the biggest issue with the Ebay kits is not knowing the length of spring in the kit. Chances are you can make them work.

 

You generally don't use the springs from the ebay kits. You buy quality springs separately and use the ebay kit just for the sleeves.

 

Is the sleeve close fit over the shock, or do you need an o-ring or other spacer to take up the annular space?

 

Slight segway, is it an issue if you use o-rings to take up the space?

 

No, but if the sleeves have set screws I'd use them.

 

Couldn't imagine that a sleeve that didn't fit tight wouldn't put some forces on the side of my shock... not something I'd want. Looked through 51 pages of ebay coilovers and didn't see one that had inside diameter specs listed. Hrmph.

 

Forget o-rings, they squash and deteriorate. Wrap electrical tape around the shock body at a couple different spots until you get a snug fit. I did this on Jake's recommendation and it works just fine.

 

So you have bilsteins and ebay collars?

Did you have to do any machining work? Did you have to buy a specific set?

 

watch the way the threaded tube seats on the shock. Bilsteins use a square cut c clip. Others use round. Using a round clip tube on a square cut c clip can make for an interesting day.

 

Could you post any pictures of what you're talking about?

 

le'me look for some

this is probably the most common install. Just drop the tubes onto the AL Billy seat and go



properly, you would pull the AL seat and slide the tube on. This lets the tube rest on the c clip on the shock body.



See the groove cut inside of this tube?


On a Billy, the tube "step" machined inside is a square, flat step. Some other companies have used a round step here to seat against a round c clip.

 

Functionally I doubt there is much difference except that with a Bilstein specific sleeve you could run a longer spring or a lower ride height by moving the locking nuts down. When I installed mine on Illuminas I didn't use the top aluminum spacer and I used a 54mm bumpstop. That gives a bit more travel before the bumpstops contact.

 

Yeah, I'm not seeing any functional difference unless you're almost out of adjustment anyway.

Just need to decide on a set, waiting for ebay guy to get back to me about the ID...

 

I know its been a while but are you guys still selling the sleeve kits for $129? I need a set for my new SD Bilsteins.

 

I just wanted to update the thread for those who might still need sleeves. I spoke to Ann and Dave at advanced-autosports today who were both very helpful. They still have the sleeve setup available for $150 shipped and I placed an order today.