Installing Bilstien shocks - Question - Help

[blown motor]

Changing front shocks from KYB to Bilstein on 74 Challenger. The new rubber bushings have a smaller raised centre portion than the old ones and do not fill the opening in the shock tower. I suspect this is not good. Can I use the old bushings? They are slightly slimmer but I suspect that they are compressed from age. There are no cracks on them. Has anyone else run into this?

[70chall440]

You can either reuse your old ones or use the new ones. Even thought the raise part isn't as large, when you tighten them down, they will not move much and deform more into the hole to a degree.

[1 Wild R/T]

Neither of the bushings pictured are original... I prefer the original design & it's what I used on my Bilstiens... The rear bushings are best replaced as well... Great shocks, marginal mounting hardware...

http://www.tascaparts.com/oe-mopar/2206923

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1962-1985-NOS-MOPAR-SHOCK-BUSHINGS-CUDA-GTX-CHALLENGER-CHARGER-DART-DUSTER-/152005850752?hash=item2364413680:g:7tMAAOSw8d9U0NGz&vxp=mtr

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Been so long I don't remember what mine looked like...... 

[roadman5312]

You can either reuse your old ones or use the new ones. Even thought the raise part isn't as large, when you tighten them down, they will not move much and deform more into the hole to a degree.

                                      Once tight they won't move.   

[blown motor]

You can either reuse your old ones or use the new ones. Even thought the raise part isn't as large, when you tighten them down, they will not move much and deform more into the hole to a degree.

So I guess just try to get them as centred in the hole as I can? 70chall440, where yours like that too?

[HP_Cuda]

Mine fit in my ebody no problem, just get the nut started and done !!!

[blown motor]

Mine fit in my ebody no problem, just get the nut started and done !!!

They fit fine. I was just concerned about the raised part being smaller than the opening.

[roadman5312]

They fit fine. I was just concerned about the raised part being smaller than the opening.

   Center them, tighten , add the lock nut on top, done. Drink a beer .         

[brads70]

When I installed those  Bilstiens  the rear shocks didn't come with the tube in the middle of the bushing. The hardware kit with these is a little to be desired I found . 

[dodj]

   Center them, tighten , add the lock nut on top, done. Drink a beer .         

Don't have too many before you get all four done....