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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Sagging in the rear?

Posted by: 914zim Apr 3 2004, 08:22 PM

Dudes:
I took the 914 out and washed it today.
Also took a few pics while it was clean and out of the garage.
I will try to attach a pic here, but am not sure it will work.
Do you guys think it's sagging in the rear?
I've looked at other pics of other cars and they didn't seem as saggy.
Do I need springs and/or shocks?
Thanks for any thoughts.
Andy...

Attached image(s)

Posted by: vsg914 Apr 3 2004, 08:25 PM

Looks high in the front to me

Posted by: trojanhorsepower Apr 3 2004, 08:29 PM

Well I am no expert but it sure looks a little low on the back side (gives another meaning to "tail dragger"). I would not think that shocks would fix this problem, probably springs. The tires don't lean in at all do they? I am pretty sure that this is a spring issue, but people that know more than me will give you a better answer.

-Pete

Posted by: Bleyseng Apr 3 2004, 08:38 PM

adjust the T bars in front so its level.

Posted by: vsg914 Apr 3 2004, 08:40 PM

Andy, sorry for the poor attempt at humor. It does appear to sag in the rear. Prolly needs shocks and springs, but the front could still need to be lowered.

Posted by: Rocky Apr 3 2004, 08:50 PM

Go with downin the torsion bars. Its sooo easy. Nice gas burners

Tim

Posted by: nebreitling Apr 3 2004, 09:01 PM

dude: definitely, lower the front. is it level, left-to-right? your springs may be a little worn and sagging. if it's just a street car for you (and it still drives/rides alright; nothing egregious), then just lower the front and drive

Posted by: SirAndy Apr 3 2004, 09:54 PM

yup, the nose needs to come down ...

Posted by: rhodyguy Apr 3 2004, 10:36 PM

show us a picture of the car from the rear while it's resting on a level surface. when you adj the ride hight, measure it first, turn each adjuster about 1/2 a turn at a time, roll it back and forth a bit to settle the front end. measure and repeat. be patient.

kevin

Posted by: red914 Apr 3 2004, 10:37 PM

its posture is almost exactly like mine before i learned (at the tacoma 914 breakfast) how to lower the front end. that adjustment seems to do the trick. the advice given above worked for me!

now it seems to handle better at higher speeds. could it be the airdam is getting some effect now? or is it just me imagining le mans?

Posted by: Lawrence Apr 4 2004, 03:41 AM

Nice looking car... I think the others have said it. Drop the front. It'll only take you about an hour. Drop the front a little bit with the torsion bar adjusting screws, take the car for a ride to let the suspension "settle in". Repeat as necessary.

A tip: Remember, when adjusting the torsion bar screws, that dropping the front left, will raise the rear right corner of the car. It works on a diagonal axis.

{nit-picky mode on}
Hey Rocky... those are 4 bolt Mahles. Only the 5 bolt versions are considered "gas burners."
{anal retentive mode off}

Have a great day!

-Rusty

Posted by: Curvie Roadlover Apr 4 2004, 06:11 AM

Don't forget to use a bump steer kit and it would also be wise to get an alignment after lowering the car

Posted by: red914 Apr 4 2004, 08:14 AM

ok, new guy question: why would Mahles (4 or 5 bolt) be called "gas burners."

Posted by: echocanyons Apr 4 2004, 08:19 AM

cuz the look like the burner on a gas stove

Posted by: 914zim Apr 4 2004, 09:59 AM

Dudes:
Thanks for all the responses.
I gotta admit, I was hoping for the simple answer "you need springs", but I am glad I got the real scoop from you guys. I never would have thought to lower the front... this almost seems funny to me.
I'm sure I could use springs and shocks (and a lot of other things), but for now I guess I'll look into lowering the front, cause it may not cost me anything. I still need to buy tires from Tire Rack today.
Of course, not even knowing the front could be lowered on these cars, I have no clue (totally clueless) as to how to go about doing this.
I'll go back and re-read the post and do a search on how to do this, but does anyone have a detailed explanation on how to lower the front? Is it just a matter of turning the torsion bar adjusting screws? Where are they? I'll get my Haynes.
Thanks again fellas. I was sure I would get help and answers here.
Andy...
P.S. It's getting close to driving season here in WI... can't wait!

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Posted by: red914 Apr 4 2004, 10:34 AM

i am sure one of the guys with a camera will post a picture. it is very simple; like Kevin, i believe, and others have said, measuring as you go, and moving the car to "settle it" a bit will do the trick. hey, if they can show me how to do it, it should be simple for anyone else!

OT: i lived in delafield for three years back in the late 90s. still have many friends out there. in fact, went back for a wedding last november. i was particularly impressed by the generous people of wisconsin. the humidity in the summer was punishing, however. oh, and the golf courses are gorgeous.

Posted by: seanery Apr 4 2004, 10:50 AM

that 2nd picture helps a bit. My worry when people ask about a sagging rear always go to the suspension console. Your car looks even or possibly even higher on the passenger side, which bodes well.