The Datsun name was created in 1931 by the DAT Motorcar Co. The Datsun name is most famous for the sports cars referred to as the Fairlady roadsters and later the Fairlady (240Z) coupes. The owner of this '73 Datsun Bulletside approached the guys at GO-EZ to see how much lower of a stance was possible without cutting up too much real estate. It was already riding around as low it could go on a static drop and was bottoming out in the front way too often. The solution was a simple air-ride system featuring some of the top components in the business and GO-EZ’s own front and rear ’bag brackets to make things possible. The bed didn’t have to be cut, the truck’s stance looks way better when aired out, and best of all, ride quality is far superior than before. Ride along to see how to get your Bulletside sitting lower and cruising better.
1. GO-EZ removed leaf springs...
1. GO-EZ removed leaf springs from the pack and left the main one to let the suspension soften up, which allows the air-ride to perform better.
2. A pair of 3-inch drop blocks...
2. A pair of 3-inch drop blocks were also used in the new rear setup.
3. Here are GO-EZ’s rear ’bag...
3. Here are GO-EZ’s rear ’bag brackets. Pretty cool, right?
4. The lower rear bracket...
4. The lower rear bracket was welded into place.
5. The lower rear bracket...
5. The lower rear bracket is in and looks good.
6. The upper rear bracket...
6. The upper rear bracket was then welded into place.
7. Here is what the final...
7. Here is what the final setup looked like. The brackets and surrounding areas were sprayed with black paint.
8. ContiTech 'bags were then...
8. ContiTech 'bags were then test-fitted.
9. Moving to the front, the...
9. Moving to the front, the travel bumpstops were cut for clearance.
10. Here is a top view of...
10. Here is a top view of just how much of the bumpstops were disposed of.
11. GO-EZ's upper bracket...
11. GO-EZ's upper bracket was slid into place…
12. …and the Slam Specialties...
12. …and the Slam Specialties RE5 'bag was bolted into place and compressed so accurate placement of the bracket could be measured.
13. A gusset template was...
13. A gusset template was made to check for adequate structural support for the the top...
14. ...and sides of the b...
14. ...and sides of the bracket
15. After deciding on the...
15. After deciding on the exact size of the gusset and the locations they would be welded on, they were traced out on metal stock and cut out for use.