QA1 Front shocks with NO A-arm modification!

i have same problem pass side only PITA keep us posted...

 

See if you can't find some of the lube that's sold with poly bushings.

As for the later 328s & Mondials that don't use eye type upper shock mounts, I've got a good handle on a mounting design, but haven't had time to work out the details & source parts. Hopefully I'll have something in a few months.

One thing hampering me is that I don't have access to a late 328 or a Mondial to get measurements from & test the concept on.

 

I used the lube that came with the QA-1 liberally. I also used them on the suspension bushings, since I did them at the same time. I also applied this to the sway bar bushings. I have not had a squeek since day one.

As a data point, I did not modify my A-arms nor did I use any paper weights. There was very very minor contact and this was at "full droop".

 

Thank you, Verell; I will sit by patiently. Though, feel free to swing by Alaska anytime to look at a late model 328 for reference.

Thanks again for the great project. Even though it is not applicable for my car, it was enjoyable and interesting.

 

I probably should have included my results here instead of starting a new thread, but check out 308 GTS/modified suspension--I have done almost all the same as our heroes on here to my car--thanks to all who provided the information and inspiration!

 

Tip # 1 at the following link (which is probably where many of us purchased our ES bushings) seems to me as if it might be a reasonable approach at install time if one wants to reduce the risk of squeaks. I'm just starting to rebuild all of my suspension components (using Verell's famous paperweights of course!) and wonder if I might try this. Have any of you guys got any thoughts on this idea?

http://www.suspension.com/tips.htm

 

Sorry Birdman, didn't pick up on you squeak earlier.

Hmm,
I'll be interested in the results of the lube tests. The adapter bushings are exactly the same length as the metal sleeve inside the Koni bushings. I'll be surprised if the front & upper rear SS bushings can move on the bolt. The bolt should be compressing the mounting yoke hard against them so there's no end play.

I'm less sure about the lower rear bushings as the cast ears on the upright may not give enough to compress firmly onto the adapter bushing, so the bushing might be able to move a tiny amount. You could see if you can fit a very thin (0.001" or 0.002") feeler gauge between the end of the adapter bushing & the ear. If you can, then make a shim washer out of a thin piece of steel (eg: SS shim stock, or in a pinch, a piece of food or beveridge can) to remove all slack.

As for a lubricant, for a high pressure application of SS on hard steel, I'd use a CV rated grease containing 'moly'. Same stuff you'd use for the half-shaft CV joints.

Even tho I provide a set of washers to ensure the QA1 eye poly bushing has no free play, I'd be more inclined to suspect it's a QA1 eye poly bushing slipping on the adapter bushing's OD than an adapter bushing having enough free play to squeak.

 

I have a 1984 euro 308 gts... looking to lower it... someone please tell me if it can be done with new springs and shocks without cutting or grinding anything? I am looking to lower the corners maybe 1/2 " to 3/4" just enough to take out some of the empty space above my tires to the fenders.. I have 17" wheels on the car.... thanks

 

See the paperweights thread this thread links to.

 

I used ALL the shim washers and compressed the poly bushings slightly to install the circlips. I have the same squeek as Birdman on the front right only. Not a big deal ,as once I'm over 3000 rpm the exhaust note drowns it out. It would be nice to know if it's a metal/metal lube issue or a poly bushing squeek though.?!?

 

Try a couple of drops of motor oil just on the steel bushing ends. If it quiets down, then it's probably steel on steel.

 

I think the squeak is the end of the springs rubbing on the spring seat. . .. stock setup has a rubber isolator between the spring and the seat . .. next time I have them off I'll dry lube the ends to see.

 

IMHO, springs on the perch is much more likely than the ss bushing squeaking.
A nylon or teflon washer would be a nice permanent fix.

 

I actually think QA1 or Summit sells a perch ring with either needle bearings or is made of PTFE or similar, to aid in ease of adjusting the springs. (I, of course..., did not buy those. But, I did lube the spring perches and adjuster rings with anti-sieze, so I don't think thats the source of the squeek). I am going to try a couple drops of Tri-flow teflon lube on the bushing/bolts.

 

Sounds like this will be sorted out soon? I've been patiently watching this thread too. I can't replace my shocks and springs yet but I will as soon as I can afford it. I will have to do all the suspension bushings too. A squeek would drive me nuts for sure. Looking forward to the final outcome! You guys are doing great work!

Cheers!

 

I'll check again today but my squeek is almost non existent . .. think I only notice it with the car idling thru a parking lot MAYBE.

I put generic timken thrust bearings (plus thrust washer on each side of bearing) on the bottom perch and put the crappy supplied steel washer that went on the bottom perch on the top perch all coated with anti seize.

 

My suspension doesn't squeek . . . absolutely nothing on the rear . . a slight "groan" on the front when I bounce it which I think is the swaybar . . you can't hear anything when the engines running and you're driving though . . .even idling thru parking lots over speed bumps can't hear anything.

Without the thrust bearings, you would've wiped a lot of the antiseize off the critical surfaces when you're adjusting the perches . .. just a thought.

Sean

 

Do these shocks allow the car to be lowered? I have the koni's on my 84 euro 308.. and just put 17" wheels & tires on her, but the front end sits a little higher then the rear.. driving me nuts.. I want to lower the car a little or at least the from end maybe 3/8" to 1/2"

 

Heck yes . ..
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can these shocks be installed with no modification, the early posts seem to state there are some problems fitting them without cutting and changing things... I dont want to cut or alter anything... would love to be able to lower my car a 1/2"

 

Hey buddy,
Please do something with those tires.
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I'm replacing them tomorrow

Thought you could see the tread for a minute, then realized you were referring to something that has no benefit to lap time . When things get complicated in life that's my common denominator . .. I only have 27 hours a day to get things done and shining tires fell off the list when someone posted the plug reading thread I wish I could go back in time sometimes though.
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That's what this thread and these associated threads are about:

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87413

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142079