Front suspension, Seeking General Thoughts Options

[Mblizzard]

As one would expect for a 37 year old car, there are obviously some parts that need replacement. I have new control arm bushings and ball joints to install. But every time I hit a bump it sounds like a jumble of parts slapping together. Thinking the shocks are gone. Anything else to check? Where is a good place to get stock shocks or is there another shock type that would give a comfortable ride and improve handling?

[Eric_Shea]

Your rattles may be coming from the worn bushings. When they wear, your torsion bars rest and rub against the inside of your control arms.

If you don't mind... Fill me in on your driving style/requirements. This will help to figure out what your needs would be in the shock and suspension department.

(calipers left yesterday btw)

[Mblizzard]

You rock Erick! As of this point, I don't have a style because I have put very few miles on the car. But my expectation is that My wife would like to have a smooth ride, or at least as smooth as can be expected in a 914. But i would like just a little bit better than stock handling. It currently has new KYBs with what look to be 140 lbs springs on the rear. Have not opened up the front yet. I have the poly graphite bushings for the front and rear. Due to some repair work that was done, I am thinking some additional stiffening of the the chassis will be in the works. Torsion bars seem ok for as much as you can tell with out having them out. It has AC so there is a hole in the front trunk but I am not sure that hole changes the handling. Steering rack seems tight. Needs to have boots replaced. It currently has a bump steer kit installed on the steering rack.

So I was thinking just go with the KYB GR-2 type?

[Eric_Shea]

KYB = No.

Here's what I would recommend for you (and your wife).

New Boge inserts. They get lost in the Koni/Bilstein wars but they're an amazing shock/insert. No harm in getting Koni's or Bilsteins but, I can't recommend KYB's.

New Rubber Bushings. Uro or Elephant. Elephant is about the only choice for the rears right now. There's been controversy about materials but, I haven't heard a real world complaint about the Ero fronts so... your call there.

Keep stock torsion bars - although, I'd be willing to bet yours have some pretty good scuffs in them by now. I think the rattling you're hearing and feeling are those banging up against the control arms. If they're rusted and carved into you're really going to have to replace them.

Get a factory anti-sway bar. At 15mm it an absolute perfect bar for a street driven 914. You could go with a 19mm and it would match the 140's in the rear but, if you go that route I would adjust the arms out toward the end for a softer feel. You can always slide them in a bit more if you need to tighten up the front end. This way you can match the rear springs for a neutral car.

You can keep the 140's in the back but I'm not sure if they're straight 140's or progressives. Progressives would be better for what you want. 100's would probably be the best match for a 15mm bar up front.

Bottom line: Not too far off stock. A little bit tighter all around and freshen up rubber and shock components. You'd be amazed at the results. Especially with a "good" shock.

[Mblizzard]

All righty then! That is the plan. My wife says thank you very much. I have the Uro bushings. Any thoughts on where to get the shocks and sway bar?

Of course I will be getting around to the front calipers at some point! My wife is not all that impressed with parts, but when I showed her your work she was very impressed.

[Mblizzard]

Of course that was a bit of a tounge in cheek statement. I guess you will give me the prices!

[Elliot Cannon]

I just removed these shock inserts for my 5 lug conversion. They have 25,000 miles on them and you can have them for whatever UPS wants to ship them. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Chris Pincetich]

Score from Elliot (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
This reminds me I can adjust my front anti-roll bar softer since I am not going to AX race any time soon and it's an easy way to soften my bumpy ride.

Replacing the main suspension bushings and ball joints transformed my front suspension from noisy to less so, and much "tighter."

[Eric_Shea]

Jump on it.

[rhodyguy]

agreed with eric's suggestions. the 73' is setup as recommended except for red ext adj konis. excellent for general driving. way excellent for a long drive.

k