Question for BG or anyone on the 944 M14 bolt issue

[boygenius]

The problem is with the lower shock bolt. VW uses a 12mm lower bolt and the 944 uses a 14mm bolt. I drilled out the lower shock bushing so the 14mm bolt would fit. The other option is to get custom lower shock bushings made that will accept the 14mm bolts. The alignment issue isn't that bad, you just need some washers to get everything straight. You will need some washers on the bottom bolt also because the type 1 shock bushing collar is narrower than the 944 shock and you wouldn't want the shock moving around on the bolt. The reason I went with the modified VW kyb gr-2 shocks is cost. they were $30 for the pair new. The 944 shocks are more money and I already had the new VW shocks, so I figured why not try.

[LOAF]

BG,

Are there any issues with using the 944 rear shocks.. When I got my set up, the gentleman included the two rear struts..

Are the 944 and Bug Struts Top mounting points the same?

If so Can then I could remedy the lower mounting point issue with a 944 rear strut and use the 14 mm bolt that came with the set up?

If that is the case I then only have to worry about alignment of the strut.

I know it will be money but if I need dampening adjustability, may look into the KYB or Koni to see if they have some 944 adj.. thus problem solved??$$$

Input appreciated.
PS did you change the outboard bushing on the springplate or just inboards.. Feeling lazy.. since it was a PITA.
Alex

[boygenius]

I only replaced the inner torsion bushing to the VW one and left the outer bushing original 944.

The reason I think that nobody uses the 944 shock might be damping rate. The shock is set-up for a car with near 50/50 weight balance not the beetles 35/65?? Another reason might be length of the shock and the point at which it bottoms out. Also what is the size of the top bolt hole?? What is the length of the shock eye to eye??

[LOAF]

BG,

I will check tomorrow night.. Kinda busy tonight but I will let you know.
ALex

[boygenius]

I will try to measure my shocks tonight if I have time. I have been very busy lately...

[zen]

there are some threads on here on using 944 rears. general opinion was not a good idea. suggest you check with VDubCustoms (one of our sponsors) on his solution for the lower shock mount issue. i just installed his bushing last week. easy conversion. i have yet to run on them, but the conversion was easy at least. there is some info in his forum on this very topic. Lanner (flat) was easy to deal with.

[LOAF]

Zen is the problem due to dampening rates of the 944 strut.. as BG allueded

What If I went with a adj variant (KYB). Is the 944 strut under or over damped for the 944 torsion bars. Do you think this can be compensated with a adj strut from one of the available manufactures..

Thanks for the link.. I knew I read something.. I will give them a buzz.. seems like a no brainer.. and win/win solution..

Can't remember the price from the post, but hope it wasn't to expensive.

THanks
Alex