KW experts, need help with my install on my GTS....

[GTLaser]

Yesterday I started my installation of my Dave's BBk that Jon B helped put togther for me and also the KW V2 suspension I purchased from him. Story is, front was a breeze for the brakes and suspension untill I got to the rear. My two questions:

1. Is it normal that the KW rear shock is taller than the stock rear shock? I am having to compress it to get in and it's not fun.

2. One of the rear shocks, no matter if I soften it or harden it, is impossible to compress and the other isn't, is it ok to install this shock or is something wrong?

Any tricks would be appreciated to install these rear shocks as I can't seem to compress them down enough to get them in.

Thanks!

 

[MTGTS]

I remember my Penskes being a real ***** as well. Remember, the spring you are putting on the car is also much stiffer.

You took out a rear spring that was 450lbs and are probably installing something around 800. The spring is what you are having trouble compressing as it provides much more tension than the shock itself.

On issue #2, is that with the shocks without the springs on them?? If so, I would send them back. They should very close to the same. Make sure are turning the adjustments the correct way.

As for the install itself. Pry bar between the upper shock mount and the upper eye hole. Pull it down to get it close. Then I put a mid size screwdriver in through from one of the sides into the upper eye. Then I used that to get the leverage I needed to get things lined up. The tricky part is putting the bolt through the other side as you are pulling the screwdriver out.

 

[GTLaser]

I remember my Penskes being a real ***** as well. Remember, the spring you are putting on the car is also much stiffer.

You took out a rear spring that was 450lbs and are probably installing something around 800. The spring is what you are having trouble compressing as it provides much more tension than the shock itself.

On issue #2, is that with the shocks without the springs on them?? If so, I would send them back. They should very close to the same. Make sure are turning the adjustments the correct way.

As for the install itself. Pry bar between the upper shock mount and the upper eye hole. Pull it down to get it close. Then I put a mid size screwdriver in through from one of the sides into the upper eye. Then I used that to get the leverage I needed to get things lined up. The tricky part is putting the bolt through the other side as you are pulling the screwdriver out.

There is no tension on the spring as I have it screwed all the way down. So its the shock that is not compressing as much as the other. Now I'm parnoid as I didn't even test the fronts because they popped right in.

 

[MTGTS]

Take the spring off and make sure you have the adjustments turned correctly. Make sure you are adjusting compression and not rebound. Read the directions again. Then try compressing them by themselves. If you've triple checked everything and they are still not compressing equally I'd call KW or JonB.

 

[GTLaser]

The KW's are a complete coilover that is a pain to take apart. Plus it only has one adjustment, it's the V2. Third set I've had for a car and never seen the shock do this. Called my friend who has a shop and he stated its a bad shock. Waiting for Cali to wake up now.

 

[MTGTS]

The KW's are a complete coilover that can't be taken apart. Plus it only has one adjustment, it's the V2. Third set I've had for a car and never seen the shock do this. Called my friend who has a shock and he stated its a bad shock. Waiting for Cali to wake up now.

There's no way to change springs???
One adjustment makes things a lot simpler as far as trouble shooting. Def. sounds like there is some kind of issue. Hope everything goes smooth for you getting it straightened out.

 

[GTLaser]

There's no way to change springs???
One adjustment makes things a lot simpler as far as trouble shooting. Def. sounds like there is some kind of issue. Hope everything goes smooth for you getting it straightened out.

Actually there is..... Tom@ KW was a huge help and I was able to get everything installed.... Now time for some pics when this weather clears.

 

[MTGTS]

Actually there is..... Tom@ KW was a huge help and I was able to get everything installed.... Now time for some pics when this weather clears.

good to hear