365 GT 2+2 self leveling suspension options? | FerrariChat

365 GT 2+2 self leveling suspension options?

Discussion in 'Vintage (thru 365 GTC4)' started by crazycars, Jul 23, 2014.

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  1. crazycars

    crazycars Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 13, 2012
    3
    My car is sitting low in the water in the rear and it appears that the rear self leveling shocks have failed. Koni does not sell them new or rebuild them but rather referred me to Rutlands for a coil-over set-up that Koni appears to make and sell through Rutlands. I would prefer something either automatically adjustable or even manually adjustable. Does anyone know of for example, an air shock system that will bolt-into the 365 GT 2+2?

    The forum has several references to other cars but not the GT 2+2.

    Thanks

    Joe
     
  2. El Wayne

    El Wayne F1 World Champ
    Staff Member Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Aug 1, 2002
    18,043
    San Marino, CA
    Full Name:
    L. Wayne Ausbrooks
    I moved the thread to the proper subforum for questions/discussion on the 365 GT 2+2 so that you'll draw an appropriate response. If you meant "365 GT4 2+2" instead, then let me know and I'll move it back to that subforum.
     
  3. 365GTC/4

    365GTC/4 Formula 3

    Apr 7, 2005
    2,319
    Melbourne, Australia
    Full Name:
    John
    The original self levellers can be rebuilt. Cutom seals, original decals, bushings etc are all available.
    The self levellers were used on Queens, C4s and 365GT4 2+2, as well as 400s. They are all virtually
    the same leveller with only minor internal differences.
    PM me if you want details.
    John
     
  4. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 5, 2002
    24,095
    Portland, Oregon
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    Don
    Who is rebuilding them these days, and are the rebuilt ones holding up?
     
  5. 365GTC/4

    365GTC/4 Formula 3

    Apr 7, 2005
    2,319
    Melbourne, Australia
    Full Name:
    John
    I did mine 7 or 8 years ago on a C4 and they are fine with plenty of driving on rough roads. I made all new
    internal seals without any modifications. They are a PITA to work on but pm me if you are
    interested in the details.
     
  6. Ak Jim

    Ak Jim F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 23, 2007
    8,498
    North Pole AK
    I had Jeff LeBlond in PHX rebuild all 4 of the shocks/levelers for the back of my 365 GT4 2+2. They look good but I haven't installed them yet. He sent pictures of the disassembled units and work in progress. He also installed a shrader valve on the levelers so the pressure can be adjusted if need be.
     
  7. shoreorthopod

    shoreorthopod Karting

    Oct 14, 2012
    152
    I believe Gabriel and Monroe sell air shocks with a valve that can be installed in the trunk to adjust air pressure to alter ride height.
     
  8. Bryanp

    Bryanp F1 Rookie

    Aug 13, 2002
    3,800
    Santa Fe, NM
    Several years ago, while John (posts 3 and 5) was rebuilding my Konis, I installed a set of Monroe "Air Max" shocks in place of the leveler Konis. Running the air lines was simple, and I drilled one hole in one of the diagonal braces that surround the spare tire to place the air valve. I always travelled with a small Campbell/Hausfield compressor; just inflate to the desired height. I think it was a $70 investment. When I got the rebuilt units back from John, I kept them boxed and sold them with the car a couple of years later.
     
  9. Motob

    Motob Formula 3
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 11, 2003
    2,239
    Frederick, Maryland
    Full Name:
    Brian Brown
    The Koni replacement kit works very well. the car handles great with it and you never have to worry about the load levelers leaking again. I have installed three sets of them and they make the car handle much better than stock. The spring perches on the Koni kit are threaded so you can adjust the ride height. In addition to Rutlands they are also available here: Ferrari 365 GTC4, GT4 2 +2 - Rear Coilover Kit
    The only reason to rebuild the originals is if you have a 100 point car that you want to show.
     
  10. Tinbender

    Tinbender Formula Junior
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 13, 2004
    324
    Raleigh,Lake Lure,NC
    Full Name:
    Terry W. Phillips
    I installed a set of these coil overs on my 365 GT 2+2 and was very happy with the result.
     
  11. Stackhouse

    Stackhouse F1 Rookie
    Consultant

    Feb 14, 2004
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    IN YOUR TRUNK
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    CT.. AKA Pimp Daddy
    Need updated source for replacement/rebuild options for 69 365 GT 2+2 Queen Mother rear air suspension.

    Anyone done this themselves?

    Any reference material, such as work shop manuals, video, photos out there?

    Would like to make this a weekend project, however knowing my luck it will end up taking every weekend for the rest of my life! ;)

    Thank you!

    CT
     
  12. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 5, 2002
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    Don
    So has anyone on here actually used the rebuilt units, from either John or Jeff LeBlond? Are they still working correctly?
     
  13. SteviePPS

    SteviePPS Karting

    May 11, 2013
    69
    EU
    Full Name:
    Steve Warson
    It's not air suspension. It's a Koni "loadadjuster" that uses its own pumping motion to lift the car to a preset level. There's nothing electronic or pneumatic, it's 100% hydraulic.

    There are a few ex-Koni staff members here in Holland rebuilding them successfully. They do international mail order but it takes a few days with painting etc.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  14. Motob

    Motob Formula 3
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 11, 2003
    2,239
    Frederick, Maryland
    Full Name:
    Brian Brown
    They are pressurized with nitrogen to a fairly high pressure. When the charge leaks out, that is when the rear of the car drops low.
     
  15. Dbone

    Dbone Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    May 28, 2005
    181
    Malibu
    Full Name:
    Dave
    I sent you a PM
     
  16. Stackhouse

    Stackhouse F1 Rookie
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    Feb 14, 2004
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    CT.. AKA Pimp Daddy
    Anyone have a part number and source for the Koni replacement?
     
  17. Ak Jim

    Ak Jim F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 23, 2007
    8,498
    North Pole AK
    PM me if you want to know about mine.
     
  18. srslusso

    srslusso Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2005
    874
    Encino,Ca.
    Full Name:
    Steve S.
    Just as I suggested to the Dr. When I inspected the car. It's not Rocket Science let the best old Ferrari mechanic in Southern California ( woodland hills) do it correctly the first time.
    Ps to everyone this is a great car to restore easily.
     
  19. srslusso

    srslusso Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2005
    874
    Encino,Ca.
    Full Name:
    Steve S.
    Just to give everyone an idea of the cost Eric said normal conversion should cost about
    $ 1800.00.at Auto Gallery
    Having owned 2 365GT 2+2s one with the factory load levelers and one with the shock conversion I feel the conversion results in a better handling car.
     
  20. torquespeak

    torquespeak Formula Junior

    Dec 24, 2010
    629
    UK
    Full Name:
    Ed
    Hi all, does anyone have contact info for any of the people who are rebuilding the original self-levelling units?

    -Ed
     
  21. Bill26

    Bill26 Formula Junior

    Jun 19, 2005
    256
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Bill Murdoch
    pm sent

    WM

     
  22. jippiejake

    jippiejake Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 6, 2012
    989
    Venice Beach
    Full Name:
    Mike Kerns
    Would love to know also..
    Thank you...
     
  23. Dbone

    Dbone Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    May 28, 2005
    181
    Malibu
    Full Name:
    Dave
    Mike
    Pm sent. I'm the Black c4 in malibu
     
  24. 250Times

    250Times Rookie

    Jul 31, 2014
    11
    Dubai
    Full Name:
    Assyl Yacine
    @torquespeak

    I recommend getting in touch with Redparts. They source all our Ferrari parts and consult too. E-mail address below.

    We have the same 365 2+2 issue, and he offered to have them rebuilt

    [email protected]
     
  25. Ak Jim

    Ak Jim F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 23, 2007
    8,498
    North Pole AK
    I ended up getting the coilovers to replace the failed rebuilt load levelers. Should have done this the first time. Car drives better than it ever has.
     

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