dvarholy

My 1986 951 with the M474 option (sport suspension) needs front struts. Looking for replacement recommendations. Are these the cartridge type that thread into the housing or are they replaced as a complete assembly? I have done struts before on an early 924/944, but not sure if these are different (harder) to install. Just need to know what I'm up against before the car comes apart.

Daniel

'86 951

951and944S

That's a good factory setup if you still have the Koni yellows at the rear.

It all depends on what your long term goals are...?

If you plan on fast back road carving, occasional driver's ed track day, that setup will do you good.

You can replace the rears with identical shock, remove and send the fronts off and have them rebuilt by a Koni authorized service shop.
Jason Burkett at Paragon Products can handle everything and be your go between.
You can even have that shock converted to adj bump + rebound with the compression adjustment at the bottom near the ball joint.

These particular shocks have a core value, so, if it were me, I would not hack these up and install the sport insert, rather find a cheap/free set of Sachs to convert if you are intent on going that route. You will have a better shock with the rebuilt 474 or 2x converted 474.

Anything more than this, and I get long winded....


T

michael7810

I had Performance Shock, Inc rebuild my fronts and bought new Koni yellows for the rear of my 87 951. I did ball joints, tie rod ends/boots and bushings at the same time. Very happy with the results.

dvarholy

Thanks for the advice. The struts are leaking and won't pass safety inspection. Not sure yet what my next move will be. I will call Paragon and get the details.

Daniel