Shock issues

Mike:

See if this drawing helps (from the model's homologation documents). I just checked the height from the ground to the bottom of the lip of the trunk and it was 765 mm when the system is not up to the ride hight while the car is running.

Hope this helps.

Erik
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The service manual for 400 series lists the following centerline suspension settings. All measurments are from gound level. Lower suspension arm mounting: 182.23mm. Wheel centerline: 320mm. Upper suspension arm mounting: 417.23mm.

 

Additional settings are. Centerline of lower suspension arm mounting through chassis: 208mm. Centerline of top shock absorber bolt to ground 562mm. Distance from centerline of top shock absorber mounting bolt to centerline of outer lower suspension arm bolt is 405mm.

 

Actually I don't think that it is uncommon as you might think. Let's face it, these cars are never going to sell for anywhere near as much as the 2 seater Ferraris, no matter how high those prices might rise. There is not the big concern about total originality as most owners want to be able to drive their cars.

I know of at least one 400i that has had its suspension replaced with Monroe air shocks (s/n 48741) and I'm sure that there are others. It isn't too difficult and you can learn from the experience of others in terms of parts and mounting points to use. A search on this site may turn up more specifics, I'm kind of pressed for time right now.

Good luck!

 

i would first look at the non-selflevelling KONI coilover alternative which TRutlands, and perhaps others, offer. it really should have KONI's, IMHO.

 

The ones they show for $1,234.00?
I think you can have them rebuilt for less than that.

 

I replaced the self-leveling ones in my car, a 365 GT/4. BUT I have the car setup as a daily driver. If one wants to stay original, continual re-building is the option.

I used KONI SHOCKS 82-1825SP2 with Eibach 82419 springs with 4" of travel on the ride height adjustment. I rebuilt the forward rear shock.

Spring data:

spring 12 turn
Wire Diameter 11mm
direction of spiral right


hope this helps. Send me PM if you have further questions. Price was about $750 each side.

 

I have these Koni's on my car, the car is level ride is comfortable but firm. The car feels lighter than it is. Is that just becouse of the shock, No, but they are an important part. It is nice to have a shock on that was made for the car by the OEM supplier.
From personal experince I second Brettski's idea.

 

yup good deal.

 

Mike

That looks like exactly what you need. I wouldn't mess with a Monroe conversion or look any further unless you can find better price or closer source.

John

 

reply sent

 

Rutland sells great products but when I bought new Konis from them for the Dino they were much softer.
Testing your shocks and springs doesn't cost that much $14 per and here is the data showing that my original ones were quite a bit stiffer (Konis are maunfacturer production date stamped)
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=190349

180/220 F/R for the Dino, Tony can measure yours if you like. He does everything from 275GTBs to Ferari Challenge cars.
Tell him to give you the Kiwi discount!
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=137557293&postcount=2

 

I've got workshop manuals for the 365GTC/4 & 400i which both have the same springs, so I guess 365GT4 will be the same too.

Front mm/da N = 0.18
Rear = 0.555

 

What are the 'lockable' wheel nuts? Don't they have 3 eared spinners?

 

That's interesting:
I modified my car back to bolt on wheels off a 400GT years ago when I sold it to a friend as I needed the splined hubs for a special I was building.
I don't suppose it's the same one?
ex UK, silver with black interior?
I don't remember the chassis #

Did you see the spring rate data I posted on the previous page?

 

There might be a better local solution to the shock problem, apparently Ted Garstang(spelling) at Bilstein in Gauteng is a spring and shock guru, perhaps might be cheaper to make something up locally as apposed to importing.