I'm looking to refresh my stock front suspension on my 86 944T. Getting started on finding the best setup (Paragon, etc.). I took the car to my local P Specialist and they were quoting me way above what I want to pay in labor.

Has anyone tackled this job themselves? I've done some research and it seems relatively straightforward. Anyone in the Philadelphia/NJ region that is knowledgable and would be willing to help? Compensation and Beer would be a part of the deal.

 

You can do it. There's nothing in there that's really difficult. What specifically are you planning on doing? Basic hand tools and a torque wrench are all you really need.

 

Looking to get the bushings kit and thinking about the Koni Cup 1 kit from Paragon. Anyone have experience with this kit?

http://www.paragon-products.com/Coil...ni_cup_kit.htm

This tech article looks helpful.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

 

Have read through this site?

http://www.refresh951.com/Suspension.htm

 

Call that shop from a new number and ask what they charge to do the same work on a Mk1 VW Golf. If its less, they are taxing you for the badge, the suspension is basically the same on the 944 as that golf. Parts are more money, but the labor is the same.

Do it yourself, its the same as any other McPherson strut car, there is nothing difficult about it.

 

Thanks guys. I did call the shop back and the quote was the same. I think it just comes down to the job taking some time and at 130/hr. it adds up quickly on top of the parts cost. I'm definitely going to tackle it myself, it's now just a matter of developing a checklist of all the parts I need to refresh while I'm in there.

I'll continue reading the countless suspension threads but welcome any recommendations on suspension components you've had success with.

 

You can remove the entire front suspension (without the crossmember) in about 20 minutes...easy to work on stuff when it's all out of the car.

 

The Koni shocks are pretty easy to do with minimal tools. Just take your time and measure everything twice. The only tricky part is if you are going to do the control arm bushings and ball joints.

Here's some pics of our control arm rebuild for the chump car.

http://straightpipe.ca/forums/showth...?t=2454&page=4

 

Agreed. I guess that's the big question...I'm confident I can do the shocks but I suppose while I'm in there I really should rebuild the control arms etc. which is a little more involved. Maybe in the short term I'll do the shocks and over the winter replace all of the bushings.

 

Leave enough money aside for alignment after the job is done.

 

The Koni procedure is definitely doable:

https://www.paragon-products.com/kb_results.asp?ID=50

I'd do it all yourself and then pay for an alignment. Keep in mind that the current Koni sale ends on the 5th at midnight.

 

Thanks Jason. Would the full coil-over kit require the same strut conversion?

http://www.paragon-products.com/Coil...ni_cup_kit.htm

 

Yes sir.

 

Great. I'll give you guys a call tomorrow to discuss spring weights and any other odds and ends. Appreciate the help.

 

I'm busting out about 11:30 am tomorrow so give me a call in the morning if you can.