Question: Replacing Bilstein Inserts on '80SC
 

I am in the process of redoing my front suspension on my '80SC that came stock with Bilstein struts.(New inserts, A-arms, 22mm hollow TBs, '86 sway bars etc) I won't go into the Bi*ch of a problem I had with the removal of the pins that hold the A-arms to the struts! BF hammer and many swear words,
almost gave up but I finally got them out.
My question is, what do I do with the big, very thick 10mm heavy washer that mounts between top of the strut and the body. I recall a mention that this washer was used on the US spec cars, because they came with a higher ride height, and needed the thick washer to get the geometry correct for the stut assy.
Do I leave the washer out, as I will set the car at Euro ride height?
Any thought from you gurus?

I think you leave the washer out. Check out Bilstein. They can rebuild your original shocks with not much turnaround. Think they are in California.

lose the washers. i left out the top covers too since its a track car. tops are just to keep crap out. Bilstein does a good job at rebuilding them. You can even provide dampng and rebound numbers and they will accomodate you. Did mine years ago and they are still performing beautifully. Quite cheap and a quick turn around. they show up looking brand new.

http://www.bilsteinus.com/services.php

Had the new Bilstein inserts laying in my garage for six months, so I guess I'll have a used spare pair around that I could send for a rebuild down the road. Still would like to know why the 10mm washers were there in the first place. Anyone have a clue?

could be right about he ride height thing with the washer.
I have a 82 ROW SC, and no washer.

it is/was to raise the ride height for the US bumper requirements