Rear Shock Access

[BRB-83-911SC]

I know rear shock replacement is considered an easy job. Right side access to the top nut seems to be the only challenge. On my 83 SC the steel fuel lines from the fuel distributor seem to be the biggest obstacle. Have people been able to work around these without damaging them? Any tricks to ease access? Thanks.

[anthony]

When I did this job I did a search and found a few tricks. I unhooked rubber hose that goes to the oil tank and bent it down and out of the way. Take the top of the airbox off tool.

I think the way to make this job easier is to use one of those racheting wrenches and whatever is required to hold the piston from moving. The hardest slow-going part for me was trying to hold the piston and then trying to turn the nut with the limited access in there.

If you have Koni's with the allen head in the top of the piston you can put a allen socket on an impact ratchet and just run it in the right direction, while holding the nut, until the nut comes off.

[BRB-83-911SC]

Thanks Anthony. I have green Bilsteins, which I think have a flattened piston shaft as opposed to the allen head - small adjustable wrench to hold piston shaft? Ratcheting box wrench for the bolt will help. I just don't see me geting my hands past the hard fuel lines coming out of the fuel distributor. Will dig into it this spring. Thanks again.

[North Coast Cab]

Do a partial engine drop.

[ecm911]

I did this last year on my 83euro SC(engine in 78 body) with out removing airbox or dropping engine.
Anthony's tool is invaluable, could not do it without it. If I remember my right arm fit under where the breather hoses are, after I removed. My other arm was able to fit over the airbox with cover removed ( I had removed, not for these job, the engine soundproofing pad - this may get in your way if you can get around it).

FYI- replaced org bilsteins with new Bilsteins. Org had allen and new have "flatten" shaft. Fitting the allen is not easy. Allen is a pain to fit in blindly, remember they are on an angle no perfectly vertical.


I will say it took some... time to tighten up.

Good luck

[anthony]

Originally posted by BRB-83-911SC
Thanks Anthony. I have green Bilsteins, which I think have a flattened piston shaft as opposed to the allen head - small adjustable wrench to hold piston shaft?

Vice grips will be easier. The fuel lines aren't an issue. Just disconnect the two oil breather lines and bend them out of the way.

[KCinBR]

I replaced the rear shocks on my 88 carerra TODAY, just a couple hours ago. All I had to do to gain access to the right side was remove the air filter cover and remove 2 small screws that secure a bracket that holds 2 rubber hoses in place.
I used an air ratchet to get the nuts off.
Don't forget to support the trailing arm with a jack before you remove any part of the shock. If you don't it will fall ( not far ).

KC

[vesnyder]

I did a partial engine drop. Even though it only provides a couple inches of extra clearance, it probably doubles the space. Being a contortionist helps as well!

[BRB-83-911SC]

Thanks all. On my to do list for the Spring.