Rear Fox Shocks on '70 911?

mpeastend · 01-03-2006, 06:24 PM

Hi all, anyone install Smart Racings rear double-adjustable Fox shocks in a '71 or earlier 911? Smart Racing told me that the rear shock towers are very narrow (and low) on the '71 & earlier 911's and that the right angle, high pressure braided line fitting that comes out of the shock to the remote reservoir may hit the inside of the tower. They suggested mounting the shock w/the fitting pointed to the front of the tranny (where shift rod is), thus gaining maximum available clearance. In this position, the shock body will move slightly towards the tailight it is closest to as the suspension goes through it's range of motion. Having a aluminum banana arm aids in this respect, I'm told. Of course, I'm not using coilovers, but just wondering if anybody has done this? SRP doesn't have any direct experience in this situation, since the cars they've done have been highly modified. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Mike P

TimT · 01-03-2006, 06:36 PM

Yes Smart Racing is correct... the rear cross-member in the early tubs doesnt lend itself to coilovers, or remote valved shocks..

mpeastend · 01-03-2006, 06:41 PM

TimT, does that mean that the fitting will hit and it won't work as is? SRP's best guess was that if it was oriented as previously stated, there might be enough room for it to function w/o any mods to the crossmember/shock towers. SRP just couldn't be sure and suggested I measure the tube, which I will do, but I was hoping someone has done this w/o the mods as this is not a simple job.

304065 · 03-16-2006, 11:30 AM

Any clarification here? I am thinking about these shocks but do NOT want the high pressure fitting to snap off when the suspension is in compression!

mpeastend · 03-16-2006, 04:59 PM

John, I never did measure the inside of the tube/tower since I abandoned the idea of putting the fox shocks in my car. I have moved on to another project which Don Ramsey is helping me with! I will keep the 70 Targa stock or just upgrade to bilsteins. If you can measure the inside diameter of the tower along a line drawn from the front of the tranny (where shift rod is) to the rear taillight on that particular side, that is the critical measurement needed. The shock rocks back and forth on that line as the rear suspension extends and compresses. SRP will then be able to tell you if they will fit. They suggested heating the area where the fitting exits the shock to red-hot and trying to pound out extra clearance! If that doesn't work, they then suggested cutting the entire crossmember out and welding in one from a later car! If it does wind up fitting, they will also tell you that you cannot excessively lower the rear of the car since the shock rod is too long and the shock will bottom out. (the early cars supposedly had shock towers that were lower than later years?!) This condition is aggravated by using 17" rims since the diameter of most tires of this rim class are larger than stock and cause the rear ride height to increase, requiring even more lowering. An avenue I didn't think of at the time I spoke to them (SRP) was if the end mounts could be swapped and the shock mounted upside down. It would restrict access to one of the adjusters at the end of the shock and the braided line might flex/travel too much but it's a thought. It's possible Steve @ Rennsport may have a solution...he is extremely helpful. Good Luck.

304065 · 03-17-2006, 05:19 AM

Great Scott! That's a ton of work!

I can buy two sets of custom -valved Bilsteins instead. . . .