New Shocks/Struts, What else to change?

Hello, Its time for a new suspension, I have slowly accumulated all the control arms and linkages, but now its time to look at the shocks and struts. Aside from the shocks and struts themselves, what other parts do I need to order and what is ok to reuse? Are the original non optioned springs ok to reuse on my '99 with 104k miles, there are so many spring options and Im not sure if I need new ones, and if I do I dont want lowered.

One way to help decide if you need new springs is to measure the distance from the center of the wheel to the highest point on the lip of the fender. If you get different measurement from one side to the other, you might fix that with new springs. It's why I replaced mine.

Change all of the hardware (bolt and nuts, eccentrics too), strut bearings, and all rubber. In for a penny, in for a pound. You won�t regret it.

� all of it � isn�t exactly helping � I mean specific parts to both the front struts and rear shocks, as it�s confusing on what all you need just for that, and im confused on why if you need it, its not included

Quotes source post: 19378215

I�ll check my files to see if I have any documentation on everything that I purchased but in the meantime here is a link to the 996 PET: https://www.stuttcars.com/wp-content...-1998-2005.pdf You can see all diagrams and part numbers for the front and rear suspension. 996�s are now old, even those garage queens with low mileage. Replace it all, and don�t forget about the sway bar bushing and the drop links.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/Porsche-part...6&b=10&d=15673 The list of parts is overwhelming, and I want to make sure that I get the parts that wear or rot when preparing the shock and strut sub assembly to Bolt onto the knuckles ... I thought id easily find a Bill of materials style list of everything but I am coming up short.

Zerotact, here's what I have done. Create an account at Pelican parts and ask them to quote you the parts you need to do your struts and they will kit it all out and give you the part numbers. Once you have the part numbers, you can shop around, although I think their prices are fair.

in case anyone is following, here is the breakdown of the strut/shock assemblies. On a side note, it looks like the original part number for the non sport suspension springs, has been superseded and that new part number appears to be combined with other suspension options.

These guys do a good job at finding the right parts for your non-sport, nonGT etc. Search Results | Gaudin Porsche Parts

@zerotact This is what I did on my '99 with 130k. I replaced the shocks (Koni Active), springs (Eibach, only lowers about 0.5-0.75"), every arm front and rear, and the outer tie rods (the inners are probably fine and a pain to change). For the shock assemblies, here's what I reused or replaced: Fronts From top down: 10. Replace. Aftermarket shocks may come with this nut since it won't be an OEM size. (My Koni Actives came with their own nut) 6. Reuse. These are insanely expensive from Porsche... like $50. 3. Replace. 6. Same as above, replace. 11. Replace. 4. Replace. 5. Could reuse, but I replaced it. 2. Reuse 9. Replace 8. Replace 7. Replace if tired, I went with Eibach. 1. Replace Rear From top down: 9. Replace (should come with any aftermarket shock) 5. Reuse 2. Replace 3. I replaced, but you could reuse it 4. Same, up to you 5. Reuse 10. Reuse 8. Replace 7. Replace 6. Replace if they are tired. I went with Eibach. 1. Replace

Quotes source post: 19383330

Good list. My opinion to the OP: only changing these components and not replacing any of the old, hard rubber in all of the control arms and bars is doing yourself, and the car, a disservice.

I bought some Feal coilovers on Black Friday last year but they're still sitting in the box. Last time I replaced a full suspension setup (986.2) I indeed replaced every piece there was to replace. While I could go the same route, I'm thinking that for the 996.2 I might just press in new bushings. It just feels kind of wasteful to replace the old parts just because the bushings need to be refreshed. While I don't have a bushing press, I could pick one up. I do all my own work and I have other vehicles available, so I'm not afraid of the labor or the time involved. Any guidance from folks who have pressed in new bushings instead of replacing each of the arms?

From what I can find, the only replacement bushings are polyurethane. IMO that's okay for a race car or track day car, less so for a car driven normally on normal roads. Replace the whole part. Find a recycler for the aluminum.

Thank you, Howd you like the special actives once done?

OK, I have Ordered everything except the springs... Now I am having second thoughts about re using old springs, but Im scared to give myself a harsher / lower ride.. It looks like: 996 343 531 04 Front Springs Brown / Yellow 996 343 533 07 Rear Springs Violet / Red Are what should be there, i measure 1/4" lower in the rear from side to side and the same from side to side in the front ( measuring from the wheel center cap to the lip on the fender ) I just am not seeing a good option for new springs that will not end up lowering the car and I do not want to go too low and my special actives dont work correctly

I'm happy with the Eibach/Special Active combo but don't have anything to compare it to on this car except the original 130k mile suspension. The ride is definitely sports car firm, but not harsh. WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) is high — zero complaints from the wife on date nights.