Bilstein Install Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Lithia Florida
Bilstein Install Question
Hey Guys,
The Bilstein Sports arrived today, I took one out of the box and noticed 2 rubber bushings (3/4: thick each) and a metal washer on the shaft, i the box were 2 more rubber (looks like Polyurethane) larger than the first 2 described. No instructions were in any of the boxes.
Question: why are the first 2 bushings and the washer on the shaft? Do I have a choice of which bushings to use? please help ready to install.
Also what are the torque ft/lb for the mounting bolts?
Thanks in advance for the help.
Jim
The Bilstein Sports arrived today, I took one out of the box and noticed 2 rubber bushings (3/4: thick each) and a metal washer on the shaft, i the box were 2 more rubber (looks like Polyurethane) larger than the first 2 described. No instructions were in any of the boxes.
Question: why are the first 2 bushings and the washer on the shaft? Do I have a choice of which bushings to use? please help ready to install.
Also what are the torque ft/lb for the mounting bolts?
Thanks in advance for the help.
Jim
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville Florida
Here's an instruction I use to replace my shocks with Bilstien Sports. http://www.c5forum.com/diy/shocks.php Hope this helps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 4
The lower mounting bolts are 21 ft lbs. The upper is 19 ft lbs.
If you use the rubber bushings like I did, tighten the nut until the rubber bushing is compressed to match the diameter of the washer. The rubber bushing will be quieter and less jolting.
The order of parts on the shock assembly from bottom to top: small clip, dust shield, large washer, rubber bushing,mounting bracket, bushing, large washer and nut.
They will be somewhat shorter than stock shocks. It's easier to compress the shock on the floor and tie it down, then secure the lower mounting bolts first, then release the retainer and guide the piston up into the upper bracket as it rises, then use a floor jack to raise it up into position.
If you use the rubber bushings like I did, tighten the nut until the rubber bushing is compressed to match the diameter of the washer. The rubber bushing will be quieter and less jolting.
The order of parts on the shock assembly from bottom to top: small clip, dust shield, large washer, rubber bushing,mounting bracket, bushing, large washer and nut.
They will be somewhat shorter than stock shocks. It's easier to compress the shock on the floor and tie it down, then secure the lower mounting bolts first, then release the retainer and guide the piston up into the upper bracket as it rises, then use a floor jack to raise it up into position.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 0
From: Johnston, Iowa
Originally Posted by IM QUIKR
It's easier to compress the shock on the floor and tie it down, then secure the lower mounting bolts first, then release the retainer and guide the piston up into the upper bracket as it rises, then use a floor jack to raise it up into position.
That's what I did. Parachute cord and floor jack made shock install easier! 
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26,345
Likes: 231
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by IM QUIKR
If you use the rubber bushings like I did, tighten the nut until the rubber bushing is compressed to match the diameter of the washer. The rubber bushing will be quieter and less jolting.
I wound up with a persistant SQUEAK that eventually caused me $150 to
find and fix.......it was a distortated and dirty shock bushing.
DH
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,028
From: eastern NC
Originally Posted by VetteGuy1999
Hey Guys,
The Bilstein Sports arrived today, I took one out of the box and noticed 2 rubber bushings (3/4: thick each) and a metal washer on the shaft, i the box were 2 more rubber (looks like Polyurethane) larger than the first 2 described. No instructions were in any of the boxes.
Question: why are the first 2 bushings and the washer on the shaft? Do I have a choice of which bushings to use? please help ready to install.... Jim
The Bilstein Sports arrived today, I took one out of the box and noticed 2 rubber bushings (3/4: thick each) and a metal washer on the shaft, i the box were 2 more rubber (looks like Polyurethane) larger than the first 2 described. No instructions were in any of the boxes.
Question: why are the first 2 bushings and the washer on the shaft? Do I have a choice of which bushings to use? please help ready to install.... Jim
When you pull you originals off, you will find a similar Bump-Stop arrangement.
Good luck... installation went pretty smooth.
GUSTO
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Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9,615
Likes: 13
From: Burlington NC
You should have the two mounting bushings, and a bump stop. All other bushings can be used as weapons to your friends helping out. We have been selling bilstein for years now. They some times come with too many bushings. Why I have no idea, we have a super big box full of not used bushings.
Randy
Randy