Working on Alternative AWD Sedan Shock Option
12-04-2018, 07:55 AM
#1
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Working on Alternative AWD Sedan Shock Option
It’s comimg up on the time to replace the struts/shocks on my ‘10 Anniversary xS. I am finding that my choices are painfully limited, and my choice is OEM, mediocre at best coilovers, and meh replacements from KYB. Hope this doesn’t upset anyone’s choices, I am just a bit of a snob when it comes to my suspension bits.
While hinting around I caught the memory of my old 510 suspension I built around Koni inserts... and it clicked. Why not modify our stock AWD front strut housings to use the0, 1, or 2 way adjustable insert? We could have a OEM based suspension system using 14.7mm strut pistons and rebound or compression/rebound adjustability for a price point between that of meh struts and meh coilovers.
I am am willing to fund the expierent, but as my G is the daily driver, I can’t afford to have it out of commission for the time needed to check all the measurements and test fitting.
Does anyone out there have a used OEM front AWD strut body lying in their shop they’d be willing to part with? I know this is usually something thrown away, but it’s worth the shot.
if it works I’ll post a how to, including all required part numbers so others can repeat the process.
While hinting around I caught the memory of my old 510 suspension I built around Koni inserts... and it clicked. Why not modify our stock AWD front strut housings to use the0, 1, or 2 way adjustable insert? We could have a OEM based suspension system using 14.7mm strut pistons and rebound or compression/rebound adjustability for a price point between that of meh struts and meh coilovers.
I am am willing to fund the expierent, but as my G is the daily driver, I can’t afford to have it out of commission for the time needed to check all the measurements and test fitting.
Does anyone out there have a used OEM front AWD strut body lying in their shop they’d be willing to part with? I know this is usually something thrown away, but it’s worth the shot.
if it works I’ll post a how to, including all required part numbers so others can repeat the process.
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thezinfan (12-24-2018)
12-04-2018, 11:38 AM
#3
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Minneapolis.
I’ll need a OEM strut for two stages.
1. Initial measurements to see if an off the shelf item will be a viable option for a core donor.
2. Installation. This stage requires destruction of the OEM part. Basically I will be removing the guts of the stock strut and replacing them with the Koni part. I am assuming you don’t want this step done to your part.
Ill see what else I can come up with, but I’ll keep you in mind.
12-04-2018, 11:28 PM
#6
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Coilovers are great, when you find well tuned and designed units, and for what this car is, I can't justify the expense.
The deeper I am going down this rabbit hole, the more I like what I am seeing.... but I'm a crackpot for sure.
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The Pope (12-21-2018)
12-06-2018, 11:45 AM
#7
The shipping was a concern so I picked up a complete left OEM strut assembly with top-hat and spring for $63 off ebay today. Once I get the length of the body, stroke, and diameters verified I'll order the insert and go from there. During my plodding around the web today I found a NASIOC thread where a member worked with Koni and came up with a way of dropping the insert over an inch within the strut housing to place a lowered ride-height stance further up in the stroke of the shock. This helped with the compression length to the bump stop, and a rather brilliant idea imho. We'll see if it's feasible with our chassis when things start to go together.
The deeper I am going down this rabbit hole, the more I like what I am seeing.... but I'm a crackpot for sure.
The deeper I am going down this rabbit hole, the more I like what I am seeing.... but I'm a crackpot for sure.
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12-21-2018, 01:59 AM
#8
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Q40 AWD owner here. Definitely would love some Koni dampers. Had em on my IS300 for 15 years, along with eibach springs and sways. That thing handled like glue.
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02-25-2019, 07:07 AM
#11
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i was in Colorado for work training all of January, and came back to a ****storm of drama.... so the shock still sits in the box on my bench. Also need to fab an arbor plate for the g’s strut top to get the spring off the body.
Toss on a thread reminder, and stay tuned. Disassembly will likely be soon.
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thezinfan (02-25-2019)
02-27-2019, 08:02 PM
#13
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05-05-2019, 07:06 PM
#14
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Aaand an update.
Spring and fork is off the strut.
Drilled a pin hole to let out the gas charge and oil. Pulled the top cap, thought it was threaded, turns out it’s just pressed into place. Looks like the top of the strut body is rolled at the top. The body is larger than my pipe cutter will allow so I am at a pause till next weekend when I’m at my dad’s place and I can steal his big bastard. Another option is to chuck the piston into my drill press and spin it as I run a hacksaw blade against it.
I have a bandsaw that will make short work of it, but I’m trying to figure out a layman’s process for you all.
Spring and fork is off the strut.
Drilled a pin hole to let out the gas charge and oil. Pulled the top cap, thought it was threaded, turns out it’s just pressed into place. Looks like the top of the strut body is rolled at the top. The body is larger than my pipe cutter will allow so I am at a pause till next weekend when I’m at my dad’s place and I can steal his big bastard. Another option is to chuck the piston into my drill press and spin it as I run a hacksaw blade against it.
I have a bandsaw that will make short work of it, but I’m trying to figure out a layman’s process for you all.
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Baadnewsburr (05-06-2019)
