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]

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.