front strut insert not clearing the fender
 

I just removed the boge strut insert from the boge strut, and when I installed the bilstein HD insert, the rod is too long to clear the fender.

I compared the old against the new and it appears that the bilstein rod is extended.

How do I compress it to get it to clear the fender?

Thanks!

FORCE - it's a little tough but you have to push the rod into the shock for it to clear the fender. Sometimes a second pair of hands can be helpful. The Bilstein's are preloaded. Make sure you don't overstress the soft brake hose in the process and don't forget to adjust your ride height and have the car aligned after the install.

Good luck,
Ingo

Put a rag over the threaded end... <- Don't scratch your fender :rolleyes:

Remove the clip for the brake hose on the inner wall of the fender. That will give you a better angle. Then compress the rod all you got.

As Livi said.... it is *critical* that the clip on the body be removed...and that the short piece of hard-line that becomes soft line at that point....be re-adjusted momentarily to allow the proper swing-range of the strut, in getting the shock out.

Gas pressure shocks..LOL!...yep they're a pup !!.

Oh...and be prepared for the car to sit maybe 1/2" higher when done, if the original shocks were not gas charged.

- Wil

...or temporartily remove the brake caliper from it's mount. There are two bolts. Suspend the caliper with a length of wire so you don't stress the flex hose. You should now have plenty of room to swing the control arm and strut inward and outward.

Sherwood

Success! Thanks for your helpful suggestions. I just had to manhandle the insert, but once compressed, it easily cleared the fender.

A few additional observations:

I found that putting a jack under the hub to support the control arm prevented the brake lines, which I didn't disconnect, from being stressesd.

Also, I found that it was really helpful to insert the top of the insert into the fender housing before screwing the insert into the strut. This provided me with the stability I needed to tighten it down well.

This tech article...from Koni guru Jason Burkett
of Paragon Products ( forgive me Pelican folks)...helps with the process of front shock replacement -->

http://www.tech-session.com/kb/index.php?article=7

- Wil

Congrats Blue3.2!

I also found that I was able to just compress mine by hand instead of unhooking everything.

Never thought to insert the top first though, before screwing it to the strut - good idea!