Shortened housings and shocks. Don't understand the concept...

[Roysneon]

OK, I just can't wrap my head around this. I understand the idea of shortened housings, cut a section out below the threaded section at the top and then weld the threaded portion to what's left.

If I did that then I'd need shorter inserts as the stock length struts will be too tall and the gland nut won't make it to the threaded section, amirite?

[ak-]

OK, I just can't wrap my head around this. I understand the idea of shortened housings, cut a section out below the threaded section at the top and then weld the threaded portion to what's left.

If I did that then I'd need shorter inserts as the stock length struts will be too tall and the gland nut won't make it to the threaded section, amirite?

Correct!
Once that is done, your car will be dumped. Then, raise it back to the appropriate height. Now, think of all the shock travel you've just gained?

Is good.

[Roysneon]

Wow I feel like a tard here. Is the strut rod the same length? Wouldn't that just expose more of it and let the bottom still hit the bottom of the strut body?

[mr.vang]

ix HD bilstein shock insert is shorter than regular e30 one. you can use that or find a different shorten shock insert.

[ak-]

That is why you raise the car. Raising the collar reduces compression of the insert when static.

[ak-]

Strut rod varies. Koni has various shortened inserts with different strokes.

[Roysneon]

Fuck ok, I get it now. Thanks, ak.