saab 90 front Rockauto.com ** KYB 443035 Oil ** KYB 553014 Gas-a-just ** Boge 27-021-9 EUR except turbo ** Monroe R2572

Specifications

The stock factory damping force specification is:

Measured at 0.3m/s

model	Sedan	Coupe	Wagon	B120
Stroke mm(in)	167 (6.6)	180 (7.1)	180 (7.1)	180 (7.1)
Max. length mm(in)	506 (19.9)	440 (17.3)	468 (18.4)	468 (18.43)
Min. Length mm(in)	339 (13.3)	260 (10.2)	288 (11.3)	288 (11.3)
Rebound kg(lb)N	58 (128) 569	68 (150) 667	90 (198) 883	93-127 (205-280)
Compression kg(lb)N	38 (83.8) 373	45 (99.2) 441	45 (99.2) 441	32-50 (71-110)

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Shock absorbers

Contents

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