Can I replace the rear shocks only or should I do all four?

[chrisbruck]

I got the stock Boge shocks all around and the rears are noticeably soft (fronts seem ok). Going to replace with Bilsteins and still researching whether or not to use the HD's or Sports.

Question is.... do I need to replace the fronts as well if they seem fine? Will replacing the rears only with Bilsteins and leaving the fronts as Boge's give goofy handling feel?

[livi]

I would replace all four. They are probably as old as the rear ones and their condition is difficult to assess from outside.

[john walker's workshop]

Originally Posted by chrisbruck

Will replacing the rears only with Bilsteins and leaving the fronts as Boge's give goofy handling feel?

yes.

[sc_rufctr]

Just replace the rears and go for a drive. If it's weird do the fronts as well.

Why drop more money than you have to?

[CCM911]

That is kinda what I was thinking as well.

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Just replace the rears and go for a drive. If it's weird do the fronts as well.

Why drop more money than you have to?

[chrisbruck]

I kinda like this idea too.... plus it's free shipping whether I buy 2 or all 4.

Originally Posted by CCM911

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr View Post
Just replace the rears and go for a drive. If it's weird do the fronts as well.

Why drop more money than you have to?.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Why drop more money than you have to?

because it's a Porsche


replace all 4 for the reasons given above and get digressive shocks

otherwise, just sell it and buy a Kia

[Flat Six]

Chris: I'd seriously consider checking your A-arm bushings for wear first. If they're okay, proceed to shocks. If not, I'd certainly prioritize bushings.

If your rear Boges are soft enough the rear of your '87 sags (as I'm assuming from your post), installing new Bilsteins will raise the rear (gas charged, remember). HDs some, Sports more -- depending on how much it's sagging now. Might be enough to affect rake.

While replacing just rears would improve compression & rebound damping, by comparison it'll likely also highlight sub-par performance of your front suspension that you might not currently notice.

If it were me, I'd bite the bullet and check/R&R bushings first (if needed), then all 4 shocks & related hardware then ride height / CB / align.

Yup, easy to offer 'advice' that spends other people's money -- I get it. But I think doing just rears first is false economy.

Plus, I tend to treat nearly everything John Walker posts as near-gospel.

Hope this helps.

[chrisbruck]

All good advice... Gonna look at it a better this weekend.

[dshepp806]

I'd nail 'em ALL!

Best!

Doyle

[RWebb]

yes, if the bushings are original they will definitely need to be replaced

there are lots of spendy choices too

[RSBob]

If you have the money (since not every one here has an unlimited budget) replace all 4. If you don't, replace the pair and then replace the other set when you have the funds - driving the car with 2 new and 2 perfectly functional but old, won't hurt anything for a while.

[Tidybuoy]

I like Bilstein Sports for the rear and HD for the front. This will give you a firm but still comfortable ride.

For the record, I have recently listed a pair of Bilstein HD for the later Boge struts that have the strut nut on the outside. They are brand new, never installed and purchased about 2 months ago. I'm selling for $400 shipped. Anywhere else, you will pay tax and shipping.

Here's a link to my classified ad:

FS - Brand New Bilstein HD Strut Inserts for Later 911 w/Outer Threads at top