jpcabral

Sorry if this get posted twice I'm still trying to figure out how to post. I have an 89 targa in need of new shocks. I was wondering if I can use bilstein shock inserts with Boge struts, or shoud I just stick with the boges. I would like to improve the ride as it now rides like a hard tail Harley. The car has been lowered and I am also looking to raise the car to Europepian specs after I replace the shocks. Does this make sense to anyone out there. Thanks!

Amber Gramps

You are going to do exactly what I would be doing if I had the cash, and what countless others have done.

redridge

Boge and bilsteins should be fine.... Euro spec is fine also and lots of peeps have done this before. Have fun with the install.

theiceman

its an easy install , about half an hour per side once you get the car up. , I may even have done a write up in the past, not sure ..
basically after the car is jacked take the wheel off , line the fender lip with painters mask then duct tape. undo the strut cap with big *** monkey wrench, remove top nut and washer . compress strut and swing out from uner fender ( be carefull of stressing brake lines ) lift insert out , drain ALL the oil from the strut tube.. put in bilstein insert and reverse process..

I am sure i left out a couple of steps but that is the jist of it .

ron mcatee

Make sure you put the oil back in the strut. It's for cooling purposes.

jclanin

I just did this mod. I have Boge struts and used Bilstein HD inserts. No problems.

theiceman

I never put any oil back

The Boge is a hydraulic strut .. the Bilstein is a gas strut. If you dont take the oil out and put the gas strut in, you and your brakes will be wearing it .. My bilsteins fit in like a glove. bolted it up and it was fine.

jpcabral

This is an great web site with great people thanks for the help!

CT Mike

Make sure to specify the bilstein is for a boge strut. Bilsteins for bilstein struts connect differently. Found that out the hard way. Good luck with your car

theiceman

Good Point Mike forgot about that ..

jpcabral

do I need to order any other parts besides the shocks, fasteners washers etc.?

Ed Hughes

I'd redo bushings too, they probably need replacing.

theiceman

Although Ed is correct, it is not a project you have to do at the same time. it is independand of just about every other project other than maybe an alignment. I just ordered from Shox.com and was good to go. Wherever you order them from make sure they supply you with a strut cap tool. it s required to tighten your new strut caps.. one came with my Audi Bilsteins but not the Porsche .. I had to modify the Audi one a little.

Also I mentioned stressing the brake flex lines when you swing it out. may be a good time to replace these and do a brake flush since you have the car up anyway. and full access to the calipers. then you just remove em before you start and the job becomes way easier. The flex brake lines are chaeap , just need some penetrating oil and patience when undoing the connections to the hard lines.

Good Luck

Ed Hughes

Indeed they would be independent of the shocks, but if the goal is to improve the ride quality, they may be sorely needed.

ivangene

I will chime in - get the Koni externally adjustable shocks.....best of both worlds...

stiff enough to chip a tooth and a quick turn of the dial and she's as compliant as a... well you fill in that line!

Love mine!
still looking for my tooth