[s-cars] Bilstein/Eibach my experience and "amendment" to Igor's Write-up

[Mark Pollan]

I know there have been innumerable posts on this subject so my apologies
up-front for more on the subject, but...

First off the ride is great.  Exactly what I was looking for!!  Not a clunk
or groan to be heard driving over bumpy terrain so I must have done
something right however...

Issues/Questions:
1. Front struts do not fit as precisely in the strut housing as did the old
ones.  The OD of new strut is ~ 1/8 less than ID of strut housing.  Did
others experience this as well?
2. Original Rear spring perch cannot be re-used per Igor's write-up.  The
rear strut body has a greater OD than the original Boge.
3. Managed to tear the ball joint boot on one front control arm.  Appears
they can be purchased/replaced separately.  Any BTDTs?
4. Front drop ~ 40mm from ~ 380mm.  Both sides dead even @ 340mm.  Measured
from top of wheel center hole vertically to top of wheel arch.
5. Rear did not drop at all!!??  Dead nuts even @ 370mm both sides - before
and after..  New Bilstein Spring perch oriented correctly - in the direction
reminiscent of a volcano.  Spacer ring eliminated/not used.
6. How does one remove the front wheel speed sensor?  I pulled and tugged
and twisted and ended up disconnecting the sensor in the engine compartment
so I could remove the strut housing.  What gives?

My biggest "issue" is with the rear lack of drop - well that and the "loose"
front strut.  I am considering having the rear shock grooved to drop the
perch but in my relatively un-informed view, dropping the perch ~ 30mm would
affect the spring compression and be overall detrimental.  Any and all
insights GREATLY appreciated so I can discuss with Eibach more
intelligently.

Regards,

Mark "with jacked-up muscle car look" Pollan

P.S.  Bill, the strut plate is still a virgin - I have not drilled it:).
Thought I'd try slotting the strut mount first.  Hope you are not in a rush
for return.