suspension swap

[ttw18]

I have a '67 and would like to use LWB front suspension. Will 69+ A arms bolt up to my crossmember and steering rack?

[Grady Clay]

No, the most suitable parts are:

A-arms – ’69-’73 (the ’74 and later are usable but you must backdate to the early sway bar mount).

Torsion bar levers, seals and adjusting screws – ’69->.

Steering rack – ’69 and later, including tie rods. You need to change at where the steering bolts onto the rack. Inspect the rubber coupler. Get new bolts (appropriate rating), lock tabs and steel lock nuts. This is an appropriate opportunity to update to ‘Turbo’ tie rods.

Cross member – ’65-’67 needs to be updated. The ’68 will work. This is a good opportunity to weld two tabs on the cross member to mount a Bosch rotary fuel pump.

Belly pan – ’69-73 only.

Front supports for A-arms – needs ’69->. If you want two sturdy tow hooks/tie down points, use the ones from the ’74 and later.

Struts – The struts differ as to brake mounting flange bolt spacing; 3” for ‘M’ calipers and 3.5” for ‘S’ calipers and later. Never use the ’69-’71 ‘pinch bolt’ type ball joint attachment type; OE on ’69-’71 911, 912 & 914-6.

Ball joints – get new ‘wedge pin’ type.

Wedge pin and hardware – research on Pelican.

I would use new or re-plated hardware appropriate for the later cars.

Starting in ’74 the spindles are larger and require different washer and pinch-nut.

Starting in ’68, the front hub is wider and the wheel studs are longer.

Starting in ’74 the front hubs have the wheel centering feature.

Carefully inspect the suspension mounting points for structural integrity (rust, cracks).

Depending on your tire/wheel choice, you may want to remove or rool the front fender lips.

You must keep the front and rear appropriately ‘balanced’ as far as torsion bar size, sway bar size, shocks and tires. Anything you can do to reduce over-steer and increase under-steer is desirable.

I can’t tell you how much this update improves the ‘feel’ of a SWB 911. I did this to my then still new ’68 911 in 1969.

Best,
Grady