suspension suggestions Options

[Rotary'14]

Hi all,

I have an interesting dilemma. I am changing my suspension over to 5 lug, and my front struts are '69-'71 pinch bolt type Boge struts. I've had the struts and M calipers for a long time, and I've accumulated all the rebuild parts for my caliper, and front brakes( new rotors, wheel bearings, etc), but I still need to buy some shock inserts and ball joints.
To be honest I didn't know about the difference in strut attachment and balljoints until I read some related posts on this and the bird forums. What I learned has given me some concern about the different methods to attach the strut to the ball joint.
As part of my 5 lug swap, I am going to replace the ball joints anyways, so should I buy some early style pinch type ball joints, and use all the stuff I've accumulated,, or should I go searching for some different struts to go along with the new latemodel wedge pin type ball joints (that would give me peace of mind)? How expensive can > '72 Boge 911 struts be used?

Thanks for reading,,
-Rob

[Eric_Shea]

You know Rob... I'm sure you may get some different "opinions" but I doubt if any of those forthcoming opinions have ever wallowed out the base of a strut.

You're probably guessing by now that I think you'll be fine with what you have. Just make sure it's torqued down properly and come back and check it after a week. You should be good to go. Get the old style ball joints for your struts and call it a day. If you're that into piece of mind you can probably find some struts for around $150 a pair.

I think this problem was rare. The newer style is better and solves the problem but I doubt seriously you'll ever have the problem.

All that being said... if you plan to race it "rigorously", look for the later model units and rest peacefully.

Hope that helps...

[jgiroux67]

I have a 73 and just put on 911sc struts. The ball joints fit in fine, but is there a problem with this set up? Should I get different ball joints? If so which ones?

[Mueller]

QUOTE (jgiroux67 @ May 2 2005, 03:16 PM)

I have a 73 and just put on 911sc struts. The ball joints fit in fine, but is there a problem with this set up? Should I get different ball joints? If so which ones?

yours are fine, it's the earlier style that some people have had problems with..........early ones used a bolt that "pinched" the ball joint, the later style uses a wedge to hold the ball joint in the strut housing