I'm posting this for the information of those looking for the correct way to install Bilstien front shocks in a C3 Corvette.
It seems Bilstien no longer includes installation instructions with their shocks. And as such many will turn to the internet looking for the correct way to install.
Bilstien front shocks come with 3 washers. Standard shocks only have 2. Thus some confusion.
Their is a YouTube video out there that's been online for a few years now that shows the INCORRECT way to assemble. As I always say, just because they can make a video doesn't mean they know how to fix your car!
So, of the 3 washers. One has a chamfer machined in. This one.

See old instructions from Bilstien.

Please note that this chamfer is designed to hold the snap ring from spreading and sliding down the shaft. If the snap ring is captured in this grove it can not spread and thus slip. Like this.

Next you install one of the rubber bushings and then the washer with the larger hole and the lip on it. Like this.

This washer with the lip helps center the shocks shaft in the frame tower hole. Like this.

Then on with the other rubber bushing and lastly the unfinished washer. And this of course is where all the confusion comes in. Why is it the only washer you actually see once everything is installed is not plated or painted? Doesn't make sense to those of us who want a good looking engine compartment.
But I assure you this is the correct assembly.
Me, I painted those top washers.

 

Ya, thats the way I installed mine as well.... Didnt really worry about the washer... Mine was still silver on the old ones I removed....they were on there since 2018.... So I assumed this one would be fine too.

 

yup had same issue here.. also made in mexico now
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nt-advice.html

and here
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...d-washers.html

 

Mine say made in USA right on them.

 

huh new inventory? my rears were mexico and a year earlier the fronts were USA.. maybe they split production?

 

I just did these like a few days ago and I watched a YouTube video showing the unfinished washer on the bottom by the snap ring. I thought it was weird that the finished washer had a groove that look like it fit the snap ring but I installed like the video stated. Now I gotta take it apart to redo it… dang it!

 

Yup, I'd pull it apart.
That.
Is exactly why I posted this.
I haven't a clue how to make and post a video on YouTube. But I have been a professional mechanic for 50 years.

 

FYI I just took a shock out and the Bilsteins I received (3 mo ago) did not have any washers with a countersunk groove for the E-clip. 4 grey thick washers all the same. Good info for the locating washer though!

 

I find it interesting that you received 4 Gray washers instead of 2. And no countersunk washers. This appears to be an error to me. If I were in your position I would contact Bilstien about this. There is a reason for the countersunk washer.

 

Looking at that close-up photo of your thumb and nail, I believe you!!
There's a lot of miles on those hands, I'm sure!

 

seriously? That's my left thumb. I'm right handed.
For your intertainment.

Now that's not the thumb nail of a guy behind a desk!