Koni Front Shock Question

[sydne30]

I bought the Koni and Ground Control "Complete Coilover Kit" and was wondering if I'm supposed to put the stock shock collar back on.

I've been looking online and the forums and I can't find a Koni front shock installation DIY for the e30. I've found Bilstein DIYs, which have worked up to a point and now I'm confused about something. On Google, the only think I can find is the "cut-a-strut" method, which isn't what I'm looking for.

I'd really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction. Thanks!

[Cabriolet]

Konis yes, use the stock collar.
Bilsteins NO.

[sydne30]

Also, what's the best way to tighten the nut at the top? before i had an allen wrench that i could use, but this has a thing at the top of the shock so i can adjust them later. I have an impact, but I don't think that's doing the trick.

[jeffnhiscars]

An impact leaves a "tell" will void your warranty (AMHIK). HF sells a pass through socket that solves the problem or do what I do and take your struts complete to your friendly garage and for $50 let him compress your springs, remove the more-than-likely-frozen gland nuts, then hand the whole thing back as a done deal.

[AndrewBird]

Nothing wrong with using an impact on the top strut nut. You aren't going to hurt anything. Just make sure you start the nut by hand first so you don't cross thread it.

[Herr Faust Schinken]

i had a neighbor make a tool for me, i took a 19mm impact and ground two flats in it, that way you can still grip the 11mm hex at the top with a small socket while tightening the crush washer with the 19mm and wrench

[DRTSRFR]

Nothing wrong with using an impact on the top strut nut. You aren't going to hurt anything.

On a Koni, you can snap the adjuster rod with an impact, I've seen it more than once.;)