Lowering Engine when Installing Rear Shocks?

vesnyder · vesnyder's Garage

I will be installing rear shocks on my '83 SC and it looks like getting to the top of the shocks will be a bear. My wrench told me that the engien can be lowered very easily. How exactly is this accomplished, and will this make getting to the top of the shocks easier?

marcesq · marcesq's Garage

Vance:

I just did the rear shocks on my car without lowering the engine. You will have to remove the heater hoses on the left, and air filter cover, and oil breather tube. Put vice grips on the top of the shock shaft and then loosen he nut.

If you want to drop the engine, this might help:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_partial_engine_drop/911_partial_engine_drop.htm

Good luck

89911 · 03-10-2002, 07:23 PM

I would watch out for your wallet, I think your wrench may empty it "very easily". It is totally insane that he would suggest this. Either he know little about your car or is blatantly ripping you off, either way, it is a clue to move on to another wrench.

Gary J. Spinella · 03-10-2002, 08:36 PM

I have heard this before and from people who seemed both sane and knowledgeable. Nevertheless, I recently performed the task and found no reason to do such. My 88 Carrera is a bit different than your SC as far as the air box but it had to be removed. Other than that it was very straight forward. I would jack up the car but leave the wheels touching the ground. Remove the top nut and bottom bolt. The bottom bolt is large and on very tight so have a large breaker bar handy.

Clark Griswald · Clark Griswald's Garage

The shocks can be reached without lowering the engine. But it can be tough to reach the top shock nuts.

It really is easier to lower the engine to get access. You just support the engine on a hydraulic jack, remove the two engine mount bolts, and slowly drop the engine a few inches.

After you've done it once, it's a five minute job.

vesnyder · vesnyder's Garage

Chuck - Thanks that is what I had in mind.

89-911, My wrench told me this about when I installed my new sound pad! He is actually a good friend of mine and was trying to help me out to be able to do more myself. When I said drop the engine I did not mean all the way out - just to buy me a few inches when getting at the shocks! Thanks for your concern.

chuckr · 03-11-2002, 03:59 AM

Replacing the shocks on your 83 isn't difficult enough to warrant the lowering of the engine.Once you remove the oil vent hose on the right,the shock is easily obtainable and on the left it is in plain sight.I have done my 83SC (Bilstein Sport Shocks ) Yes, lowering
the engine will make it easier but a few inches really doesn't make that much of a difference,the time you spend on the few inches of lowering the engine isn't worth it.