Front Struts Question

[Porsche37]

I have been rebuilding a 85.5, 944 n/a since the being of time, but I have struts that have a screw on top. I have removed the top and would like to put a set of inserts in. Any ideas or links as if this is possible?
The top looks like they are sealed with the cap off. Are they replaceable?

[ideola]

No, 85.5 onward struts were not made to be able to remove the top and change the insert like the earlier versions. Bummer, eh?!

[Rasta Monsta]

Koni has designed a special insert to get around this limitation, but it requires modifying the strut housing. Paragon has a cheap installation service to get this done.

[ernie9944]

Your 85.5 is a late model 944,meaning you can't just replace the insert ,either you buy the strut/insert as a unit or DIY what we call (the hacksaw job ) on them or the other option left open to you is to find a place in your area such as Paragon Products - Porsche Parts & Accessories - Koni, Pagid, K&N, Bilstein, Racers Edge, Weltmeister, Porsche suspension, porsche brakes, 911 parts, 944 parts, 968 parts, 914 parts, 930 parts, boxster parts, cayman parts, 968, cayenne that will do it for you.Diagram (left early strut & insert/#2 rigth late strut assembly .
(hacksaw converted by Paragon)

[ernie9944]

Originally Posted by ideola

No, 85.5 onward struts were not made to be able to remove the top and change the insert like the earlier versions. Bummer, eh?!

Originally Posted by Rasta Monsta

Koni has designed a special insert to get around this limitation, but it requires modifying the strut housing. Paragon has a cheap installation service to get this done.

LOL you guys are faster than my computer,but of course your not sending fancy pics like I do

[ernie9944]

For anyone interested here one of many links to a DIY Koni Struts Hacksaw conversion.Installing Koni Strut Inserts.:

[Rasta Monsta]

Fancy? Ernie, you gotta learn to push ENTER after inserting image code!

[djnolan]

Hold on, I think the hacksaw conversion is not for the 85.5. I have replaced struts on an 85.5 and an 87 and the 85.5 was the screw off top and could use a sealed koni cartridge without any modifications to the housing. Check paragon products for this model year...

[ernie9944]

Originally Posted by djnolan

Hold on, I think the hacksaw conversion is not for the 85.5. I have replaced struts on an 85.5 and an 87 and the 85.5 was the screw off top and could use a sealed koni cartridge without any modifications to the housing. Check paragon products for this model year...

djnolan___You migth be rigth Pelican here list shocks insert -944 (83-86)-924S (87-88), mind boogling it is since Porsche started the late model production with the 85.5 meaning new interior/flush winshield /in WS antenna ect ect but kept the early model stuts arrangement in front.

[Arizona_928]

you could get the super cheapos from autozone 23$ a pair, or mid grade 30$ from O' rileys. You you could splurge and treat yourself to koni inserts. "which i highly recommend"
Or if you feel like having some senseless dough thrown around get some hyper-coils.

[Tervuren]

Originally Posted by ernie9944

djnolan___You migth be rigth Pelican here list shocks insert -944 (83-86)-924S (87-88), mind boogling it is since Porsche started the late model production with the 85.5 meaning new interior/flush winshield /in WS antenna ect ect but kept the early model stuts arrangement in front.

They did change suspension for the new car, but AFIAK the stuff is interchangeable. I can swap wheels between my '86 and '84 no problem, I could swap out the steel arms and aluminum arms from the two cars. After '86, they changed to a different wheel offset, and did several other changes. I've never researched what was behind the changes, I think perhaps they though the old 911 cookie cutters, and 928 phone dial wheels where looking old I guess...

For me, the 944 to own is a pre '87, I just love the look of the Fuch's wheels on a 80's Porsche.

[MarcM]

These might work for you . . . look like '86 coil over conversion with near new inserts.

No affiliation . . .

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[Porsche37]

Thanks for all the help on this, I attached a few photos of the strut I removed, partially sandblasted she measures 37cm app. from bottom to removable cap.
Looks as if it may be possible to remove, clean and put in a insert.

[Joakim]

I think, you just pull the strut out, when yoiu have removed that cap

[djnolan]

Late offset has to do with making room for ABS I was once told. The strut change may have been to lower manufacturing costs? Or it could have been structural related to heavier springs in the later model years. I wouldn't swap old for new, but maybe the other way might be OK.

[Stephen03]

I've changed the inserts on my 86 NA with no modificiations.

[Porsche37]

Yep! All slide out with a little pull by hand. Looks like an easy task, unusual for a Porsche! Thanks for the help!

[ernie9944]

Originally Posted by Porsche37

Yep! All slide out with a little pull by hand. Looks like an easy task, unusual for a Porsche! Thanks for the help!

Glad your having success, lol lot cheaper just replacing the inserts. Now a sandblast & good respray will do wonder on them.I've use (Plasti-Kote) which is an engine enamel both on the springs & housing when I did mine,came out pretty good plus it's a oil/gas resistent paint.BTW are you going with Boge/Sach insert?

[ernie9944]

Chassis & Grill Plasti-Kote migth be even better for your springs & housing Welcome to Plasti-Kote (click on specialty-view products)

[Porsche37]

Bilstein inserts and shocks, the cost savings is great. BTW I love sandblasting! Nothing compares...
Painted with primer and same paint I used for the sway bars. A Dutch company, the name slips me, something with a lot of consonants if you know what I mean. It has been the best by far, beats that Krylon rattle can junk.