Question for BG or anyone on the 944 M14 bolt issue

[LOAF]

Need some help, seems like I am a day late or a dollar short.. I finally got the 944 assembly dismantled, got the inside bushing off (what a pain) on the spring plate, the outside looked good for now ( i hope it lasts) but now I am trying to figure out the issue with this shock bolt.

Since I haven't taken the vert's arms off, this hasn't become obvious to me.

BG do you have any pics to highligt which is the bolt and what the issue is.

I remember reading the post that highlighted this, talked about an alignment issue of the strut and a different sized bolt..

I know someone just got some bolts from MRT or something.. remember reading it at work before the boss walked in

So, in summary can someone highlight the issues, or point me to the post, and address potential solutions.

Why not use a 944 shock absorber?

Thanks
Alex

[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

[zen]

yea, issue is as BG stated. i am not a suspension expert and would suggest you get facts from someone that can speak from experience rather than forum learnin'...but, think of the fact that the 944 is a MUCH heavier car and has different weight distribution and it pretty much says that they will not be a good match.

Lanner's pricing was in the neighborhood of $30US. makes the conversion a no brainer rather than the expense of trying to find if the right rates can be achieved with Porsche priced parts.

[LOAF]

Zen

Beautifully put, Makes my decision easy..

BG here are the pics I took, not great ones. but hope it helps.

The strut measures 15.5 inches from Bolt end to Bolt end..

[LOAF]

Here are the two bolts that came with them..

Pretty bad pic.. when you resize..
ALex

[SuperRSi]

I just got and installed the MBT 14/12mm bolt units in the rear 944T trailing arms. I will try to post pictures tommorow. The shocks I am using are Spax coil-over units. The upper bushing of the shock needed to be spaced out with a washer to allow the coil-over spring perch to clear the chassis mount. I am the one with extra MBT bolts and now just have one set left. Uwe at MBT has been answering my emails in 24-48hrs for the last week so I do not think he is on vacation now. His shipment has been very quick and the parts are expensive, TUV approved and very, very nice German parts. Personally it would really bother me to die because I tried to save a couple hundred dollars on suspension/brake parts. So I spend the money and wait until I can afford them.

Thanks,

Randy

[LOAF]

Super RSI, You have one set of 14/12 bolts left..

How much would you like for them.. I assume you can use then the stock beetle bushings.. correct?

Also how are the SPAX.. I have seen that company advertised in the Euro mags.. seems to be a good company.. Did they only sell the beetle rear coilovers.. or do they have fronts also.. Who distributes them here in the US or was it an overseas purchase..

Sorry for the hundred questions.. Let me know how much, if still available and if so I think I will take them off your hands
ALex
NNJ

[SuperRSi]

Alex,

Thanks for the call, hopefully I answered your questions. I will hold the bolts for you. If I can be of any help in the future, just call.

Thanks,

Randy

[LOAF]

Randy,

Money is in the mail today.. Thanks and can't wait for the parts..

Alex