What shocks will fit an '86 NA?

[benzor]

Having driven Ted Wu's 944 over the weekend at the Boston Timing Belt party, I became painfully aware of a need for new rear shocks.

At this stage, all I want is to change the rear shocks, not the springs or rear sway bar.

My reading on the forum surfaced something about an offset change from '87 onwards, but it wasn't written clearly enough to tell if this applied to the front or rear.

My question is: What shocks will fit my 86NA? Will all turbo year's M030 fit? What about Konis?

PS - I've posted a wanted add for used shocks, but would welcome folks experience on which used shocks get 'used up'. I understand most Sachs come with a lifetime rebuild for the purchaser, and that some Konis are rebuildable (at what cost?)

[Cocacolakidd]

The rear shocks are all the same for '82 to '85.1, and then changed for 85.5 and up years of 944.

Whether new or used go with Koni's or Bilstein - as long as these brands are not leaking they are pretty much good to go - of course though the lower the mileage the better, as they could start leaking any time with high mileage.

Both the Koni's and the Bilsteins shocks are not rebuildable - only the front struts are rebuildable, but the cost is almost as much as a new set of struts.

The Koni rear shocks are adjustable for ride preferences.

The above is my opinion - as the Gas Boge/Sachs Shock are good also.

[Rasta Monsta]

I've had Bilsteins and Konis. The Bilsteins were very stiff, improved the handling a ton, but at the expense of ride. The Konis did the same, but they are adjustable, and less harsh on the road, IMO.

[9FF]

The stock Boge/Sachs units are very good if you car has stock spring rates. I found the Koni valving is a bit aggressive unless you up the spring rate and I had them set on the lowest setting on stock springs.

[benzor]

Thanks for the advice guys, have started the search !

[bordin34]

For an 86 you need front struts from an 83-86.

[benzor]

Koni yellows went on today - feel good on the car. The old shocks were original, and no longer rebound.

[xsbank]

Do the fronts too - they are also shot and its an easy fix.

[benzor]

Already did the fronts

[ted944]

Originally Posted by bruce.g.cameron

Koni yellows went on today - feel good on the car. The old shocks were original, and no longer rebound.

Another busy weekend?

Did you get to install the motor mounts yet? I wonder if you feel any difference after the new motor mounts installation.

Ted

[benzor]

Working on the motor mounts today, actually. I realized I hadn't ordered the M8x38 and M8x42 bolts, so going to have to wait a week.

[ted944]

Originally Posted by bruce.g.cameron

Working on the motor mounts today, actually. I realized I hadn't ordered the M8x38 and M8x42 bolts, so going to have to wait a week.

Too bad. I guess you won't be able to drive it the whole week.