Front strut differences

Classic · 07-25-2006, 11:52 AM

Pulling apart the front suspension for a clean and replace as required and noticed the the front struts are different, and i don't mean the inserts.

Where they connect to the ball joint one strut has a split in the bottom and pinches the ball joint, where the other has a wedge pin?

Both are Boge and are both date stamped 10 - 70

Does it matter that there different?

Rot 911 · 07-25-2006, 11:54 AM

I believe they take different ball joints.

Classic · 07-25-2006, 12:16 PM

that makes it even more interesting.

I got the ball joint nut off the one with the wedge pin and can confirm that that ball joint does have the grove / notch for the pin. I have to put some heat or pull out the Dremel for the other side, as it looks like the PO used a chisel to remove and reinstall it in the past, and the nut doesn't have any teeth left.

randywebb · 07-25-2006, 12:45 PM

yes they differ re the ball joints - search on that for more info

dunno if it is bad or unsafe to have different types in front

Classic · 07-25-2006, 12:59 PM

Yeah it would appear that the car had been driving around on this setup for some time.

Now I'm wondering if i might be better off trying to purchase another strut?

randywebb · 07-25-2006, 01:07 PM

That's what I'd do. How hard are they to get in Aust.?

Or... buy 2 Carrera struts & you can put on larger calipers or use S calipers.

Rot 911 · 07-25-2006, 01:08 PM

I believe the ball joints are the same dimensions, just a different pin on top. I wouldn't worry about getting a new strut.

Classic · 07-25-2006, 01:22 PM

Yeah the car has front S brakes as it came from the factory with the S options.

Finding a strut in Australia would be the proverbial needle in a haystack.

So Kurt you say run with it.

I suppose it really doesn't matter, I'm not aiming for concourse anyway, as long as there isn't a safety issue?

Rot 911 · 07-25-2006, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Classic
Y
So Kurt you say run with it.
I suppose it really doesn't matter, I'm not aiming for concourse anyway, as long as there isn't a safety issue?

I can't imagine what the safety issue would be. As I said I believe the dimensions of the ball joints are the same, just a different way of attaching to the strut. As long as the ball joint is attached securely at the strut and a-arm then there is not much that can go wrong.

Classic · 07-25-2006, 10:21 PM

Thanks guys, that one had me stumped once again this forum came through. The ability to ask sometimes stupid questions really help when restoring a car.

More stupid questions to come.

randywebb · 07-25-2006, 10:27 PM

If hard to find, just inspect and document the diff. for the next owner.

Classic · 07-26-2006, 01:27 AM

yeah this is a keeper.

these cars a very rare in OZ so much so that people have started to import LHD cars

djpateman · 07-26-2006, 05:34 AM

What is interesting is that the date is correct for a 1971 model, yet you list a 1969 model. Second, the fact that both struts are dated the same, and yet are different types. Are you sure the struts are different; the pinch bolt type has a split while the wedge pin type does not?

Classic · 07-26-2006, 01:04 PM

Yep, the one on the left has a split in it with a bolt and nut compressing the ball joint shaft, and the one on the right has the wedge pin.

I've stripped both of paint and they are both Boge and have a 70 stamp on them. The car is a late 69 RHD car and considering that it had it's original carpet etc i don't think the PO moded it to much. He was the original owner, purchased in 1970, and has a full documented history and 75000M.

The really interesting thing is when i got the other ball joint off it is also has the wedge in the shaft?

djpateman · 07-27-2006, 05:44 AM

The 901 part (pinch bolt, round groove) should be used up to 1972.
The 911 part (wedge pin, wedge groove) should be from 72 on up.
You should not have 1970 parts on a 1969 MY car unless it was converted by an owner. 1970 parts should not be wedge pin type at all. You cannot mix parts (strut, ball joint, fasteners) in a system. It is not recommended to mix systems on a car so that there is less chance for errors. It is okay if you document it and know what you are doing. Replace the bolts/pins and nuts when you replace the joints, it is not worth the risk. Good luck.

randywebb · 07-27-2006, 01:44 PM

BTW - didn't Grady post on an old thread to get rid of the pinch bolt stuff for safety??