How to identify 911 front strut type? Options

[billh1963]

I've read a couple articles (pelican) and I don't see anything that helps identify at a glance what approximate year and type of strut you have...especially if the strut isn't original color.

I've got two sets of struts...neither are green or red. Assuming these are pre-SC, any idea on whether 911T, S, or E and strut insert type required?

I'm keeping one of the sets will sell the other. Just don't know what I have to help decide which one to keep!

Strut 1






Strut 2

[Literati914]

Hi Bill, I'm no expert on the 911 running gear but I can see that the first set (painted black) has a vertical split down at the very bottom - which correlates with the "pinch bolt" set up of the early struts. The Grey set does not have that vertical split from what I can see, and is therefore a later set that utilizes a "wedge bolt" instead. The grey pair would be the ones you'd want to keep and use out of those two, as the wedge bolt was considered an improvement. The 911T certainly used a split/pinch set up.

What about the measurement for the holes (that the calipers mount to)... early was 3" and later was 3.5" - not sure the year that that change took place though.


.

[914Sixer]

Pull the tops off each strut, there will be a part number in the middle of the tube.

[billh1963]

Hi Bill, I'm no expert on the 911 running gear but I can see that the first set (painted black) has a vertical split down at the very bottom - which correlates with the "pinch bolt" set up of the early struts. The Grey set does not have that vertical split from what I can see, and is therefore a later set that utilizes a "wedge bolt" instead. The grey pair would be the ones you'd want to keep and use out of those two, as the wedge bolt was considered an improvement. The 911T certainly used a split/pinch set up.

What about the measurement for the holes (that the calipers mount to)... early was 3" and later was 3.5" - not sure the year that that change took place though.
.

That's good information. I appreciate it!

[billh1963]

Pull the tops off each strut, there will be a part number in the middle of the tube.

Thank you. I'll check tonight.

[roblav1]

First, anything pre 1969 911 should not be used on our 914's. Don't spend the money. AFAIK, split pin versus wedge happened about 1972. Another way to assume year is the width of the front hub. They generally got wider with year. Brake caliper bolt spacing is independent of year of manufacture. Generally speaking, 911E and 911S had 3.5 inch spacing starting in 1969. Early struts were originally either Boge or Koni. At some point, Bilstein entered the mix as well.

IMHO, it's worth spending the extra money on 3.5" stud spacing struts. You have many more brake options.

[gms]

Find the part number on the side of the strut tower.
the grey set looks like it might be 914-6

[billh1963]

Find the part number on the side of the strut tower.
the grey set looks like it might be 914-6

Part number is 914 341 091 00

[gms]

Find the part number on the side of the strut tower.
the grey set looks like it might be 914-6

Part number is 914 341 091 00

914-6 strut

[914Sixer]

And 911T strut.

[billh1963]

So… is it better to use 914-6 struts for authenticity or just use a newer 911 suspension? Based on input so far it appears I would be better off to sell the 914-6 and 911T struts and buy a late model setup.

[gms]

So… is it better to use 914-6 struts for authenticity or just use a newer 911 suspension? Based on input so far it appears I would be better off to sell the 914-6 and 911T struts and buy a late model setup.

Personally I prefer the later 911 struts that accommodate bigger brakes and utilize the pin to ball joint instead of the pinch bolt.
The bilsteins with inverted shock have less unsprung weight

[mepstein]

Wedge bolt is superior to pinch bolt.

[roblav1]

In an earlier post, I see you already have the much better 911 hubs, stubs, flanges, and CVs. So why not go the better strut route? Get the 3.5" bigger brakes. I prefer wedge bolt Konis... but I admit to bias! All Koni struts have 3.5 brake caliper spacing since those came on 911S and 911E... or special ordered.

So… is it better to use 914-6 struts for authenticity or just use a newer 911 suspension? Based on input so far it appears I would be better off to sell the 914-6 and 911T struts and buy a late model setup.