Were Spring Spacer Rings Installed Right?

So does this mean the shop did the best install configuration with what they had to work with?

 

I am not sure, could be.

 

It appears that the springs are full coil (as opposed to flat ground) and that the perch is designed for full coil. I don't see what the issue would be.

 

This is literally dangerous. There is nothing keeping the clip seated other than preload. The inside of the collar typically does this work. A hard hit could dislodge it and give you some interesting geometry to deal with as it would be very unexpected and either side. Unlikely under load, but definitely not safe.

 

^That is incorrect. The snap ring requires deliberate prying to dislodge. It is not like the round-wire clips used on CV axles. You don't need to constrain the OD to achieve the full load capacity of the joint.

 

I agree that it seats firmly, but there is still a safety issue in my mind. Maybe just mine?

The shoulder on the shock body is sufficient when installed properly. We have no idea if the collar is flipped. The surface of the collar may not be correct (uneven in contact or have an angle that bears on the clip incorrectly), or it may have a radius that loads it further out from the shock body (inducing bending that was not intended).

Maybe that collar is foolproof as this error tends to happen, but looking at the cast design, I would not trust it.

 

Agree.
I have bilstein collar lying around and took a picture.
The inner shoulder for the snap ring is slightly different radius compare to outter.
Also, the shoulder for the the spring is different size on "correct" side vs other side