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3 inch spacer with bilstein 5100, big problem

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by tacomacati, Jun 6, 2009.

  1. Jun 6, 2009 at 5:09 PM
    #1
    tacomacati

    tacomacati [OP] New Member

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    so i removed the strut assembly and re-installed it with bilstein 5100 shock on lowest adjustment (stock height) and after i put it back on the truck the spring is compressed enough while sitting in the driveway for me to put my finger under the top nut of the shock and slide the retaining washer, and neoprene bushing up and down the shaft about a half inch, so, needless to say while driving the re-coil smashes the spring top plate against the bottom of the top nut and it sounds like something is breaking. i dont know what to do? did i mix up the drivers side and passenger springs? it does this on both sides. please help! i dont want to drive my truck right now. im thinking abut taking the top nut off and fill in the gap with washers?
     
  2. Jun 6, 2009 at 5:23 PM
    #2
    sincitytaco

    sincitytaco Well-Known Member

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    You did something very wrong if the bolt did not tighten all the way.
     
  3. Jun 6, 2009 at 5:24 PM
    #3
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Welcome to Tacoma World!

    Sounds like it wasnt put together propperly. You may have to take them apart, and re do it.
     
  4. Jun 6, 2009 at 5:27 PM
    #4
    Brunes

    Brunes abides.

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    +1- Going back over the whole set up is the only thing you can do. Be careful driving it like that too...It may not be damaged yet...but driving it more might mess it up.
     
  5. Jun 6, 2009 at 5:34 PM
    #5
    tacomacati

    tacomacati [OP] New Member

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    so when i had the spring compressed on the ground i assembled it like this: move snap-ring down to lowest setting, place shock inside compressed spring, put on the upper spring plate over shock shaft, then neoprene bushing , then metal washer, then supplied locknut. tightened nut all the way down and then released spring compressor. everything looks fine. i install the spacer on top of the assembly then put it in the truck. same for both sides, then when i lower the jack the thing sits like i above explained. theres about a half inch between the locknut and washer. any solutions?
     
  6. Jun 6, 2009 at 5:39 PM
    #6
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    You may have the lower spring perch upside down. Also, before you install the top plate, there should be a washer that goes on first, then the top plate, then bushing, washer, and lastly, the nut.
     
  7. Jun 6, 2009 at 5:53 PM
    #7
    tacomacati

    tacomacati [OP] New Member

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    well i noticed a small aluminum machined washer looking thing with an o-ring that came on the bilstein. i slid it up and down and there were no catches or notches to prevent it from sliding off, so i figured this shock not having a dust boot, maybe this was like a dirt retainer or something? but if im holding the shock out in front of me straight up and down, theres nothing to prevent my washer from sliding all the way down the shaft, so i dont see what your saying chris.. wish i had a diagram of this install or something.
     
  8. Jun 6, 2009 at 5:54 PM
    #8
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Ok....at this point, Im thinking the shocks may be the issue....:confused:
     
  9. Jan 13, 2010 at 7:35 PM
    #9
    BOSSYROSSY

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    I'm having the same problem, only i have the stock bilsteins installed. Did you ever find a solution to the problem?
     
  10. Jan 13, 2010 at 7:39 PM
    #10
    SamSter0077

    SamSter0077 Happy Camper

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  11. Jan 13, 2010 at 7:52 PM
    #11
    BOSSYROSSY

    BOSSYROSSY Member

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    There's a 1/4" space between the top washer and the lock nut.

    taco 002.jpg
     
  12. Jan 13, 2010 at 8:07 PM
    #12
    SamSter0077

    SamSter0077 Happy Camper

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    Isn't there a absorber cushion missing? look at diagram on PAGE 2 this is the only photo i have on file with me.. see the rubber "Front Shock Absorber Cushion" between the Nut and the Top plate.. I think that is what you are missing

    [​IMG]
     
  13. Jan 13, 2010 at 8:24 PM
    #13
    jr114

    jr114 Well-Known Member

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    ya from that diagram it makes it pretty clear that the absorber bushing is mia. samster good job on finding this diagram. printing it out right now and putting it with my shocks just in case i space out when i assemble them. that diagram would actually probably make a good useful sticky.
     
  14. Jan 13, 2010 at 8:37 PM
    #14
    BOSSYROSSY

    BOSSYROSSY Member

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    I didn't put the spacers in, I had a guy with a spring compressor do it for me. I don't remember that cushion being there on the stock setup though. Do you think it will matter if I run it without the cushion?
     
  15. Jan 13, 2010 at 8:44 PM
    #15
    BOSSYROSSY

    BOSSYROSSY Member

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    Btw, I know for a fact there wasn't a space there when we intalled the struts. ??????
     
  16. Jan 13, 2010 at 9:10 PM
    #16
    jr114

    jr114 Well-Known Member

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    honestly im not sure whatll happen if you run your truck with out it. im assuming only bad things will arise. the space for the missing absorber now gives the shock a little bit more room to move around causing some type of damage. if it were my truck i wouldnt run it like that.
     
  17. Jan 13, 2010 at 9:22 PM
    #17
    08pretaco

    08pretaco Well-Known Member

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    spacer where? theres a cushion on all the strut assemblies

    jon...when you getting those spindles man??!
     
  18. Jan 13, 2010 at 9:25 PM
    #18
    jr114

    jr114 Well-Known Member

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    hopefully soon. not sure when ill be able to put em on. just got force hired for another 72. and right now it looks like itll be happening often for a little while. wanna have at least 2-3 days off for sure to do everything right.
     
  19. Jan 13, 2010 at 9:27 PM
    #19
    08pretaco

    08pretaco Well-Known Member

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    you need one day and one planned trip to an autoparts store and the dealership for a few misc things :thumbsup:
     
  20. Jan 14, 2010 at 5:13 AM
    #20
    SamSter0077

    SamSter0077 Happy Camper

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    yes!
     

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