Rear shock upper stud and Bilstein

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Kllrbee

Kllrbee

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Hey guys,
Just finished up my front end rebuild. Time to move to the back and replace the leafs and shocks. I thought this was gonna be the easy part...
After monkeying around trying to get these Bilsteins in the upper stud with lube and a 3 lb sledge, I gave up and just pulled the studs ftom the trunk. No way were they going in with them installed.
So, with everything out, if I "press" them on the stud, will i have enough clearance behind the axle to get them back in the trunk hole with the stud installed in the shock?
I feel like I should, but I dont want to waste my time pressing it in just to have to remove it.

I know alot of guys here have the Bilsteins, so whats the trick (if there is one) to get these on? Im a little suprised actually...

Btw, 69 Dart
Bilstein # 55-R093
 
Good Question and never tried that approach! Seems some rotation may be required!

Did you try some silicon type lube used for poly bushings?

I use the Long Mopar units and were not an issue.
 
Kllrbee said:
Hey guys,
Just finished up my front end rebuild. Time to move to the back and replace the leafs and shocks. I thought this was gonna be the easy part...
After monkeying around trying to get these Bilsteins in the upper stud with lube and a 3 lb sledge, I gave up and just pulled the studs ftom the trunk. No way were they going in with them installed.
So, with everything out, if I "press" them on the stud, will i have enough clearance behind the axle to get them back in the trunk hole with the stud installed in the shock?
I feel like I should, but I dont want to waste my time pressing it in just to have to remove it.

I know alot of guys here have the Bilsteins, so whats the trick (if there is one) to get these on? Im a little suprised actually...

Btw, 69 Dart
Bilstein # 55-R093
Click to expand...

Mine just went on. Been a long time so I cant remember details. I'm getting ready to put them on the 67 Barracuda. I'll check.
 
When I installed Bilsteins on the rear of my 67 Dart I struggled too. Used lube to no avail. I finally had to resort to drilling out some of the inside diameter of the bushing. Actually I used a burr bit in a drill to ream out enough to make it fit.
 
There have been Bilsteins sent out with the wrong top bushing. Top and bottom should have the same size hole for A bodies. You can put the small bushing on A bodies if the bushing is rubber but it is very difficult if the bushing is poly. Call your supplier and explain the issue. They should send you the correct top bushings.
 
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So I got them in using my vice and lots of grease. They are smaller than the bottom bushings for sure. Too late to contact supplier now, they are on.

For future reference, if anyone has this issue and is wondering, the shock WILL fit behind axle and back into the trunk hole with the stud installed. Just barely though, and it takes some twisting and manuevering. But its much easier than trying to press it on with stud in the car. Removal of stud is the way to go.
 
For the money Bilsteins cost they should provide the correct upper bushings so installation is not a struggle.
 
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