PV 544 front shock replacement
 

Howdy,

I'm hoping someone can guide with installing my new front shocks. I purchased the correct Bilstein shocks from Skandix and NOS front springs from ebay. After finally getting the lower spring mounts lined up and the 4 securing bolts back in (not easy to line up), I went to install the new shock, problem is the shock won't compress enough to match up with the mounting bolts. They are very close, about 1/2 inch off. Has anyone had any experience replacing theirs? Do I need to disassemble any of the suspension to assist? I currently have the front sway bar disconnected but that shouldn't make any difference. Jacking up the lower wishbone has no effect on the distance between the mounting bolts. Thoughts?

Replaced mine recently. never had any problem.

Its because the shock is gas pressure, you just need to push it harder or drop the wishbone and jack teh wishbone up after fitting the shock

It might also be worth comparing the compressed length of the old shocks with the compressed length of the new (you can also see if you have the beans to actually compress the new!)

cc;

Gas pressure preloaded shocks are typically expanded to their max extension when not installed and constrained... to allow assembly, carefully compress to the dimension you need and hold there temporarily with a cord (such as they have on new KYBs) or a ratchet strap, or even just carefully lever it into place if you just need that last half inch...or compress it from below with floor jack etc.

...just remember...when compressing springs or shocks or suspension mechanisms, you are storing significant amounts of energy, which if released suddenly and uncontrollably can do damage to themselves, or surroundings, including YOU if not done with great care and anticipation of where an uncontrolled/inadvertent release of that energy will take things. WORK CAREFULLY! [...if you are "accident-prone", and still insist on doing the work yourself, it might be helpful to have the wife standing by with the first-aid kit, or have 9-1... predialed.]

Good Hunting!

Thanks to you all, I feel dumb, the shock just needed to be compressed.
But unlike kyb’s, they aren’t under tension so I didn’t think that was the case.