Front Bilstein shock bolts

[Judge Mills]

I'm installing Bilstein shocks on the front of my El Camino. The shocks came with new longer bolts for the mounting on the bottom. The bolts don't seem to want to screw in to the stamped steel fastener. It appears the new and old bolt have a different pitch. Has anyone else ran in to this? suggestions?

 

[pontiacgp]

why not use the old bolt if the pitch is different. I use a flange nut and bolt on mine

 

[jeremyandthemonte]

Is there anyway of installing a stud because I find it really anoyying fiddling with the nut and bolt

 

[pontiacgp]

Spaenaur would have the bolts & nutplates

http://www.ss396.com/chevelle/BPX-9715.html

 

[jeremyandthemonte]

Eh that's a good idea never thought about that but how strong would they be?

 

[pontiacgp]

It's not my idea, that's what GM has used for decades on front shocks

 

[liquidh8]

What I originally did, was used longer bolts with the same thread pitch. The Bilstiens I used, had a thicker T-bar for the lower mounting and the stock bolts weren't long enough. You could take the stock bolts and go to you local advanced auto, autozone, etc, and buy 4 new bolts that are longer, and use some flat washers.

I nut and bolt is always an option, like I am using on my Spohn arms, but they are a pain.

 

[pontiacgp]

I use serrated flange nuts so I can finger tighten the nut then tighten the up with the bolt and I use thread locker loctite

 

[Judge Mills]

Thanks for the response, guys. Yeah, The Bilstein's require a longer bolt due to the thicker flange. I wasn't sure if there would be enough room to use a nut and bolt. I'll try the easiest route first (new bolts) and go from there. Thanks!

 

[Judge Mills]

UPDATE: I found some grade 8 bolts, grade 5 nuts that went right in. Even with the grade 5 nuts, I think it'll be stronger than the stamped steel clips.