KYB shock bushings

[Boris61]

I have a couple of questions that I couldn't answer with the search function. First, I installed KYB Excel shocks (AR) on the front (Konis on the rear were easy direct replacements) and there were no bottom bushings like the Wayassauto originals have. It does seem there is a flexible area in the center of the mount though. Second the top bushings were much smaller in diameter and thicker and don't seat in the doughnut-shaped cup in the shock tower like OEM. Anyone experience this? If so how did you proceed? I don't want to chance damaging the shock towers. I installed as instructed by the manufacturer but I suppose I could have reused the original top bushings ( or bought new ones if available) but now that would mean starting over and those upper nuts are a real PITA! I used a crows foot socket on a 18" extension and a small vice grip to secure the shaft and it took me an hour of tightening on the passenger side alone...

[kmoses]

I installed my KYB front shocks per. the factory instructions. Everything seated OK but after a few weeks I did snug the top nut up about a turn and a half after the rubber compressed.

[Boris61]

So did snugging the nut down force the bushing to flatten out and fit in the cup properly. Mine is off center there and in the spring.

[kmoses]

Yes it did flatten out the rubber more but my shocks stayed very centered in the mount from the start.

[Boris61]

Ok. That is what I suspected. I guess I'll have to start over and align better. Not worth taking chances with shock towers on these cars. Thanks!

[pwilliam]

No need for a vice grip. Jack the car up on the side you are working on. That will put the shock into tension and you won't have any spinning of the shock whilst removing the nut.

[Boris61]

I had the car on a lift and the shaft didn't extend through the hole until I used a jack to raise the wheel. Maybe I should put less lift on the wheel to get the tension you mentioned. Maybe this is why the shock wasnt centered too? Thanks!