Re: 90 shocks/self-locking nuts!!

[jim.slusser@amp.com (Jim Slusser)]

>1. This really sucks. Guys, WHERE do you buy self-locking nuts??? I cannot find them anywhere in the area. The Bentley says, the should always be
>replaced, and I tend to believe it , but I cannot find them, neither  parts
>chains nor hardware stores seem to carry them. Can I use blue locktite
>instead, for example on the tierod end?  

The dealer can order them.  I was told that they are almost 
never replaced, as there were only 12 pcs on the east coast 
(I now have 8 of those).  I've got the P/N at home if you 
need it.

>1. The shock (bilstein HD ) is too THIN! There is a huge gap between the
>shock and the strut inner surface, compared to stock. The claim is that
>it's OK as long as you make sure the shock hits the pit in the bottom of
>the strut -- indeed, there is a little pit down there, and then tighten the
>ring nut (the stock one goes, the new fancy one with a seal comes with the
>shock.)

Yep - it's thin.  I called Bilstein on this and they say 
it's normal.  The dimple at the bottom of the strut tube 
locates it sufficiently.  

They are working well on the car - make it handle great! 
I'd call them about 5-10% too stiff, but still tolerable 
for the street (only)

Let me know if you have any other questions, as I went 
thru many iterations for the suspension on this car.

jim slusser
'90 80q - 115k, Bilsteins!
sluss@worldnet.att.net