Early 911 Control arm bushings

Mervo · 02-15-2013, 06:19 PM

I think I have researched every previous post on this topic, on most forums. Some are quite detailed and some not. My 68 911 (N) needs these FRONT control arm bushings done. I have decided to use the OEM ones from Pelican. I even have two new spare torsion rods that I was given.

A few quick questions if I may, to those who have done this.

1. How difficult is this at home? I have most tools and a decent two post Max Jax hoist.
2. I can see how the old bushings can be removed with a little heat, but to install the new ones, do I really need any special tools, such as the ally pilot guide and rear lock on the UTube of Elephant Racing? Do I need a press to get the new ones on without such 'tools'?
3. In the removal and re-installation processes is the indexation difficult? I have a level/angle measurement gauge.

Thanks for this. Any other tips welcomed!

Merv

Charles Freeborn · Charles Freeborn's Garage

Not hard with the Elephant alignment and pressing tools. Get a good clamp like the one in the video.
Mine were tighter going together than in the video, but quite do-able. Indexing is a bit of trial and error, but again do-able with simple tools.
The single largest block of time you'll spend is cleaning parts to get them to fit smoothly together (again). Get 101 projects book and read up on the ride height and shocks section.
Don't be alarmed if the project blossoms into tie-rods, steering rack, etc., as it did on mine and Craig's projects.
'74 Front suspension re-build
'78 SC Elephant Racing Suspension Rebuild
Best of luck, and keep us posted.
-C

Mervo · 02-15-2013, 07:56 PM

Thanks Charles. I really don't want to buy the Elephant R bushing kits now that I have the OEM bushings, just to get their tools. And I can't see that their insertion tools are available otherwise. I have the large clamp. I was wondering if it could be done without their Stop Tool and Pilot?

I guess there is always the lathe ...

RSTarga · 02-15-2013, 09:10 PM

There are no Porsche OEM bushings only Elephant gets close or better. Porsche sells the whole A arm.

Mervo · 02-15-2013, 10:59 PM

Sorry I have the pelican supplied rubber bush kit. Do I need to chuck those or can they be fitted with out buying the Elephant Racing set?

Craig_D · Craig_D's Garage

I would go with Elephant Racing all the way. The rubber is superior, and you get the kit of press tools to make the job easy. Plus instructions on indexing.

I used a threaded rod and some washers/nuts and pressed then together in no time.

Craig_D · Craig_D's Garage

Start here on MY THREAD and you can see how I did it. It's not too difficult, but the ER wedge and press tool keep you from ruining the bushings when pressing them on.

Mervo · 02:27 AM

Nice thread Craig. I may finish up going the ER way. I am suspecting that the non-ER ones are slightly larger to allow easier fitting. That of course is not a good thing necessarily. I am still surprised that no one has fitted the non-ER ones.