From: Fred O
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2007 12:05 AM
To: Service@munks.com
Subject: A Note To Chris
Hi Chris, I just wanted to say thanks for the fine work on the suspension overhaul on my 964. When Larry evaluated the suspension a couple of months ago it was apparent that it was time for action. The first hint of a problem was a worn right front tire that was unusual for this car over the 8 years of my ownership. So when Larry took a look, the first indication of trouble was bushings on the control arms that were nearly completely failed. After considering bushings available in England we decided to go with complete new control arms from Porsche. The best we could have hoped for with a bushing refit was a savings of 40% and the savings didn’t justify the risk.
Even though the shocks were “dry”, it made sense to me to go ahead and change them at this point. My originals had 135,000 miles and it was a good time to make the change while the car was in and we were going to have to do an alignment anyway, kind of a 2 birds with 1 stone idea. Besides, while doing the shocks it was a perfect time to replace the springs. The springs were probably fine but I wanted to install H&R springs and achieve significant lowering to lessen the look of the body leaping off the chassis. That was never one of my favorite sights.
During Larry’s inspection, he noted and I could see that the rear sway bar link bushings were failing and front stabilizer links were also in need of replacement. They were added to the work order because this was the perfect opportunity.
One thing we hadn’t counted on was the failing rear upper shock mounts. They weren’t available in the U. S. and were ordered from Germany. Because of the projected wait time the car was assembled with shocks and springs and I drove home to await delivery of the other parts. The ride had improved markedly and I was pretty happy. A few days later the other parts arrived and were installed. During alignment, the car was lowered and you and I both could see that the new springs, coupled with the adjustable Bilsteins, allowed Mike to lower the car and achieve the “look” desired. The car looks terrific, in fact, it looks as good as many of the cars I have admired for years in Excellence. But, the real surprise was how the car handled after installation of the rear upper shock mounts. Previously, this car has had a very sharp reaction over rough and broken concrete found throughout the metro Detroit area. My wife and I just considered this a ride compromise attendant to owning a 911 and as the primary driver she has soldiered on with a stiff upper lip. After her first drive, she was astounded at how compliant the ride has become over even the harshest highway irregularities. She also likes the new lower profile complete with a 20mm +/- rake.
As we discussed after the job was finished, anyone rebuilding a suspension with mileage like mine should carefully examine the need for rear upper shock mounts. As much as the springs and adjustable shocks can change the look of a 964, the rear shock mounts will ensure many more miles of satisfying drives.
Thanks for guiding me through this experience. It was expensive, informative and in the end gratifying.