Bilstein Shocks with stock springs - install question

[ceta4zng]

Haven't seen this addressed on LS1howto and the sticky in this forum doesn't work for me. Most front shock installs are done with lowering springs so there is no need to reuse the lower perch from the stock Delphis. I expect I must remove this from the stock shock and put it on the Bilstein where it stops at the lip around the housing. My Bilsteins were delivered last night so I didn't take a lot of time to consider this - but that piece seems very snug on my stock shocks (perhaps fused/rusted together). Is there a method to getting this perch off or is this just a BFH deal? Thanks

[79Firebird_99TA]

After you remove the shock/spring assy, compress the spring and you can saw the shock shaft with a saws all. Then after it's separated, hit the nut/shaft that is fused into the shock mount back and forth with a hammer and it should break loose so that you can pull it out. Then just remove the pieces that you need for the Bilsteins. You'll be able to re-use your shock mounts as well.

[ceta4zng]

Thanks - I just hit the perch with some WD40 and did the spinning tapping thing and it slid right off. My car has only 22k sunny weather, garaged miles. No problems with any significant rust issues. I was prepared for the situation to be much worse from the horror stories I've read on the forum. The nut at the top of the driver-side shock looked new.

[79Firebird_99TA]

Good deal!

[c5z28]

Put some grease on that strut mount to stop the nut from getting rusty!

[98maro]

i did this couple of months ago.. its a pain in the culo man,,, hopefully it went good for you!