Torsion bar suspension
12-08-2013, 08:44 PM
#1
Torsion bar suspension
This '83 SC is my first 911 so I've never had a torsion bar car.
I changed out my front shocks today and they were worse than toast...completely collapsed (great oil mess).
I'm pretty amazed as the car handled well, felt firm etc....just a tad of bump steer when hitting bigger road irregularities.
Obviously handles better now but not as much as one would expect...those T bars really do an amazing job.
I'll have to lower it in the front about .5 in. now. to get back to the original setting.
I changed out my front shocks today and they were worse than toast...completely collapsed (great oil mess).
I'm pretty amazed as the car handled well, felt firm etc....just a tad of bump steer when hitting bigger road irregularities.
Obviously handles better now but not as much as one would expect...those T bars really do an amazing job.
I'll have to lower it in the front about .5 in. now. to get back to the original setting.
12-09-2013, 06:16 PM
#2
Welcome... I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how robust and fun these cars are... especially if you are a reasonably accomplished mechanic... there are lots of parts available, and lots of good specialists supporting them.
Once they are set up, they are good for years of use.
Once they are set up, they are good for years of use.
12-09-2013, 06:20 PM
#3
Thanks....I've had it about 3 years now and done quite a bit to it...post here pretty regularly.
I was amazed that I couldn't readily tell that the front shocks were shot. The torsion bars set a much firmer base line than any coil over.
I'd bet there are quite a few older 911's running in the same condition unbeknownst to their owners.
I was amazed that I couldn't readily tell that the front shocks were shot. The torsion bars set a much firmer base line than any coil over.
I'd bet there are quite a few older 911's running in the same condition unbeknownst to their owners.
12-09-2013, 08:15 PM
#4
Its the bushings... thats the weakest link in the suspension IMO. Once they are out of round, it gets pretty sloppy around the corners.... I would take a look at your torsion bars and make sure they have plenty of grease on them. They do have a tendancy to get rusted out when the grease has dried out..
12-09-2013, 08:28 PM
#5
Good suggestion.
I just replaced the spring plate bushings with some firmer poly and the original bushings were ovaled but the T bars looked great (always been a Phx AZ or LA Cali car...no rust anywhere).
Not worried about the rust but I'd bet the fronts need bushings replaced too.
The car corners great now with new shocks front/rear and the sway a ways out back. Lowered it a tad too as with the lightening crusade was sitting at rally height.
Each suspension 'improvement' is an incremental one and I've a few other projects before I pull the front bars.
911's are so well built and designed that even with worn parts they drive well/solid....fine machines.
I just replaced the spring plate bushings with some firmer poly and the original bushings were ovaled but the T bars looked great (always been a Phx AZ or LA Cali car...no rust anywhere).
Not worried about the rust but I'd bet the fronts need bushings replaced too.
The car corners great now with new shocks front/rear and the sway a ways out back. Lowered it a tad too as with the lightening crusade was sitting at rally height.
Each suspension 'improvement' is an incremental one and I've a few other projects before I pull the front bars.
911's are so well built and designed that even with worn parts they drive well/solid....fine machines.