Want a smoother ride, Is this possible? |
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Want a smoother ride, Is this possible? |
jack20 |
Mar 22 2015, 11:56 PM
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#1
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Member Group: Members Posts: 404 Joined: 7-November 14 From: Granite Bay, CA Member No.: 18,099 Region Association: Northern California |
I returned to a 914 after 32 yrs. I don't remember my last one, a 74, riding so rough.
This new 74 rattles my teeth. I did the old school bounce test on the fenders to check the shocks and it only bounced once. Is this a valid test on these cars? The PO did lower the front and that may account for some of the rough ride. Not sure how old the shocks are...could be original...yet they did pass the bounce test... Should I replace them for a better ride? Thanks, Jack |
Cuda911 |
Mar 23 2015, 12:08 AM
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#2
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,489 Joined: 20-May 14 From: Oceanside (N. San Diego County), CA Member No.: 17,376 Region Association: Southern California |
Check the tires. When I bought my '73 it rode like that. The tires turned out to be from 1996! They were hard as rocks.
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jack20 |
Mar 23 2015, 12:15 AM
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#3
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Member Group: Members Posts: 404 Joined: 7-November 14 From: Granite Bay, CA Member No.: 18,099 Region Association: Northern California |
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messix |
Mar 23 2015, 12:35 AM
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#4
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AKA "CLUTCH KILLER"! Group: Members Posts: 6,995 Joined: 14-April 05 From: between shit kickers and pinky lifters/ puget sound wa.north of Seattle south of Canada Member No.: 3,931 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
what shocks are on it?
kyb? |
BeatNavy |
Mar 23 2015, 04:03 AM
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#5
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Certified Professional Scapegoat Group: Members Posts: 2,921 Joined: 26-February 14 From: Easton, MD Member No.: 17,042 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
I JUST swapped out my rear KYB's for Sachs/Boge and new 100 lb springs this weekend. Makes a difference. I was sort of experiencing the same thing you describe. If I hit a bump in the road the impact seemed to shake through the frame. Now it's much better. If you have old suspension components (or KYB), look to replace - you'll be glad you did. Oh, and my car also passed the "bounce test" before the swap, so that's probably not a good indicator.
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Nozzle |
Mar 23 2015, 07:00 AM
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#6
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Member Group: Members Posts: 158 Joined: 6-November 08 From: Lexington Park, Maryland Member No.: 9,725 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
I JUST swapped out my rear KYB's for Sachs/Boge and new 100 lb springs this weekend. Makes a difference. I was sort of experiencing the same thing you describe. If I hit a bump in the road the impact seemed to shake through the frame. Now it's much better. If you have old suspension components (or KYB), look to replace - you'll be glad you did. Oh, and my car also passed the "bounce test" before the swap, so that's probably not a good indicator. I had almost the exact experience. Very old aftermarket shocks and sagging springs replaced with stock rated springs and Boge shocks made a huge difference. I know at least one old shock on the front was frozen but passes the bounce test. Now rides beautifully. |
JStroud |
Mar 23 2015, 08:25 AM
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#7
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,463 Joined: 15-January 11 From: Galt, California Member No.: 12,594 Region Association: Northern California |
I was after the same thing a couple of years ago, replaced my shocks and struts, it helped but wasn't quite good enough. Then I changed my suspension bushings with the elephant racing setup.......oh my god, that was like night and day, such a better ride, made me wonder if I wasted my money replacing the shocks and struts.
Disconnect a shock or strut and see if your suspension moves freely, some of mine I could barely move by hand it was so stiff, after the elephant bushings I can move them up and down with one finger. Everyone automatically thinks shocks, check your bushings. Hoe this helps. |
jack20 |
Mar 23 2015, 11:46 AM
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#8
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Member Group: Members Posts: 404 Joined: 7-November 14 From: Granite Bay, CA Member No.: 18,099 Region Association: Northern California |
I was after the same thing a couple of years ago, replaced my shocks and struts, it helped but wasn't quite good enough. Then I changed my suspension bushings with the elephant racing setup.......oh my god, that was like night and day, such a better ride, made me wonder if I wasted my money replacing the shocks and struts. Disconnect a shock or strut and see if your suspension moves freely, some of mine I could barely move by hand it was so stiff, after the elephant bushings I can move them up and down with one finger. Everyone automatically thinks shocks, check your bushings. Hoe this helps. Not sure what kind of shocks I have. PO had the car for 32 years so I'm assuming they're original. (Orange in color both shocks and struts) Thanks to all for chiming in. Jim, I will check the bushings first. Thanks! Jack |
BeatNavy |
Mar 23 2015, 11:53 AM
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#9
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Certified Professional Scapegoat Group: Members Posts: 2,921 Joined: 26-February 14 From: Easton, MD Member No.: 17,042 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
They are probably KYB based on their color (and age). If you look at them, the lower spring retainer (or spring perch) may be integrated into the unit. I don't know if all KYB's were that way on 914's, but the two I've had were. The bad news is when you replace them you're going to have to source that spring perch, and they are NLA. The perch is seen below on my new shock. Put a WTB in the classifieds.
Attached thumbnail(s) |
Chris Pincetich |
Mar 23 2015, 12:10 PM
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#10
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B-) Group: Members Posts: 2,082 Joined: 3-October 05 From: Point Reyes Station, CA Member No.: 4,907 Region Association: Northern California |
New suspension bushings make a world of a difference (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Like JStroud said - almost a waste of $$ to replace shocks first. I went with an expensive needle-bearing setup. Very little friction and zero sticktion. I feel some chassis vibration because they are basically solid and unforgiving, but the car "floats" over most bumps. I rebuilt the entire suspension on my 914 and have yet to do much engine work at all (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) |
Andyrew |
Mar 23 2015, 12:49 PM
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#11
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Spooling.... Please wait Group: Members Posts: 13,376 Joined: 20-January 03 From: Riverbank, Ca Member No.: 172 Region Association: Northern California |
Needle bearings will make your whole setup much less stiff and efficient.
When asked about tires it was most likely to determine what size tires you have, a taller sidewall will eat up quite a few bumps, whereas a small/stiff sidewall will cause for quite a bit more road feel. You need to determine what you currently have and its condition prior to any suggestions being made. 1. Tires, brand and size 2. Bushings - Old/worn or new and what type 3. Shocks, front and back - what are they and how old 4. Rear springs, We need pictures, measurements, and look at the top and bottom for markings 5. Torsion bars, Take one out and measure it with a dial caliper. Sway bars dont make a difference for ride quality. |
Kansas 914 |
Mar 23 2015, 12:56 PM
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#12
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,999 Joined: 1-March 03 From: Durango, Colorado Member No.: 373 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
If they are KYB's it is good to know that KYB stands for Kick Your Butt...... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
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JmuRiz |
Mar 23 2015, 01:06 PM
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#13
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 5,414 Joined: 30-December 02 From: NoVA Member No.: 50 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
Kill Your Back
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914_teener |
Mar 23 2015, 03:10 PM
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#14
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 5,193 Joined: 31-August 08 From: So. Cal Member No.: 9,489 Region Association: Southern California |
Needle bearings will make your whole setup much less stiff and efficient. When asked about tires it was most likely to determine what size tires you have, a taller sidewall will eat up quite a few bumps, whereas a small/stiff sidewall will cause for quite a bit more road feel. You need to determine what you currently have and its condition prior to any suggestions being made. 1. Tires, brand and size 2. Bushings - Old/worn or new and what type 3. Shocks, front and back - what are they and how old 4. Rear springs, We need pictures, measurements, and look at the top and bottom for markings 5. Torsion bars, Take one out and measure it with a dial caliper. Sway bars dont make a difference for ride quality. Great advice....... Shocks and strut inserts are the icing on the cake. |
thelogo |
Mar 23 2015, 08:45 PM
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#15
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Senior Member Group: Retired Members Posts: 1,510 Joined: 6-April 10 Member No.: 11,572 Region Association: None |
New suspension bushings make a world of a difference (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) Like JStroud said - almost a waste of $$ to replace shocks first. I went with an expensive needle-bearing setup. Very little friction and zero sticktion. I feel some chassis vibration because they are basically solid and unforgiving, but the car "floats" over most bumps. I rebuilt the entire suspension on my 914 and have yet to do much engine work at all (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) I like your style , all suspension upgrades And little to none on the motor . I mean that's what a 914 is all about right , dialeddd in handling + (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif) So where does on start when doing a complete suspension overhaul Parts shopping I would assume , should I look for mostly stockish stuff Or go all out $$$ with elephant racing parts .... Advice and some direction would be helpful on this I'm not a racer but would like a nice setup , non adjuste able is fine for meme (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif) |
Andyrew |
Mar 24 2015, 07:52 AM
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#16
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Spooling.... Please wait Group: Members Posts: 13,376 Joined: 20-January 03 From: Riverbank, Ca Member No.: 172 Region Association: Northern California |
Tell us every detail on your current setup.
Engine wheels/tires What suspension you think you have seats. |
Chris Pincetich |
Mar 24 2015, 08:40 AM
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#17
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B-) Group: Members Posts: 2,082 Joined: 3-October 05 From: Point Reyes Station, CA Member No.: 4,907 Region Association: Northern California |
[/quote]
Advice and some direction would be helpful on this [/quote] (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hijacked.gif) For me, my front had taken a hit and was a bit tweaked, so I bought a used, complete 914 front suspension. All except struts. Then, I cleaned, painted, and rebuilt it piece by piece. Turbo tie rods are worth the $$$. New ball joints. New bushings. Then, swap the whole assembly in. There are only like 8 bolts to do this! For the rear, the adjustable spring perches/sleeves are worth the $$: endless spring choices and easy ride height adjustment. "Rebuild suspension first" was the advice of many weekend and serious racers on this message board. I'm just repeating sound advice (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) My 914 has transitioned from cafe racer back to racy commuter (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) |
jack20 |
Mar 24 2015, 11:25 AM
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#18
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Member Group: Members Posts: 404 Joined: 7-November 14 From: Granite Bay, CA Member No.: 18,099 Region Association: Northern California |
Tell us every detail on your current setup. Engine wheels/tires What suspension you think you have seats. My car is a 74 2.0. 185x65x15 Kuhmo tires on Fuchs wheels. Suspension components are stock with new 100# springs (rear was sagging). Front end has been lowered by the PO who thought she wanted to AX the car but lost interest. The car is bone stock and unmolested. Seats are original. Hope this helps. |
OU8AVW |
Mar 24 2015, 11:43 AM
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#19
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Yacht Rigger Group: Members Posts: 1,802 Joined: 1-October 08 From: Granbury, TX Member No.: 9,601 Region Association: Southwest Region |
Take lots of pictures of your car with scantily clad ladies washing it.....
Then we'll figure out your problem (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) My new KYB suck..... I'm saving for new shocks. |
veekry9 |
Mar 24 2015, 10:22 PM
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#20
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OldMember Group: Retired Members Posts: 3,068 Joined: 17-June 13 From: TO Member No.: 16,025 Region Association: Canada |
Bushings are likely buggered,the rubber must be burned or pressed out and replaced.
While you're in there,check your brakes and everything else. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) https://www.google.ca/search?q=914+front+su...ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=195727 |
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