Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

With an engine swap you may be swapping the differential as well along with the OE leaf springs. In my project I’m using a narrowed ‘94 Mustang 8.8 which has 2.80” axle tubes. The 1/2” 2.80” ubolts will not fit in the holes of the OE leaf locating plates. The existing holes cannot simply be drilled to 1/2” as the hole centers need to move outward to two adjoining sides. I used a die grinder to do this but it was obvious that only a thin bit of steel would remain on the hole at the two sides. I used 1/8” x 5/16” steel strips to wrap the perimeter of the OE locating plates, making for a much stronger plate. Bottom plate with shock mount was replaced with a new 1/4” thick, bottom plate with shock plate, pre drilled for up to 1/2”x 3” u-bolts. Center hole of this plate (as well as new spring perches) were drilled larger for the 1 1/16” Datsun holes and chamfered to accept the Datsun locating plates.

Pictures of the modified locating plate are shown. From the initial fabrication thru final prime and paint the work averaged four hours each. So sixteen hours is not a quick task overall but of course you may be faster (or slower).