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...