Koni part numbers
 

classicgarage.com lists KO-86R-2345 for 84-85 cars, and KO-86-2172 for 81-83 cars. Most sites just have struts for 81-85 cars. Can I use the 81-83 struts on my 85 -se?

Has anyone heard of the sport strut? they also list a KO-86-2172sport for 81-83. I'm pretty positive it's not the yellow as those are $$. is there a koni model below red, making red the "sport."

Ya and whats different in the 79-80 inserts?

If those are the same Koni's that were being sold by Classic Garage a year or two ago, I don't think I'd recommend them. They were very old stock, and a lot of guys reported failures within a few weeks (some failed on installation).

Check it out and be careful. You can probably pull up a lot of old threads on this subject by searching "classic garage koni". :)

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They are slightly longer than 81-85 inserts. You can use 81-85 inserts in 79-80 housings by making a spacer. Also, you will need the stock SA gland nut rather than the new ones supplied.

-billy

I'm aware of that. There is a listing on there for EO(extended overstock) shocks that I intentionally stayed away from. The listings I looked at do not have the disclaimer about not having koni's original warranty.

I may just give the "discontinued limited ed sport struts" a whirl if I can confirm they'll fit an 84-85.

Oh magic billy, as far as you know are they the same? post 80?

a lot of the ones on ebay say that they wont work for gsl se, but fit 81 - 85

Are the 79-80 struts different?

yes. the strut tube is longer.

just the tube nothing lower is different? and by how much are they longer?

Tokico does not differentiate between 81-83 and 85-85. just SA verses FB. I can not say for sure on the Konis although a search on their website shows "86 2345" for 81-85.

The tube is longer, the lower spring perch is different and the king pin inclination angle is different.

-billy

Now, if some enterprising aftermarket parts supplier would only make up an inexpensive kit of pre-fab spacers of the proper length...

...if only...

If you put both FB struts on a SA it should be fine correct?

We have to leave something up for you guys to make on your own :)
Really it is very simple. Grab some new FB inserts, shove them in the SA housing. Screw the gland nut in that secures the insert. Tape measure the amount of shaft that protrudes when the insert is all the way down. Then when the insert is pull up against the gland nut. Find something 1/16" longer than the difference in the measurements. Pull it back apart and toss the spacer in the bottom. Insert the Insert and tighten the nut. The nut should not go all he way in (since you made the spacer 1/16" longer). Make sure the insert does not move up and down.

Yes, the entire assembly will interchange. This does change the brake lines though. See, SAs have course pitch threads and the FB has fine pitch. You can use a FB master with all the hardlines to fix this or get ss lines made for the conversion. We sell the SS lines if you need them.

-billy

I took a large nut....prolly 5/8 inch thick. Placed it in the bottom of the tube housing, put the strut in and tightened everything up. Kinda rigged, but it works perfect.