I'm installing the Koni 26-1209 shock on the rear of my 83 944. The only problem is they don't fit. The bushings in the shocks are wider than the slot for the mounting point. I can grind the bottom sleeve on the shock and get the bottom to fit but not the top.

The top mount is about 1/4 inch too narrow to slide the shock into place and install the bolt. There appears to be a metal sleeve in the top mount. Does this need to be remove? can it be removed? I lightly beat on it with a hammer but it doesn't want to come out.

I had to grind my ends a bit to make them fit. You don't have to remove the sleeve, just take the shock to the grinder and go slow.

Thanks, that's what the last person did, but the Konis couldn't be ground enough.

I figured out how to fix it last night. I used a 5 inch piece of grade 5 7/16 threaded rod, a couple of nuts and several 12mm washers. placing the threaded rod through the shock mount, I put the two nuts and washers inside the mount point and used them to spread the metal. It takes a few minutes, but it will make the hole large enough to install the shock without grinding.

You can also use 3.5 inch or longer tap bolts. I tried using 3/8 inch A307 tap bolts, but they were too soft and bent. I even bent the grade 5 7/16 rod, but it was strong enough to get the job done.

Nice tip, thanks!