HELP modifying strut housings for IX billies

[ApexGoblin]

Hello R3v gods and OG's I need a little assistance. Let me first off say if this information is posted somewhere please provide me a link I couldn't find it through the search function.

I recently got my rebuilt bilstiens back (IX front, Sport rears) and will be cutting and modifying the strut housings for a 6" ground control kit. However I cannot find anywhere an exact spec of how much of the strut housing needs to be removed for the shorter IX shocks. I have heard anywhere from 1" to 2.25" with no definitive answer. From what I have seen the IX struts are around 3" shorter than the standard stock length so I assume some of the housing will be removed and a spacer put inside to make up the difference.

If anyone knows these specs off hand It would be a great help as I am itching to get these modified and on my car ASAP.

info:
IX front, sport rear shocks
GC front and rear kit 6" springs
GC camber plates up front
Will be run with 17" wheels in order to clear my brake set up (if that helps with spring to wheel clearance)

Thanks in advance!

P.S. dimensions for where to weld the threaded adjuster perch as well as M3 sway bar tabs would also be very useful!

[DRTSRFR]

Ground Control Shortens their housings 1". First the perch is removed, then 1" is sectioned above the factory perch weld.

You can shorten more, but it will limit how high you can raise the car once complete. The camber plates, and trimmed bumpstops will also allow for more bump travel.

This is a pic of my Vert, on 17s, with 1" sectioned and about 2" of bump travel.

Check the link in my signature for instructions on removing the factory perch.

[ApexGoblin]

Ground Control Shortens their housings 1". First the perch is removed, then 1" is sectioned above the factory perch weld.

You can shorten more, but it will limit how high you can raise the car once complete. The camber plates, and trimmed bumpstops will also allow for more bump travel.

This is a pic of my Vert, on 17s, with 1" sectioned and about 2" of bump travel.

Check the link in my signature for instructions on removing the factory perch.

Thanks for your reply! Forgive my ignorance of terms but by 2" of bump stop you mean you have anout 2" of stroke movement left on the shock at your current ride height correct?

Also another curious question when you raise your car do your springs stay captive between the top had and adjuster? Or do those points seperate and spring is loose?

[DRTSRFR]

Yes, bump=downward(compression) stroke.

At this ride height, I have a little slack with the car jacked off of the ground on 6" 440's.

[ApexGoblin]

Yes, bump=downward(compression) stroke.

At this ride height, I have a little slack with the car jacked off of the ground on 6" 440's.

Ok and are you running traditional sport shocks in the front or the shorter IX struts?

[DRTSRFR]

I'm running the custom valved short Konis from GC.

[ApexGoblin]

I'm running the custom valved short Konis from GC.

Do you know by chance how much shorter the konis are than regular sport shocks. I know the IX are 3" shorter

[DRTSRFR]

The body of the custom valved unit(1547SPGC) is the same as an 1198sport for a VW...about 13".

[ApexGoblin]

The body of the custom valved unit(1547SPGC) is the same as an 1198sport for a VW...about 13".

Honestly i have no idea how that compares to the IX but i will look

[DRTSRFR]

No problem, it's not horribly difficult to figure out.

Measure the length of the stock insert body and compare it to the IX insert body.

Let's say, for simplicity, the stocker is 16" and your replacements are 13". You have 3" of space to work with...if you section 1" from the housing, you will need a 2" spacer under the IX insert for everything to fit tight.

Make sense?

[ApexGoblin]

No problem, it's not horribly difficult to figure out.

Measure the length of the stock insert body and compare it to the IX insert body.

Let's say, for simplicity, the stocker is 16" and your replacements are 13". You have 3" of space to work with...if you section 1" from the housing, you will need a 2" spacer under the IX insert for everything to fit tight.

Make sense?

Yep makes perfect sense. I guess now i just need to figure my prefered max height and go from there.

Thanks again!