Wrong Length Bilstein or Strut

andyleonard

andyleonard

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Went to install new yellow front Bilstein HD in a 72 CS today. LF went in fine but no go on RF. Couldn't get the shock down into the strut far enough to start the lock ring. Close inspection shows the 2 removed green Bilsteins differ in length by about 1/4" and checking the struts, same deal. Oddly the threaded lock ring for the odd strut, although it's the correct diameter for the insert, it's wrong (too small) diameter for the lock rings sent with the new shocks. No numbers on shocks.

Rumor has it the car hit a deer in the late 70's and it has a new RF fender. Instinct says they couldn't find an E9 strut so they used a ??? Bav, 530, ?? What's 1/4" shorter than an E9?

Any guesses what I've got? No problem using a 1/4" shorter shock if the guts are same as the other. No real problem changing the strut to a correct one and using the correct shock.

Suggestions? Shock is paid for, new strut not.
 
I had the same experience here in Australia, from memory I found I had a 48mm Glandnut (threaded nut) on one side and a 50mm on the other and the shock insert was to long ... If my memory is correct the 48mm strut is from the e12.. (I still have it in my shed ) I also believe that the perch on the e12 strut is slightly lower than the E9 50mm strut.. I also have one of these in the shed..... The 50mm struts where used in the e3 also ... Sure u can find one in USA ,but if not I can provide one (of either) but u would need to pay freight
 
Probably e12, I had same issue with gland nuts. My right side also was replaced. The e12 strut has brake hose mounting bracket reversed from e9 as well.
 
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