87 carrera - original shocks - how to tell?

[redmill]

I have an 87 carrera coupe
I bought it about 6 years ago with 26k miles and I believe it to be stock.

I didn't get the full service history, how would I know if it was on the orginal shocks? are the a special color or have markings of some sort?
Thanks

[Gordo2]

I'm not too familiar with the '87; on my '83 the original rears were black Boge shocks.

No way to tell on the fronts without disassembly - my car has Boge struts (black). When I replaced the shocks (inside of the strut assembly - you can't see them without taking it apart), the strut was full of oil - from the factory. I believe they were originals (~20+ years and 150k miles and still going strong).

I replaced my fronts and rears, expecting a significant difference in ride. Oddly enough, it wasn't that noticeable. Either way, as old as they were, they were due to be replaced.

Good luck, Gordo

[Garp]

Originally Posted by Gordo2

I'm not too familiar with the '87; on my '83 the original rears were black Boge shocks.

No way to tell on the fronts without disassembly - my car has Boge struts (black). When I replaced the shocks (inside of the strut assembly - you can't see them without taking it apart), the strut was full of oil - from the factory. I believe they were originals (~20+ years and 150k miles and still going strong).

I replaced my fronts and rears, expecting a significant difference in ride. Oddly enough, it wasn't that noticeable. Either way, as old as they were, they were due to be replaced.

Good luck, Gordo

Gordo,
I understand that you replaced the front inserts with new Boge inserts, do you have to put some kind of oil in it again or simply insert them?
Tx

[Gordo2]

Actually,

I went with Blistein inserts (make sure you buy the correct insert for your strut - Bilstein struts or Boge struts take different inserts).

Gordo

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by Garp

do you have to put some kind of oil in it again or simply insert them?

The originals were not sealed and had to have the fluid. The replacements will be sealed units. So people put oil or antifreeze in there for cooling purposes but many do not.

[Garp]

Originally Posted by Gordo2

Actually,

I went with Blistein inserts (make sure you buy the correct insert for your strut - Bilstein struts or Boge struts take different inserts).

Gordo

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

The originals were not sealed and had to have the fluid. The replacements will be sealed units. So people put oil or antifreeze in there for cooling purposes but many do not.

Tx guys

[old man neri]

The way I knew mine needed to be replaced was when I unscrewed the the top strut bolt and was able to compress the strut with two fingers. It then stayed compressed, I had to pull it up. Ya, that's how I knew they were original and needed to be replaced.