914 to 912 Front Suspension Swap

[AirJose]

I have a 66' 912 with the old suspension that needs full rebuilt. Got a 70' 914 complete suspension; the 914 parts ie. ball joints, strouts are less expensive. Can this swap be done, or has anyone done it?

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[iustasail]

A 914, or 69-77 suspension can be used; but you have switch everything out, A-arms, struts, breaks, ball joints etc... I think you can even use an SC or Carrera suspension; but to do so you need to use the SC or Carrera cross support and there may be break clearance issues.

The 914 suspension will work, a 911 suspension with "A" front calipers would provide better braking though; but would require a new 19mm master cylinder and the replacement of the reservoir with one that is duel circuit.

[ClayMcguill]

Yeah, the 914 suspension will fit-all parts are the same dimensions as 911 parts. 914 torsion bars have a different spline count than 911/912 bars, though-so be sure and swap EVERYTHING, or don't do it at all.

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Clay Mcguill www.geocities.com/the912guy

[AirJose]

where are the 914 torsion bars? Boy, now I am confused; since they have a different spline count than 911/912 bars, are they smaller that 911/912? I am having a hard time to remove the 914 suspension, the front is out, but what is holding it from the rear(near the passenger area)?

[SteveStromberg]

Rust.Pentrating oil And tapping lightly on TB try to make it vibrate lightly after about five min. walk away let it soak for half hour. Repete until its free.Steve

[Joe Bob]

Since the 914 has four lug and the 912 has five, you will need to convert the studs. It would be better to find an SC front end. You get vented rotors, the same stud count and bigger brakes. They run abut 200-400 in the bone yards....

[DDS]

I'd agree about the SC front end - I'm doing just that with my 914. You could use 911 T stuff with M calipers which would give you vented rotors, the option of 911 torsion bars, and 5-bolt hubs too.
My SC torsion bars were stuck and I used penetrating oil gentle taps and telekinesis, but no amount of wiggling would free them. I ended up tapping them out with a hammer and drift (old Porsche tool no 23876-0990):-)
Soak the thing in penetrating oil and let it sit. Stick the A-arm in a vise and tap the exposed (rear) end of the torsion bar. The other end will drive out the press-fit cap and you are away to the races. Replace the cap and gently peen over the steel to hold it in place till next time.

Dave