Front strut insert on wide body 911

[Fairview]

Getting close to the completion of my punch list- now have shocks and strut inserts on order.

Do you know if there is enough clearance to leave the strut attached at the bottom, swing the strut out to remove and insert the new front strut insert? I’m hoping I can do it that way on the wide body.

Thanks, Jeff

[Lyle O]

There should be, but you have to almost fully compress the insert. You may have to also detach the brake caliper (and hang it so as not to stress the brake hose), which will allow the strut base to rotate out enough such that the top will clear the fender lip. Put some tape on the fender in case the insert doesn't stay depressed (so you don't scratch your paint!).

[jpnovak]

Disconnect brake line and tie rod end. Then it will swing out far enough. yes, you will have to bleed the brakes afterward.

[Fairview]

Thanks very much for the advice. I'll report back how it goes, hopefully next week.

[Driven97]

Works pretty good if you can compress the strut. With a newer, strong gas charged strut it can be tough. I unbolt the camber plate instead of the center bolt, and use the plate almost as a handle. Maybe a good idea to tape your fender lip just in case of a mishap.

[Cory M]

If you unbolt the camber plate you have to realign the car. If you disconnect the brake line you should compress the brake pedal and lock it into place so your fluid doesn't leak everywhere.

[Walt Fricke]

I'd start with disconnecting the sway bar to allow max droop. Then the old strut top nut to see if you can get it out without more disassembly. With wider fenders this stands a better chance of working. I've done it that way with regular fenders (but not gas pressure shocks).

[Fairview]

So I found that at least on my wide bodied 911 that the strut assembly comes out far enough to replace the insert without any extraordinary effort. The only thing I needed to disconnect was the brake hose on each side.

Here's a photo of the clearance available.

Getting close to completion but don't want to jinx it by getting too confident...

Thanks, Jeff

p.s. By the way, the original paint on this 84 cleaned up right well, don't you think?

[911obgyn]

Yes the paint looks nice, I wish my 85 didn’t have crappy repair with peeling clear coat.
But that’s what you get for a driveway find low budget fixer.