ix shock insert vs a non ix shock insert

[Nick's e30]

As title states. What is the difference in length between these 2 shock inserts? (the longer part)
Thanks all.

[mr.vang]

ix insert are shorter

[ak-]

3"

[e30leigh]

sssooooo, they would suit lowerd cars is you sat a well made 3" spacer under the shock?

[e46s54dr]

Originally Posted by e30leigh

sssooooo, they would suit lowerd cars is you sat a well made 3" spacer under the shock?

Seems to me that throwing in an ix strut with a 3 inch spacer will pretty much be the same as a regular strut in terms of travel.

The length of the housing is actually what limits the stroke so Id be more effective if you were to shorten your strut housings an inch or two and throw in the corresponding spacer. That will increase your stroke.

[MR 325]

Originally Posted by e30leigh

sssooooo, they would suit lowerd cars is you sat a well made 3" spacer under the shock?

What's the point then? The regular E30 Bilstein Sports are cheaper.

People use the iX inserts with modified (shortened) strut housings.

[Nick's e30]

Originally Posted by ak-

3"

Originally Posted by e30leigh

sssooooo, they would suit lowerd cars is you sat a well made 3" spacer under the shock?

Can anyone else confirm that it is exactly 3''? If so, I'll machine a spacer at work today.
Nick

[mr.vang]

Originally Posted by Nick's e30

Can anyone else confirm that it is exactly 3''? If so, I'll machine a spacer at work today.
Nick

it doesn't work that way for ix insert. you will have to shorten the strut housing. if you want spacer for the insert, make it 2.5 since the insert nut will need space to screw it in.

[Nick's e30]

Originally Posted by mr.vang

it doesn't work that way for ix insert. you will have to shorten the strut housing. if you want spacer for the insert, make it 2.5 since the insert nut will need space to screw it in.

I don't HAVE to shorten the strut housing...I planned on making a spacer to sit above the thick part of the shock insert and below the nut, so that my shock would still have some downwards travel remaining. I don't see why that wouldn't be the same thing..

[einstein57]

You will have ZERO benefit if you don't section your strut tube. Don't waste your time or money if you don't have plans in hacking at least an 1" out of your tubes.

[e46s54dr]

Youre not quite understanding the concept. If you put the spacer on top of the shock and below the locking nut that'd be even less shock stroke. Think of it as a 3 inch steel bump stop.

A lowered car will usually have 5-6 inches of compression and rebound from its ride height max. In our e30s case, its more like 3-4 inches. Now if you put the spacer on top, you will shorten the piston length that is exposed through the housing. That fact paired with the already shortened ix insert will leave you with pretty much no travel. I doubt you'll even be able to get a spring in between the spring perch and top hat.

[e46s54dr]

Simply, you want the most downward travel you can get, not the least.

[Nick's e30]

It kind of makes sense now...I think I'm going to just find the correct shocks.

[MR 325]

Originally Posted by Nick's e30

It kind of makes sense now...I think I'm going to just find the correct shocks.

Didn't I already suggest that?

[Nick's e30]

im thick in the head sometimes lol