New Front Shocks

[Merv]

I am going to replace the front shocks on my US-delivered 1968 911 (N). Which strut would it have had then (this could influence the type of shock absorber I believe)? Were they all Boge at that stage (they seem to be black)? By its VIN (11835284) it was built between late 67 and July 68.



Thanks

[304065]

Merv,

Do you have inserts? The original SWB struts did not have inserts-- they used oil and a piston attached to the rod. Later, the aftermarket cartridge-type came in that we use today.

Look on the side of the spring hat, you should see the part number and the letters B O G E, very prominently.

In any event, I recommend the koni adjustables set on full soft, these are widely available.

Good luck!

[Merv]

I'm sure you're right and that the assembly is complete. I can't seem to see the BOGE letters but maybe I am looking in the wrong place. Can these be re-built or do you need to get a whole new strut like these:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...20%20%20%20%20

[66S]

You just want new inserts. Some inserts have the threaded cap as part of the insert and they are either fine thread for Koni or course thread for Boge. Some inserts come with separate caps so they can be used in both types of struts with the right cap. I like Koni but Bilstein makes inserts also.

[Merv]

OK I am getting the picture. These seem to be the ones:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...2F%36%38%29%20

Australian members: Is there a best source for Australia for either of these (Bilstein or Koni)?

[9er]

Not cheap to buy here in Aus. Merv.

[Merv]

Yes Chris PP is best I guess.. The second post above says there were no inserts, yet Pelican shows a Bilstein insert available. I did find the part number of the strut BOGE 901 341 067 06. I guess my main question is looking for certainty that an insert does fit (Koni or Bilstein) and which one?

[davep]

By its VIN (11835284) it was built between late 67 and July 68.

Probably build late March 1968

[304065]

Merv, bingo. You have boge struts.

So you pull out the old bits. I would save them, not many left. And the new insert have a gland nut that replaces the old one. You pour some oil into the old strut to conduct heat from the insert to the strut body, then put the insert in, then put the new gland nut on the top and torque it down.

Now, you will see advertised inserts for either boge struts or koni. Even if you buy KONI inserts, you still want their version for BOGE struts. This can be confusing.

Now, you need a pin wrench to be able to torque down on the gland nut. I think I used one from a Toyota camshaft, it was adjustable, and had removable pins. Somewhere I think I have a post about the pin diameter and the spacing.

Koni 86-1394. Like I said, these are only made in one place, so shop around for the best price. Around $137 per side.

[Merv]

That is very helpful. I have a new set of brake callipers, rotors and bearings, upper strut mount, etc., and I was thinking I should start to put together the strut parts as well, so the whole job can be done at once, when I get to it. The PP part above is a Bilstein insert for the BOGE strut (is that correct?). I might go that way as my rears are new Bilsteins. If I go for the Koni you mentioned - this shows up http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ko...1968/model/911 It does not look right?

Now I know where the 'gland nut' is, but the pin wrench - not sure what that looks like (see attached)? I see some use two pipe wrenches. That seems drastic.