'87NA'a Bilstein Struts Rebuildable?

[OK-944]

Just got my 87NA’s Bilstein struts apart…and one of them is quite dead. Before I pull the plug and go for new struts, I need to know what my options are regarding rebuilding my current struts.

From what I can gather, it looks like I can cut off the tops of the Bilstein’s, drop in shock inserts, and secure the bottoms of these inserts by way of a bolts in the bottoms of the struts.

Does this sound correct? If so…I’d like to get some decent quality inserts, and detailed instructions about how to proceed. Would truly appreciate being pointed in the right direction on this. Thanks!

[SilverLined]

Doesn't Bilstein offer rebuild services? I know Koni will rebuild many of their older OE struts. I think I priced out $800-$1000 to rebuild a set of the '84 optional Konis, depending on who you take them to, and whether or not you want new bushings etc.

I'd guess that the inserts would be a good bit cheaper, but with more labor. Sticking with OE would add more value to the car, however!

[djnolan]

I have heard of cutting off the sealed strut housing top, and welding a threaded collar from another strut model so a Billstein standard insert can be used.

Also the hacksaw mod with bolt from bottom may only be a koni insert option.

[9FF]

Two options.

Cut the top to fit Koni strut inserts which bolt to the bottom, the instructions come with the struts or are on the Koni website; or

Cut the top and weld-in a threaded adapter to fit Bilstein inserts, the inserts simply slide in and get secured by a threaded top like on the early 944 struts. Instructions come with the adapter.

I’ve done both and prefer the weld-in adapter and Bilstein B6 inserts, which I find are less “twitchy” due to their less aggressive valving compared to the Konis.

[djnolan]

9FF, is that threaded adapter available new?

[9FF]

Originally Posted by djnolan

9FF, is that threaded adapter available new?

Sure is:

[OK-944]

Those threaded adapters look good. I don't weld but know some folks nearby who do. "Neuntech?" Any other sources? (I'll try googling them). Thanks!

...just googled and cannot seem to find them. Could you give me a link? Thanks!

[9FF]

Originally Posted by OK-944

...just googled and cannot seem to find them. Could you give me a link? Thanks!

Yeh sorry. I don’t know who sells them in the US but I bought directly from Paul Davis who is the guy that makes them in New Zealand. Very reliable and quick shipping in the past though I’m not sure about COVID shipping delays these days. They are exceptionally well-engineered and fit perfectly. He’s pretty active as beamishnz on the other forum, pm him.

[OK-944]

Thanks again! ...but about those Koni inserts - don't these feature adjustable valving (that white adjuster which I see in the ad, with "firm" and "soft" settings), which would make them less "twitchy" than you'd mentioned?

[9FF]

Originally Posted by OK-944

Thanks again! ...but about those Koni inserts - don't these feature adjustable valving (that white adjuster which I see in the ad, with "firm" and "soft" settings), which would make them less "twitchy" than you'd mentioned?

The adjustment on the Konis is just rebound and even on the lowest setting they are way more aggressive that stock struts or the Bilsteins. Lots of folk fit them though so I suppose they don’t mind the ride, either that or they haven’t driven a Bilstein equipped car and don’t know better.

[OK-944]

With all the bumpy/gravelly roads where I live...I'd really like something that doesn't telegraph all of this directly up my spine and make my teeth feel like they're about to fall out! Plus, my idea of "spirited" driving...while it can involve some great twisty roads - rarely sees my tach. see much of anything above about 4500rpms, and I will never track this car.

So...I guess I'd like something from "soft/firm" to "firm," but not harsh! Also, as I'm riding on the stock 215/60/15's, my sense is that I really do need to address my ride concerns as much as possible with suspension choices. Sounds like it would be great if I could somehow drop in a couple of Bilstein B-6's or perhaps Sach's inserts - and I guess the weld-in, threaded adapter might be the only way to do this.

I've also begun looking into new, whole strut assemblies...but the prices on these are all over the place, and actual, useable info. regarding ride quality (or even guaranteed fitment to my car) is a bit hard to pin down.

At any rate...any further advice and/or links to resources would be most appreciated!

[jjeffries]

Also not wanting a track-oriented ride, I’d like to use a set of Sachs/Boge Red inserts and rear shocks, but the latter are currently not available. They are a good balance in my experience (admittedly on a completely different car).

John