311 Frame Bolt Size Section
Submitted originally by Tim Waltz revised by Patrick Mahoney
Introduction by S Allen
There was much discussion on the list as to what grade of bolts to use. The consensus is that AN(aircraft grade) is best but for a street car REAL grade 8 bolts will be just fine. The problem lies in the fact you should not use just any grade 8 bolts as many are manufactured oveseas with little or no quality control. Go to a reputable hardware/fasteners store that can guarantee their bolts are real grade 8. Stay away from Home Depot and Pep Boys. McMaster Carr would probably be a good source. AN hardware can be purchased from these folks by clicking here! Pegasus Auto Racing Supply also carries a good supply of AN fasteners. Even better Patrick Mahoney has taken the time to put Datsun Roadster Bolt Packs together for sale. You can reach Patrick for the details by clicking here! Thanks Tim and Pat for sharing.
Note: As of November 5, 2007 Pat Mahoney has sold all bolt packs and has suspended bolt pack sales indefinately.
Tim's and Pat's Findings
Here's a list of bolt sizes for the front end, as best as I can tell (quantities are enough to do both sides):
Pat's Notes: Cap screws, nuts and washers are made in the USA and meet or exceed grade 8 specifications. Dy-Cro-Sist plating lasts 11 times longer than zinc and 8 times longer than cadium.
Lengths refer to the bolt shaft, threaded or unthreaded, not including the head.
Lower Ball Joint (8 total with--my nuts were Nylock shaped with no nylon)
5/16-24 x 2" ny-lok
Lower A-Arm (8 total with lock washers and standard nuts--bolts to suspension x-member)
3/8"-24 x 1 1/2" approx 5/8" unthreaded
Steering box and Idler box (6 total--2 with star lock washer, 4 with regular lock washers and nuts)
3/8"-24 x 1 1/2" approx 3/8" unthreaded
Lower A-arm coil spring "triangle" seat (8 total--8 lock washers, 4 nuts)
3/8"-24 x 3/4" completely threaded
Upper A-arm (4 total with internal star lock washers)
7/16-20 x 2" approx 3/8" unthreaded
Upper Ball joint (8 total)
5/16-24 x 3/4"
Front Swaybar (4 total with lock washers)
1/4"-28 x 3/4" (actual bolt I removed had approx 5/8" length, but 3/4" should not interfere)
Lower A-arm shock mount circle (6 total with lock washers)
1/4"-28 x 3/4"
Caliper mount bolts (4 total with lock washers)
1/2"-20 x 1 1/4"
Spindle to Knuckle Arm (4 total)
3/8"-24 x 2" approx 7/8" unthreaded
Spindle to Caliper Adapter (4 total)
3/8"-24 x 1 1/4" approx 1/4" unthreaded
There's really not a lot of bolts in the rear end (outside of the differential/axle assembly). The rear shackle bolts are unique and probably can't be replace with anything off the shelf. The only thing that leaves is:
Rear leaf mounts (6 total with lock washers and 2 nuts):
3/8"-24 x 1 1/4"
FYI--Other bolts that go in the frame:
The large bolts that mount the body to the frame (6 total--2 in the front, 2 in the rear--2 in the cab with lock washers) are the same thread as the caliper bolts:
1/2"-20 x 1 1/2"
The large bolts that mount the body to the frame (8 total)
3/8"-24 x 1 1/4"
Rear Bumper bolts (4 total, with lock washers)
3/8"-24 x 1"
Engine mount bolts (4 with lock washers, 2 nuts)
5/16"-24 x 3/4"
Tranny X-member mount (6 total with lock washers)
5/16"-24 x 3/4"
Rear exhaust mount (on inside of rear frame)(2 total with lock washer)
5/16"-24 x 3/4"
Front air dam, chassis harness ground, reverse lights, holes near VIN stamp (15 total)
1/4"-28 various lengths** These are not include in Pat's package.