2003 suspension in a 1997?

[911monty]

IF you go with the 2003 used suspension, I'd really consider buying the upgraded rear suspension members from Woody. This piece was reinforced for 98 which allowed 18 inch wheels option. With the suspension removed this would be an easy exchange for a stronger piece. An upgrade of this sort would justify the rebuild.

[oldskool73]

@itsnotanova - tbh I'm not 'sure' I do need new struts, the car feels like it's bottoming out and making nasty shakes and noises over even small bumps and holes, which we have a lot of here with our crap roads.

Assuming it's got to be either the struts, springs and/or the various arms causing it, thought I'd try the struts first as they work out a bit cheaper than new arms all around, if that doesn't help then do the arms next. It does make more sense though I guess to upgrade in the process, instead of just replace with slightly newer.

And yeah, the 'budget' is more about me being tight and not wanting to pay half what the car's worth to fix the ride, lol.

@911monty - are you talking about part #1 or #4's in this diagram, or something else all together? 986online.com- Boxster Diagram -Porsche Boxster Parts And Accessories

[911monty]

The part I am talking about is part #2 in your diagram. This piece was reinforced for 1998 models and 18" tires then became optional.

I am not trying to talk you out of those Koni FSDs. I think they would be awesome.

[steved0x]

Originally Posted by oldskool73

@itsnotanova - tbh I'm not 'sure' I do need new struts, the car feels like it's bottoming out and making nasty shakes and noises over even small bumps and holes, which we have a lot of here with our crap roads.

I would check these, #8 in this diagram, when they go bad it causes all sorts of thumps and clunks, and if it really goes bad, the back wheel can move around in unintended ways fore and aft.

Rear Axle Wheel Carrier Control Arm Wheel Hub

Same goes for the front, part #3, although usually it seems to be the ones in back that go bad and cause all the noise:

Cross Member Wishbone

To contrast with this, on my Boxster with 120,000'ish miles, I was running on the original OEM suspension. It was a little floaty but not noisy or bottoming out. I was getting some clunks and noise, which was solved by the installation of #8 above.

Rear trailing arms replacement guide DIY

I would be more suspicious of some of these other things, and less so on the struts. Unless you can see/feel oil leaking from them, they are probably still OK.