JP Posted April 17, 2023 Share Posted April 17, 2023 (1999 Imperial K-Series)Rebuilding the rear end this weekend and I've hit a possible snag, unless I've fitted something incorrectly. The lower barrel of the Protechs seems wider than the original Bilsteins with the result that the bottom of the shock contacts the forward edge of the De Dion tube. It perhaps doesn't help that my DD tube has the upper pair of shock mounts and it is the proud parts of the mounting boss that contacts the shock. For now I've added an extra spacer washer, but I think it's going to need another and even then the clearance will be minimal - without the car going over bumps.Have I missed something? Do I just add an extra spacer washer? Once it's back on the road do I take a gentle trip to Arch to get them grind off the part of the upper mounting point that stands proud?I've got rose jointed shocks - maybe Protech could supply some different spacer collars - a wider one to go between the shock and the De Dion with a corresponding narrower one on the other side? Here are some pics... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted April 17, 2023 Author Share Posted April 17, 2023 Pre-rebuild picture of clearance with Bilsteins. Very little clearance anyway... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7 wonders of the world Posted April 17, 2023 Share Posted April 17, 2023 Speak to Kevin , he will machine you some new spacers to your dimensions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted April 17, 2023 Author Share Posted April 17, 2023 Thank you #3 - will do tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted April 17, 2023 Share Posted April 17, 2023 That dedion tube looks a bit rusty and the old type some of which failed - the shock mount peels out of the tube. I changed mine for the later type with thicker walled tube and extra buttresses. There is an old post in the archives detailing the issue. As a minimum give the shock mounts a good inspection for cracks. The problem with the shocks can also happen when you fit adjustable platforms onto the Bilsteins and just needs an additional extra big washer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted April 18, 2023 Author Share Posted April 18, 2023 Thanks #5. The DD has been blasted and thoroughly checked over by Arch before deciding to re-powdercoat and re-use. Mine seems to be in the transition period where they had big buttresses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Lowe Posted April 18, 2023 Share Posted April 18, 2023 I have Protech dampers and through the DD tube mounts so I will take a look and come back to you (out walking the dog at the moment). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted April 18, 2023 Author Share Posted April 18, 2023 Thanks Guy. My tube has both sets of mounts - the upper ones through the tube and the lower underslung ones. I've used the under-tube mounts as that is where my original dampers were fitted. I'll also give protech a call shortly... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Lowe Posted April 18, 2023 Share Posted April 18, 2023 Difficult to photograph but mine has got to have a good 10mm clearence.My tube it the uprated thicker tube unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted April 18, 2023 Author Share Posted April 18, 2023 Hmm...and your shock is more angled forward...Hang on, is your shock mounted to the upper mount - the one that goes through the centre of the tube? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Lowe Posted April 18, 2023 Share Posted April 18, 2023 Yes, as #7 it's the only mounting point mg tube has . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted April 18, 2023 Author Share Posted April 18, 2023 OK, so am I right to assume that there is enough travel in the adjustable platforms to get back down to a low ride height if I just use the higher mount instead? That could be the easiest solution... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted April 18, 2023 Author Share Posted April 18, 2023 So, Protech are going to make me some new spacers and send them out to me. What excellent service! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 As far as I'm aware from reading various posts over the years, the shock has to be specific to where it is mounted - 'through the tube' shocks are shorter so the piston inside doesn't bottom out (which is very bad / dangerous).Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted April 19, 2023 Author Share Posted April 19, 2023 Thanks #14. Hopefully when my new spacers arrive everything will be fine... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now