removing 308 GT4 Shock Absorbers

Today I decided to redo the front suspension on my 1978 GT4 properly. Last year I fitted new shock absorbers but did not realise that they needed adjusting or you should change the bushes.

The result was a sloppy ride (KONI shocks come soft as standard) and eventually the shocks riding over the bushes and knocking on the A frame.

I have read many questions about the removal of these units so I thought I would photo the job as it went along. This was OK until I went to fit the Maranello bushes to the shocks only to find that they are a very tight interference fit, and I almost lost the will to live trying to fit the buggers!

But here goes – Not that I am an expert, but just learnt as I went along – I don’t mean to teach you guys how to suck eggs, but I hope you find these photos useful

With the car jacked up and on axle stands, remove the wheels and undo the 19mm nut that holds the shock on to the lower A frame. Knock this through fig 1

Then undo the top 19mm nut, sometimes you may have to remove the nut on the opposing side as well, in order to knock the bolt right out. Fig2

The whole shock and spring assembly should now be loose enough to pull out, if not simply take out the 2nd bolt from the top of the A frame, the whole thing swings away and the shock can be easily removed. Fig3

In a vice, carefully grip the eye of the shock, taking care not to squeeze it, otherwise the almost impossible task of fitting the bush becomes tougher.

Fit the spring clamps opposite each other and extremely slowly and carefully tighten them down, each one a bit at a time. Eventually you will see the shock come free from the spring. Remove the two semi circle bits that hold the end plate to the shock. Pull it off and carefully remove the spring and set aside. Fig4 and fig6

To adjust the shocks you have to first remove the plastic disk and rubber bump stop from under the top cover, KONI by default send the shocks out at the softest setting, apparently Maranello mechanics set the ride to the middle setting, half way between soft and firm.

Push the top right down and turn clockwise slowly, you should feel the adjuster engage. Turn the top fully clockwise until it stops, no force is necessary. I wanted my ride quite firm to stop the 18” wheels from scrubbing the arches so I backed it off ¾ of a turn, half way would be about a turn and a half.

Once set, pull the top straight up at least 1cm to disengage the adjuster – then simply reassemble the whole lot.

To fit the new OEM bushes I had to use a rotary sander and clean the inside of the eye, and also put the bush in my lathe and using emery paper clean the metal bush as well. Then using a vice and a 32mm socket push the bush home into the eye. It is really hard work but does eventually go right in.

To refit the shocks I had to make a tool to spread the metal apart where the new bush will sit, the new bushes appear to be wider than the original ones. Fig5 and fig7
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login