Ride Height/Torsion Question - Tools, Bushings

[SteveT]

I am planning to adjust rear ride height in next several days......It is at 27" planning on going to 24". I am keeping the same torsion bars.
I figure I need the thin ride height wrench - 36mm from Pelican. And I was planning to replace the spring plate bushings too since I was there. Are there any other special tools or bushings I should get for this job? Thanks ahead of time - Steve '81SC

[911pcars]

With this much drop, I'd save the wrench for fine tuning. Plan to R&R the torsion bars and reindexing them .... a few times until you're close enough to use the wrench. I've found a $10 inclinometer to be useful to establish a reference point for the spring plate angle on each side to know where you are, where you're going and where you've been. Measure the spring plate angle as it hangs unbolted from the control arm.

After anyone does this project just once to completion, becomes quite accomplished.

There's much info in the archives on this subject.

Hope this helps... a little
Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

[APKhaos]

Sherwood is right - the spring plate aduster is fine tuning, and its best if you don't use it at all. If it is moved, there is always a chance of it moving again after the adjustment.

Think about replacing all the bushings - trailing arm, spring plate - the lot. Chuck Moreland's post on this subject is definitive - great reference, as it Wayne's book. Easiest way to remove the vulcanised spring plate bush it to light it with a torch, let it burn off, then clean up with a wire wheel.

The street poly bushings are pretty nice. Mine fitted beautifully - but read Chuck's thread first!

[SK]

I agree with everyone. I put the Neatrix bushings on mine, and have no noise. I have a 36mm thin wrench, but never used it. I used a utility knife to "scalp" the old bushings, then a torch to finish the job.

[marcesq]

Steve:

I replaced all of the bushings in the rear of my 911 within the last 8 months. I went with Weltemister neatrix for the spring plates. They fit perfectly and don't squeak.

As to removing the spring plate bushings, while Tony's method will work, burning these things really stinks up the place. I used the commercial grade exacto blades in a utility knife, and with the spring plate in the vice, cut around the bottom of the bushing first seperating the bushing from the plate. Then I made a cut parallel to the tube from top to sprin plate. Then grab the rubber at the parallel cut with vice grips and pull the bushing away from the tube while slicing up and down along the tube (like skining a deer).

Keep the blade as close to the tube as you can. Once finished, there will be very little rubber left on the plate which can be easily knocked off with a wire brush on a grinder or drill. Wheh Tony's way is easier

As to setting the ride hieght, I found a way to do it that is not complicated and does not require protractors, etc. Too long to explain here, send me a PM if you would like to talk about it.

[Vipergrün]

Hi Steve, if you are interested, I have the procedure for doing the rear on my rennlist website. I wrote it up when doing my 80SC. The 36mm thin wrench can be found at most any bike shop for 10-15 bucks.

members.rennlist.com/bb79sc

cheers
-Brad
80SC

[SteveT]

Thanks for all your info guys........I really appreciate the feedback. Steve - '81SC