My '79 is currently outfitted with some Koni reds up front and stock Boges in rear(no ride height adjustment in the front). I'd like to replace the Konis with some stock Boges -- the ride is a bit too harsh.

My question in this: Will a Boge directly replace a Koni? I've heard that some mods may have been required to install the Konis on a shark originally outfitted with Boges, but have not confirmed.

Also, what ould be involved with installing the ride height adjustment up front on a shark currently without this option. Are we takling adding the proper adjustment collars, or is it more involved?

 

Scott;

The later shocks have a little bump towards the bottom that a threaded sleeve rest upon. On top of the sleeve sits the lower spring perch. What I would first do is see if the Koni's have the bumps on the shock body...
Have you tried to adjust the front Koni's for firmness/softness? PITA but do-able. I had a similar setup on my 79 Cab and it was harsh also. My Konis had the bumps so sleeves slipped right over and wooh-la. I later went to a GTS setup...

 

Any Konis i've had have a welded ring front & rear as a secure stop vs. the mickey mouse dimples stretched out of the Boge bodies. Regardless of going to Boges or staying with Konis, do get the threaded sleeves, adjuster nuts and lower spring poerches from a '84 up car ( maybe '83 too) for the front: this way, you can set the front heights correctly - your rear is already adjustable.
All the above noted hardware is interchangable between Boge & Koni: Bilstein have smaller diameter, threaded bodies.
This works - I have it on my '80.

 

Just to make sure I'm on the same page:

I'll need the lower adjusting nut/collar and perches. Am I correct in assuming that nothing on the top of the fender well needs to be changed? No new upper stuff needed?

 

Not that I recall: You may get by with the current spring perches - but I think there is a height difference: the perches of the non-adjustable set-up place the spring higher relative to the stop IIRC. This may limit setting the lower end of adjustment.

 

I went from non-adjustable Bils on front to adjustables (new Bils come with adjusters and perches), no changes needed on top or lower fixing, just some blood sweat and tears in the R&R.
jp 83 Euro S AT 49k