I have been researching for new shocks for my 80 SA. All of the shocks for the rear are listed as the same for 79-85. However, most shocks are only listed 81-85 for the front.

What is the difference between the SA and FB front suspension?

I would like to get Tokico HP or Illumina shocks, can I make this work on the front of a 1980 SA?

 

Well the strut housings are a different diameter on the later model cars. Also the axles on the later model cars are larger and considerably stronger. Your best bet will be to buy some used strut housings and use those.
Grant

P.S. I have a set of later model strut-housings with Tokico HPs already installed if you are interested. PM me if you are.

 

I maybe interested. I have verified that the control arms and strut tops are the same for all first gens.

When you say that the axles are larger are you referring to the rear or front? I am aware that the 84-85 GSL-SE have a larger axle in the rear and the wheel bolt pattern is different.

This just made me think of something. I'm currently running the "Snowflake" wheels from a later model. 84 special edition I beleive. My car already had some modifications done to it before I purchased it. How can a verify if I have the SA or FB strut housings? Does the strut housing effect the wheel bolt pattern on the front?

 

you will need to change out the spindels like grantmac said, Also you might as well use the larger 84-85 spindle while you are at it.

 

Front:

'79-80 have a different length strut housing from '81-85.

Everything else hard parts wise is the same.

'84 and '85 have larger outboard wheel bearings, which is good if you drive hard on gumball tires. I used to re-adjust my bearings every week or so, when I had a small-bearing car. (When the bearings are loose the rotor knocks the pads back more. When the pads knock back the brake pedal gets low. When the brake pedal gets low, I get upset. When I get upset, Mr. Bigglesworth gets upset. When Mr. Bigglesworth gets upset, people DIE!!!!!!)

 

Bolt pattern won't be affected. You may already have the larger housings so thats something to look into, if you don't I'll be glad to send you these ones with the Tokicos in there. Also I have some basically new <200Mi brake rotors and pads them and we could look at doing a deal for those as well if you need them.
Grant