wtmeyer

I am getting ready to replace the original Bilstein rear schocks on my 1983 911SC. I measured the ride height from the floor to the top of the wheel arch along the centerline of the wheel and got 24" in back and 25.5" in front. The back looks about an inch low. Can this be caused by worn rear shocks or are my torsion bars going also? The car feels like it has minimal compression damping and marginal rebound damping. The rear end wallows a bit over bumps.

BYUengineer

Shocks cannot cause low ride height. I just found that out myself. If your ride is low it is because of your torsion bars. You may not have to replace your torsion bars though. You probably just have to adjust them.

Good luck
BYUengineer

Noel

I thought the contents of a Bilstein shock were under about 60lbs of pressure. Therefore, I thought it could make a difference if you are replacing Bilsteins that have lost their charge.

Anyone care to comment on this half-cocked theory?

Noel

an6drew

Worn gas shocks like bilstein can cause the ride height to be lower. When I replaced the worn Bilsteins on my SC the car gained approx. 1/2" all around. I'm letting the new shocks settle in for another week or so then will check ride height & alignment.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

The two biggest things that cause a 911 to sag in the rear are compressed/worn rear spring plate bushings and old Bilsteins (if so equipped).

Bilsteins, over a long time, will lose some nitrogen pressure and the rear will settle. Its a slow & insideous process that you do not notice until new Bilsteins are fitted to the car.