Suspension question

[Mookster]

2003, 966, C2 Cab

The suspension is the M032 (standard suspension). The vehicle has 17” wheels. All four tires were replaced at 49,500 miles.

I have had this vehicle for 3 years.

The vehicle now has 56,000 miles on the odometer. I am preparing to take the vehicle in for an oil change and the 60k service.

While in for regular servicing I need to address the suspension. Let me explain.

The left rear of the vehicle is sagging (base on the fender/ quarter panel wheel arch measurements) and it appears the left rear shock is showing its life. I have completed the rebound test and it does appear the shock still has life. When I drive over 70mph the front ends does feel like it is floating more then normal.

1. I realize if I replace one shock I need to replace the other side. If I just replace the shocks will I need to realign the vehicle?
2. I have owned two 911s prior to owning this vehicle. Will I need to corner balance/reindex and realign the vehicle if I just replacing the shocks?
3. I have replaced the rear shocks and strut inserts on my previous 911s. Is this a DIY job on the 996? Easier/harder?
4. If this is not a DIY job what is the reasonable labor time to replace the shocks/struts? What is the labor time to align and corner balance the vehicle?
5. If I need to replace the suspension I will be lowering the vehicle to Euro height. I will replace the suspension with either the M030 (Euro suspension) or the PSS10 suspension. Both kits are about the same price but it appears the M030 kit is more complete. Any thoughts on either kit? Does the install time differ between the 2 kits?
6. I heard a bout a front bumper diffuser that can be bolted to the front cover to produce more downward force. Does anyone know the part number? Is it worth it? I did attempt a search and did not have any luck.

I will NOT be tracking this vehicle. This is my daily driver. In this economy I do not want to throw a suspension kit on the car if it is not needed. However, I do not want to be paying for overlapping labor for alignment and balancing due to other parts failing in the near future.

I appreciate your input and thoughts. Thanks in advance.

[88carrera]

From the description of your car's sagging problem, it is difficult to believe that the shock is the problem. It sounds as though there is something else amiss with the rear suspension system. The shocks on a Porsche that has not been tracked would be expected to last longer than the mileage yours has accumulated. Plus, it is not the shocks themselves that determine the height of the corners, rather other components of the suspension system (spring perch height, spring lengths, etc.). I would take this car to a shop with a good reputation for working on these cars and have them take a look before opening my wallet to have the shocks changed out.

Have you ridden in a 996 C2 with the M030 suspension? If you have not, I would highly recommend that you do so before you make this change on a daily driver that you do not intend to track. You may find it too harsh for your liking.

My '03 has the M030 option along with a set of H&R springs that lowers it about 1.25 inches from stock. It handles beautifully, BUT for a daily driver you might find it too low (careful about scrapping the front spoiler on just about everything, including dead squirrels) and the ride too stiff.

Just my $0.02 worth.

[Fast Corners]

+1 on the ride height being low. My 996 has the aero package on it and is running a hair lower than stock US ride height. You really have to be careful with driveways and take them on an angle. Either that or you have to become fond of the scraping sound.

The shocks do have a small effect on ride height albeit only to a small amount. The pressurized shock does support some of the load of the individual corner. Removing and replacing the spring/strut assembly is easily done however, you need to mark the location of the threecollar nuts at the top of the strut (inside the car) before removal (a fine point sharpie works well for this). This will allow you to locate the strut properly during installation.

[Mookster]

Time to finish this thread.

Life took over and I finally completed the suspension replacement.

The vehicle is a 2003 Cab. The car will not be tracked. Based on my criteria (stay oem and make the repairs for a reasonable cost) I had two options:

1. Replace the rear shocks and springs and align the vehicle (please note the cab rear shocks are more costly then the coupe rear shocks) or
2. Replace the suspension with kit (parts include struts, shocks, springs and swaybars and misc pieces)

In a nut shell I went from the US version M032 to the M030 Euro version

The only surprise in the replacement was I did replace the strut mounts (front and rear) not included in the kit.

The vehicle is now slightly lower, 10cm, and the car feels like new. The ride is a bit stiffer but not obnoxious. The front floating issue has been resolved and a splitter was not added to the front cover. For my taste this is a sweet ride!

For those of you considering this option:

Replace labor time 7 hours
Alignment is separate
Parts for complete kit $1400 (Cab rear shocks only $950, springs $285)
Shipping for parts

Hope this information is useful. Happy Easter.