x74 color code / dot on springs and superseded part numbers?

[yoda888]

I just picked up a new old stock x74 suspension. I trying to verify what I have based on some part numbers and pictures I've found online thru various forums.

In the attached photo (I can't attach a photo!), you'll notice that the color dots on the springs are purple/white and orange for both the front and rear springs. In 2 other pictures I was able to track down online of the x74, my rear matched what the other 2 pictures showed, purple/white and orange. The front however, was purple/orange and blue instead.

Do I have the wrong setup?

What do the color codes signify, or rather, how can we interpret the colors?

Also, according to this p/n list it's x74. HOwever one of my struts is 996-343-980-20. When I look that p/n up, it shows as a superceded number to 996-343-980-06. Check out this link: http://www.autoatlanta.com/Porsche-Ss-99634398020-srch.html

Shock ABS 996-343-980-06 Support 996-343-980-08 Coil spring 996-343-980-07-504 Additional nut 996-343-980-09 Shock ABS 996-333-980-06 Coil spring 996-333-980-07-504 Additional nut 996-333-980-09 Shock SPA 911-333-511-00 Front Swaybar 996-343-701-21 Front Swaybar Bushings 996-343-792-12 Rear Swaybar 996-343-701-26 Rear Swaybar Bushings 996-333-792-25 Rear chassis braces ( reinforcement plates) (2, one for each side by tail lights) R/R/ Reinforcement Brace 996-502-814-90-GRV L/R Reinforcement Brace 996-502-813-90-GRV

[Loren]

First it would be helpful if you told us the model and year Porsche you want to put these on. MY01 and older get different part from MY02 and newer.

The two spring paint markings that are together are the spring rate - for X74 Porsche lists the colors red lilac (likely your purple) and creamy white for both front and rear springs. The third marking that is on a another coil is the compensation part (spacer) code for the size.

On the struts the parts progression is: 996-343-980-06 was replaced by 996-343-980-20 which was replaced by 996-343-980-40. But all are okay to use.

BTW... my information comes from the Porsche parts system - so I am quite sure it is correct (at least 99.9% of the time).

[yoda888]

I have an '04 40th AE. So it's a manual, 3.6L w/ the x51 and 2wd.

So the strut was superseded a couple of times. It went from 06 to 20 to 40. Interesting.

The 3rd color (aka compensation part (spacer) code for the size, can you elaborate on this more? So if I was to order a new spacer, I would have to tell the parts person what color is on my spring in addition the part number for the spacer?

Thx!

[Loren]

It is not uncommon to change vendors (vendors to Porsche) or specs of a particular part. Since the parts work interchangeably there is not likely enough difference to warrant a "do not use" or "replace all" designation.

The third paint mark on the springs is:

Identification of the coil spring tolerance group (load group) for determination of the compensation part (spring plate) thickness.1 white line = 3.0 mm thick compensation part.1 green line = 6.5 mm thick compensation part.

You could use the same spring plate (spacer) from your old suspension as long as it has the same color code. There are only two thicknesses.

[yoda888]

Loren,

Your info and assistance has been most helpful!

You mention the third mark is for the "tolerence group (loud group)" to help determine which compensation part is needed and mentione that ther are two colors, white and green. Both mine (orange) and the other pictures I've seen online (blue) do not match the white/green you mention. Do you know what orange, blue or any other color besides white/green mean? Or did porsche just decided to add more colors without really publishing/talking about it?Thanks!

[Loren]

Orange and blue are not listed in the service manual.

If you are buying the whole kit it comes assembled so it is a mute point anyway.

[MiamiC70]

Loren I have same kit with lilac / cream / orange for front but lilac / cream / blue dot fro rear as do most of the pictures I have seen on line.

What does that mean? I did lots of research and even was about to buy another set and emailed Gert on Carnewal.com and when he had those were blue as well.

There was a resource on Porsche Owners Club website that listed color codes and blue was listed. I can't seem to find a link to it anymore.

About to install mine in a few weeks and want to be sure correct for a 2004 C2.

I can't figure out how to upload a picture here and now I am confused :/

[Loren]

Very little if anything written up by Porsche on X74 specifics.

As far all the other suspension sets from Porsche that third paint stripe is the thickness of compensation support spacer. This is to adjust for small differences in the spring height. Porsche does not list separate compensating spacers in the parts list for X74 - only the 3.0 mm and 6.5 mm spacers.

I don't really think it matters what the color is as long as they are the correct ones for those springs. Of course you could always measure them...

[MiamiC70]

Thanks Loren.

What should the measurements be for x74?

[Loren]

Thanks Loren.

What should the measurements be for x74?

I do not know - that is why I suggested measuring them. As long as it is a matched set you should have nothing to worry about.