Newbie Help with 911 Body Sag

musicman48 · 01-31-2009, 11:58 AM

I recently bought a 1980 911SC. I noticed it sagged a little at the right rear, but assumed it needed a little height adjustment. After fussing around with the trailing arm adjustment, I have equal height at all the critical spots like the torsion bars and fender/wheel measurements, but still have about 5/8'" difference at the rear of the car (bumper). Is this the dreaded "body sag" and what to do now?

Thanks

kodioneill · kodioneill's Garage

the guys are gonna tell you " need to see pictures" !!!

musicman48 · 01-31-2009, 12:28 PM

kodioneill

thanks, I'll get out and take a couple.

Zeke · 01-31-2009, 12:39 PM

I don't think what you have there is a "dreaded body sag." Basically what that means is the door gaps close down at the locks. Mostly 914's and a few Targas that are really rust buckets.

However, I would check the car for evidence of an accident. I have seen rear fenders that are tweaked down due to poor bodywork.

BTW, getting your wheel arch heights the same does not necessarily mean your car is balanced. If you don't get the corner balance close, it might register as a "pull" in the steering.

musicman48 · 01-31-2009, 01:01 PM

So, I'm not sure what is helpful but here are some pics.

Hope this works.

MM

kodioneill · kodioneill's Garage

i see what your saying. i'm interested is seeing what the board thinks. i haven't a clue what that could be.

musicman48 · 01-31-2009, 01:07 PM

Milt,

Thanks for the reply. There are no issues with the doors. I did check the height of the Torsion bar covers as well and they are even side to side. There does not seem to be any evidence of frame damage in the engine compartment, but I am not a body expert. There is still plenty of adjustment left on the trailing arms so I guess I could tweak it some more.

MM

tonythetarga · 01-31-2009, 01:19 PM

How close are you to Seattle? Run it in to see John Walker if that is convenient.
I'd say someone tried to do the ride height and didn't quite re-index properly. Since you have been playing with it already your corner balance weights will likely be off and possibly your rear alignment. Thats why I suggest a pro look at it. It will be money well spent.
BTW, nice looking car

musicman48 · 01-31-2009, 01:43 PM

tonythetarga
thanks, I am about 55 miles south of Seattle and I noticed there is a John Walker sticker in the engine compartment of the car. Go figure.

You are probably right, I'll give them a call on Monday.

MM

kmhemi · 01-31-2009, 01:45 PM

Looks to me like the torsion bar on the passenger side either needs re indexed or might even be broken. I've changed them a few times. It can be a frustrating job. That car should have adjustable spring plates and you might get it out there but I dont think there will be enough adjustment to even it out that far.

kmhemi · 01-31-2009, 01:46 PM

after a second look I doubt its broken. I bet someone tried to change the ride height and did not get the Torsion bars equal.

mede8er · mede8er's Garage

Looks broken to me.....

musicman48 · 01-31-2009, 01:53 PM

kmhemi,

This is my first porsche after years of messing with corvettes. I absolutely love the driving experience. I just bought to us as an everyday driver. It has had tons of mechanical work done over the last two years so it really runs great. I guess I am just in for a steep learning curve on these.

MM

kmhemi · 01-31-2009, 01:55 PM

Well I thought that at first too but after a second look I realized that there is at least some preload on the passenger side bar or it would be even lower than that. If it were my car, I'd pull both sides and start over. I dont think the car is hurt other than that..But I could be wrong too....

kmhemi · 01-31-2009, 01:59 PM

Indexing the bars is a frustrating job but is a DIY..afterwards the car really SHOULD be corner balanced to get it dead on. But you can get the twist out of it and have it driving straight without pulling to one side or anything...
Do a search on here for indexing torsion bars. I think you'll find more pics like yours. the first time I did mine I got them uneven and my car sat just like yours. I'd pull both sides and start from there so you know what you have and what needs done.
I hope others agree with me....

pozee · 01-31-2009, 02:06 PM

Did you notice the sag just in your garage or all surfaces?

Zeke · 01-31-2009, 02:29 PM

Why does the roof look level to me while the bumper is down? If your rear wheel arch on the right side is as high as the left and the fronts are also close, there is something majorly wrong.

Maybe get the car on to a level parking lot and walk all around it.

BTW, if you call JW and give him the plate no., I bet he can tell you about the car.

musicman48 · 01-31-2009, 04:21 PM

Thanks everyone for the input. I'll be calling John Walker on Monday and talk it over with them. I don't mind putting the garage time in, but it might be nice to get it right the first time. If there is something major wrong, I guess now is the time to find out. Uhg!

There are lots of fun things to work on like door panels, mirrors that don't work etc. I was kind of looking forward to that.

MM

'80 911SC
'05 VW Cabrio
'09 Jetta
'05 Subaru Legacy
'90 Subaru Legacy (for sale)
04 Durango Hemi

Did I mention I have a lot of kids :^)

pozee · 01-31-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milt

Why does the roof look level to me while the bumper is down? If your rear wheel arch on the right side is as high as the left and the fronts are also close, there is something majorly wrong.

Maybe get the car on to a level parking lot and walk all around it.

BTW, if you call JW and give him the plate no., I bet he can tell you about the car.

+1 - I noticed that too but thought it was the way the sun was hitting it. The roof does look level while the decklid and bumper at the lower right side look off.

Ron.G · 05:06 PM

Looks like a re-index of the passenger side torsion and you are good to go.
You could look at the ride height adjustment bolt and compare to the drivers side.
I would bet the drivers side is in the middle of the slot and passenger side is at the top of the slot.

But there are far more knowledgeable folks when it comes to rear torsion tweaking.

One other thing...... PUNCH BUGGY! no punch back license!!!