Bilstein Install Question
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Hello
I just installed 4 KYB shocks on my 75.
The front shocks had only 2 cupped washers per side.
They went at the very bottom of the shock, and the very top near
the bolt. There were no washers used at the interface area where they go through the control arm.
kdf
I just installed 4 KYB shocks on my 75.
The front shocks had only 2 cupped washers per side.
They went at the very bottom of the shock, and the very top near
the bolt. There were no washers used at the interface area where they go through the control arm.
kdf
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 534
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
The 3rd washer, I was told was a finishing washer that goes over the golden colored one on top? Makes no sense to me, but that what I was told by a few different vendors.
Shocks are installed and WOW what a difference!
Note: Very easy to install.....
Shocks are installed and WOW what a difference!
Note: Very easy to install.....
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 9
From: Fallbrook CA
I just installed a set and I used all 3 washers. The black one first with the with the lower rubber. Then thru the frame. The silver washer next with the cup up. It has a small sleeve on the bottom that fits into the frame to keep the upper bushing centered which keeps the shock shaft from rubbing the frame. The gold colored one goes one top.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
Do2G, I bought the Bilstien sport shocks for my 69 and had the same question. (3 washer, two thick and one thin silver one ) Asked the mechanics at work and they said like what Palamesa mentioned, the silver thin one goes on top of the bottom poly bushing. The porpose they said was if you look at the shock tower the hole is somewhat big, but top of the silver cup will fit in the hole preventing the shock shaft from moving around in the tower. I thought that might be it but installed one side without it. Have to go and remove it tonite and reinstall it. Installing the SS calipers also. Tony
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 9
From: Fallbrook CA
69 Convert...I was thinking about that set-up this morning. It does make more sense for the 3rd washer to be on top of the lower bushing rather then under the upper since most of the load is pushing up. I'll be switching mine this morning.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
Palamesa, I just switched mine this morning. Didn't put the other side on so I don't have to take that off. Looked at the drivers side lower control arm and saw the bushing is really tore up. Bummer. Now I have to go shopping again. Poly bushing kit, front sway bar, maybe upper and lower balljoints since i'm going to be in it. And last, new #550 springs. Looking at VBP. I installed the mono leaf already # 330. Money just going out ;P
Tony
Tony
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Something else worth mentioning - the poly end link bushings and the poly shock bushings sold by VB&P have a molded-on rib that replaces the locating washer between bushing and frame.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
I'm Batman, thanks for the mention. I did'nt buy the Bilstien from VBP and the bushing for the shocks I have must be rubber and are flat on both side. Just another thing that can be overlooked. Thanks
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 9
From: Fallbrook CA
OK...Just pulled my shock. Mine has an upper cup washer welded to the frame on the underside so my 3rd washer does go on top as I had it. I have a 76' so it may be different on yours. I agree that some of the other shocks have a sleeve on the rubber to take up the space (thus 2 washers) but these bilstiens have that 3rd washer with the sleeve to keep it centered.
BTW I went with the 550 fronts and 460 rear from VB&P. I'm still working on the car so I can't comment on the ride but I'm real happy with the parts and service.
BTW I went with the 550 fronts and 460 rear from VB&P. I'm still working on the car so I can't comment on the ride but I'm real happy with the parts and service.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
Palamesa, Do you have a BB or SB. Your thoughts on your # 460 decision.
Wondering if the #330 is not stiff enough or the # 460 might be too stiff.
Did'nt get to drive it too far but wife says the ride was not as jarring. Working on the front now. Got to go out and pick up wheel bearings.\
Tony
Wondering if the #330 is not stiff enough or the # 460 might be too stiff.
Did'nt get to drive it too far but wife says the ride was not as jarring. Working on the front now. Got to go out and pick up wheel bearings.\
Tony
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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My Edelbrock shocks came with poly cushions. I'd put them in if the new ones don't have them............