Bilstein Front struts question

[asphaltgambler]

Have pre-3/85 production Targa. I have new bilstein sport cartridges to install. The OE set-up is Boge.

A) The new struts have a MUCH larger shaft (piston) and the OE bump stops ID are WAY too small to fit over the shaft. Does Bilstein make these or do I modify or toss into file 13??

B) The pass side strut assy is, I believe, OE to the car. The strut housing has threads inside at the top and the spanner nut has threads outside. No biggie.

Drivers side strut has threads on the OUTSIDE and the spanner nut has threads on the INSIDE. I purchsed pre-3/85 production inserts and they fit pass side only.

I think someone has replaced the driver side strut with post 3/85 unit and I need to exchange just that side insert. Please advise.

[LakeCleElum]

Don't toss your bump stops.....A PO left one out on the right side of my 73.5 and it's never felt right.....I have it apart now and just found this out. I'd suggest you contact Bilstein and ask them....

The strut with the threads on the inside is the pre- 3/85 one....Sounds like your PO crashed you car and replaced with a later one as you say....G'luck...

[asphaltgambler]

Thanks, I'll look here and see if Wayne has a listing.

[Tyson Schmidt]

The Bilstein inserts for Boge struts already have the bump-stops inside.

So you don't need the old Boge bump-stops.

[asphaltgambler]

Thanks Tyson !!........You just saved me from calling Bilsteins' tech line tomorrow!! -and believe-it-or-not I did actually read the enclosed directions that came with the inserts and nothing was mentioned about the use/elimination of the factory bump stops.

[LakeCleElum]

A quick question and mine are apart and I'm awaiting the Bilsteins to put in the Boge struts....Do you put a little oil in the strut before the insert, as the factory did with the Boge? If so, how much?

Thax...

[asphaltgambler]

Pour (in the cartridge housing) with small amout of ATF (auto trans fluid) slowly lower the insert unril it hits bottom. The fluid should just come at the top of the housing as it is displaced.

The fluid helps transfer heat away from the insert to the outside housing. Very effective and low buck mod when you are in there.

[Wil Ferch]

tidbit....

......good to fill the void space with oil, ATF, or antifreeze..but don't go *quite* to or near the top. You might have a problem screwing the top retaining nut on, especially if the thread is internal to the shock body....fluid is non-compressible. I would be happy to fill it just enough that with the insert in-place..it's about 80+% full, or so.

- Wil

[asphaltgambler]

Good suggestion

[LakeCleElum]

Will and Gambler: Thax much for the info about the oil.....Soon as the UPS guy shows, my new Bilsteins go in the Boge struts.....

[TheMentat]

I'm in the process of installing this right now...

the Boge insert that I pulled out seems to have alot of parts to it that the Bilstein doesnt have, and I'm afraid I'm missing something...

Do I simply drop in the new insert, fill with oil, and tighten the spanner nut on the new insert?

There also appears to be two nuts on the new Bilstein.... I'm asuming I just use the one that fits my existing assembly?


thanks...

[LakeCleElum]

The new Bilstein won't come with the "rubber bumper", It's internal on their model......Put the oil in 1st, just a few oz's.....then put in the insert....excess oil will ozze out as you tighten the spanner nut.....Mine only came with one nut on the top.....