Bilstein install help

I am going to be installing Bistein shocks all around on my 1997 Tacoma. I have a question concerning the front struts. When my Bilsteins were delivered they have a ring on the upper shaft just bellow the lock nut washer. What is this for? Sorry no pictures I am not smart enough to do that. I am doing the following install this weekend.

Bilstein 5100's all around
OME 881 coil overs
Wheelers 5 leaf
Rear brake pads hard ware and all that (I have to bleed the brakes for the longer rear brake line anyways and the wheels will already be off).

I baught all new bolts and shackles. I have access to a Maintenance bay and an Impact wrench all all that jazz. Should be a good time.

 

All at once? Nice... you're gonna have a good time! I dont have 5100's yet, so I'll leave that question to a pro.

 

hard to say without photos...

one tip i suggest is to hit all the bolts, nuts, etc. (anything that'll be coming off or being loosened) a couple times with some penetrating oil like pb blaster starting 24 hours before you start the tear down and install. if your 97 is anything like my 2000 was, it'll make your life so much easier.

good luck with the install!

 

Is it the ring that goes on top of the bushing?

 

I figured it out. It is the dust boot cover ring mount for the dust boots that do not come with the struts. I started to spray wd40 on everything a week ago. Every couple of days I spray it all down. I guess this will be a pretty big project. But I have a maintenance bay to work in and a impat wrench jack stands and all the tools I need. I like a challange.

 

I wish I had thought of that before tearing apart my suspension tonight... spraying the hardware down with wd40 5 minutes before disassembly is definitely not enough time.