Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

While I buy many of my parts from our vendors, sometimes I buy from my local parts suppliers. In this case I bought my KYB front shocks (OEM replacement), KYB Part # 343138 from my local parts house. The first indication there is a problem is that the rubber bushings were not right, so I ordered the correct ones (bushings) from Dean. Now, I have found that the fully extended and fully collapsed lengths are different from the ones I took off (not saying that these old ones were correct....).
These KYBs, from stop to stop, are ~11" fully extended (~1.25" shorter that the ones I removed) and the collapsed length is ~7.25" (~2" shorter). Shaft diameter is correct.

So, before I return these and order new ones from one of our vendors, I'd like to confirm if the ones I have are acceptable and if I order another set, that the ones I'd receive would be different than the ones I already have. I really have no desire to upgrade, but will if that is the answer to correct length/damping rates, etc.

Thanks for any information you can provide.

Now that I have posted this, I saw the post abut supporting our vendors and I do often. I hear the lectures coming.... Yes, I know. If I'd bought from our vendors, I'd not be having this question... Trust me, I am kicking myself!! I am ready if someone else wants to kick me.

Check your old shock, if its OEM, it will have the part number on it 56110- 14625 or 56110-25525. It should be stamped or cast into outer housing. Use a wire brush.

Very good suggestion. Under all of that rust and dirt I found Nissan-KYB Japan 56110-25500 on the old shocks I took off. I am finding that this number is not coming up on the parts diagram, nor any google searches. So, I presume the old shocks are not correct. Thanks. Still need a way to determine if the new shocks are correct. I did, however, check the KYB catalog and the 343138 is what they recommend for OEM replacements. No mention of bushing fitment though. I am not sure I trust the KYB catalog.

The Datsun part number, 56110-25500 is correct for the front shocks. You won't find that in the parts manuals because you could not buy just the shock alone. It was only sold with the attaching hardware which for which Datsun gave an 'assembly' part number, something like 56110-25525.
Also, I looked in the Tech Wiki (Suspension/Shocks: What are the options for shocks) where it lists the KYB(GR2) - 343138 as the KYB replacement for front shocks.
Hope this helps...

Thanks! I feel good about what I have now.