Bilstein Front Shock question for 911 1984

[hazard911]

Today I began my spring mission, to install turbo tie rods and new Bilstein sport shocks up front. I just about finished the tie rods and removed one old Boge shock and drained the oil. The new Bilstein shock comes out of the box with the shock, the dust cover, a hard rubber washer and the locking nut. I can't find anything on where the hard rubber washer goes. When you pull the shock out of its original box the washer is between the dust cover and the locking nut and I've read once where it is thought that it goes on the outside of the dust cover. So I think the washer goes on the strut shaft between the dust cover and the top strut mount. Anyone out there knows for sure? Also my turbo tie rod ends did not come with the castle nut but rather a locking nut. Anyone ever have problems with this setup after putting some miles on the car? Lastly, my car's height, 15 Fuchs on, and measured at the fender lips were over 26 inches high before the install of the Bilsteins. Should I be planning on adjusting the heights right away or should I put some miles on the car after I get an alignment?

[perryb]

Did your Bilstein inserts come with the rubber bumpers similar to the ones that were on your Boge inserts?

[aj88cab]

The rubber washer is for shipping, toss it. The Bilstiens are gas charged and will raise the car height, they will settle some but you will need to adjust the height. In reality ride height, alignment, and corner balance will all need to be done with the TTR and shock replacement. Also, IIRC you do not need the old bump stops as the Bilstiens have internal stops, but you might want to confim that, as its been a while since I did mine. Call Bilstien and they will clear-up all your questions.

[KTL]

I agree with Andrew- rubber washer is to hold things together in packaging. How do I know? I put the rubber washer between the dust can and the strut mount and the next time I removed it, the rubber washer was squished into little bits and pieces!

I would re-use your old castle nut with a new cotter pin. That's what i've always done. However, finding a suitable new metric cotter pin at the hardware store is easier said than done. I think I ended up using a stainless SAE/non-metric pin for mine. Whatever works well works for me.

[175K911]

Bump stops are definitely internal in the front struts. Had my fronts revalved, rebuilt, shaft shortened and new bump stops installed just a couple months ago by Bilstein. Best $180 I ever spent (75 per shock to rebuild/revalve, 15 per to install new shortened shafts).