Replacing original suspension on 944 late

[uvachief]

My 86 944 has the original factory suspension with newer KYB shocks on the rear. Replaced both control arms. Want to replace the front shocks and struts as well as rear shocks. What suggestions do you have on brands and kits? Can it be done for under $1,000?

[Mike_944]

I had pretty much the same question awhile back. I just got the konis for the rear and i like them. not too much of a difference except when youre driving hard.

Best Suspension for $800?

[mueller944s2]

Boge would be cheaper and softer

[Gawernator]

Replace your bushings and get Sachs dampers and it's way under $1,000

[mueller944s2]

Gaw is right. Replace the trailing arm bushings with OEM rubber. Replace the spring plate bushings, it's a pain in the butt and not a task I enjoy doing, but the car will ride better. Also take a look at the caster blocks and and control arm bushings assuming you haven't done that. Be prepared for a miserable couple days when doing the spring plate bushings though, and by that I mean don't take it apart thinking it'll be fairly quick and easy. Allow yourself some time. Torsion bars are NOT fun to mess with!

[uvachief]

Is there a kit or package I can order for the Sachs for the front and rear? Or do you have to just run through each part on the katalogue?

[guru944]

uvachief:

Consider Koni cartriges (W0133-1600664, ~$175 Ea.) or M474 Koni Sport adjustable's (951-343-031-06-OEM & 951-343-032-06-OEM, ~$450Ea.) for the front with a strut tower bar this will handle better and better control all for around $1000. You would save more if you did the conversion/work yourself in about a 3-5 hr job.

I would do the Cartriges if your handy with a saw and drill. I did this same thing 2 yrs ago...
Later...

[uvachief]

So do I just get the inserts or do I need the whole assembly? What else should I replace assuming most of the bits and pieces are from 1986.

Originally Posted by mueller944s2

Boge would be cheaper and softer

[uvachief]

How about the following from Pelican Parts (total is $615.99)
SP944-220S Front spring set, pair, 220 lb, stock height $109.99
477-411-313B-M260 Rear sway bar bushings (2x) $31.50
951-343-795-01-M136 Front outer sway bar end link bushings (4x) $9.00
951-343-793-00-M260 Front outer sway bar bushings (2x) $28.50
477-411-053G-M260 Front Inner Sway Bar Bushings (2x) $9.00
PEL-TE-944STIF Tarett Front Sway Bar Stiffener Bracket, Pair $42.00
951-333-032-05-M10 Rear Gas Boge/Sachs Shock (2x) $194.50
115-153-M10 Front Gas Boge/Sachs Inserts for Front Shock Assemblies (2x) $191.50

Comments or suggestions?

[djnolan]

Consider Koni adjustable's, front cartridges and rear shocks for a sportier ride. Look at Paragon Parts, sometimes they have a special. Also not sure why you are replacing the springs or adding the sway bar stiffener. Struts/shocks/bushings may be enough. Funds might be better spent on brake rotors and flex lines, or adding a used rear sway bar. Also factor in a deluxe alignment to adjust the camber and toe.

[billy mild]

Originally Posted by djnolan

Consider Koni adjustable's, front cartridges and rear shocks for a sportier ride. Look at Paragon Parts, sometimes they have a special. Also not sure why you are replacing the springs or adding the sway bar stiffener. Struts/shocks/bushings may be enough. Funds might be better spent on brake rotors and flex lines, or adding a used rear sway bar. Also factor in a deluxe alignment to adjust the camber and toe.

Get the Koni shocks and strut inserts from Paragon Products. They are on sale right now for 20% off. To install the strut inserts look here: https://www.*****************.com/kb_results.asp?ID=50


After that has been completed make sure all your bushings on swaybars and control arms are either replaced or upgraded to poly urethane. Powerflex sells a complete kit.

[billy mild]

Originally Posted by djnolan

Consider Koni adjustable's, front cartridges and rear shocks for a sportier ride. Look at Paragon Parts, sometimes they have a special. Also not sure why you are replacing the springs or adding the sway bar stiffener. Struts/shocks/bushings may be enough. Funds might be better spent on brake rotors and flex lines, or adding a used rear sway bar. Also factor in a deluxe alignment to adjust the camber and toe.

Get the Koni shocks and strut inserts from Paragon Products. They are on sale right now for 20% off. To install the strut inserts look here: https://www.*****************.com/kb_results.asp?ID=50


After that has been completed make sure all your bushings on swaybars and control arms are either replaced or upgraded to poly urethane. Powerflex sells a complete kit.

Not sure what year car you have, but if it is 86 and below make sure to change your strut mount bushings.

Strut Mount Refurb (Pictures) - Rennlist Discussion Forums

[djnolan]

Originally Posted by billy mild

Not sure what year car you have, but if it is 86 and below make sure to change your strut mount bushings.

Is the new spacer between the spring hat and the strut bushing needed? This was a factory design change in the general time frame 85/86/87. Definitely will need an alignment if you do this. Also may need to adjust the rear ride height if you add the spacer.

[Gawernator]

Save your money and stick with OEM rubber

[guru944]

UVAChief:

Do the Koni strut insert conversion (Paragon Site) with Pelican Parts (total is $615.99)
SP944-220S Front spring set, pair, 220 lb, stock height $109.99
PEL-TE-944STIF Tarett Front Sway Bar Stiffener Bracket, Pair $42.00
All the other bushings do polyurethane with graphite impregnated (self lube).
Energy or Prothane....cost a little more but well worth it....all for under $1000.

Best bang for the bucks...

Later.

[djnolan]

Something to watch out for...

Strut spacer 823-412-365

Also don't forget to repack those wheel bearings and replace the grease seals...

[billy mild]

Originally Posted by guru944

UVAChief:

Do the Koni strut insert conversion (Paragon Site) with Pelican Parts (total is $615.99)
SP944-220S Front spring set, pair, 220 lb, stock height $109.99
PEL-TE-944STIF Tarett Front Sway Bar Stiffener Bracket, Pair $42.00
All the other bushings do polyurethane with graphite impregnated (self lube).
Energy or Prothane....cost a little more but well worth it....all for under $1000.

Best bang for the bucks...

Later.

You can get the Front Sway Bar stiffener bracket cheaper through Rennbay. #justsaying.

[uvachief]

I have wheel bearings on the shelf. What sort of labor time is that job? [Update. Brake shop did this when they ran the new brake lines and installed the rotors and pads]

[uvachief]

Okay. Parts ordered from various suppliers and are en route.

From Porsche Parts Center - Call (800) 604-7416 for Genuine Porsche Parts and Accessories
Stabilizer link stopper (4x) $12.24
Stabilizer link bushing (2x) $26.76
Stabilizer bar bushings (2x) $8.70
Rear stabilizer bar bushings (2x) $30.88
Front strut mount (2x) $62.20
Original Genuine Porsche
Shipping $12.67
Total $153.45

From Pelican Parts - Porsche Parts & BMW Parts & Mercedes Parts - Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche & BMW & Mercedes
Strut stop (2x) $6.50
Rear sway bar bushing (2x) $31.50
Shipping $9.95
Front swaybar stiffener bracket, pair $42.00
Shipping $11.25
Total $101.20

From Discount Auto Parts Online -- *********.com - Domestic & Import Auto Parts Warehouse
Sachs rear shock absorber (2x) $154.50
Sachs front strut insert cartridges (2x) $194.50
Shipping $8.95
Total $357.95

Combined Total So Far $612.60
Looks like I forgot the springs

[VirginiaF1]

You go Chief!
Man your Pcar's gonna love u.
As AlfaDoc quotes " your car must find you worthy of continued ownership."
Look fwd to meeting u soon mate..
Mike