Hey guys I was wondering about how to cut a bumpstop properly. I've seen different theads and nobody could answer my question, so I decided to make my own. When I bought the Eibachs I didn't cut bumpstops so I'm planning to go back and fix that while I can, cause Eibachs installation kit says to trim bottom for F/R bumpstops. 30mm in front and 20mm in the back. Now what most people were doing is they cut the bumpstop in the top like in the picture, is that right compare to what Eibachs say? I've been trying to ask but nobody would just answer. So what is the proper way to cut them???

 

you just take a knife and trim off the end per Eibach's recomendations. If you're not bottoming out, why bother though? I have maxspeeds w/out the bump-stops cut and mine are fine.

 

remove bumpstops = kiss struts goodbye.
not recommended.

 

Cut them only if they interfere with your travel. Depending on your area and use, you could trim the corrugated part off as well.

If you are not hitting them you don't need to trim them. <===(there's a joke in there somewhere)

 

Ok, but does anyone tried to trim them from the end when they installed their springs??? From someones experience does it make a difference from triming the top or bottom?

 

I did it. I was riding on all trims, and then cut two of them off. Major problems arise. The strut piston hits the tophat far too often now, creating a very annoying noise. The ride, while has improved only over large bumps (like school bumps) has not improved much (if at all) when hitting road imperfections at driving speeds. I regret it, and my bumpstops will be going back in this Monday.

 

Yes. The bottom is not the BUMPSTOP end.
The top has the hardened rubber head that is the piece that prevents the top of the strut from hitting the hat when travel has been maxed-out. Trim this piece to gain more travel due to lowered spring (lesser strut piston travel length).

I don't understand some of these guys that say trimming bumstops = end of strut?
Do they actually KNOW what they're talking about?? Doubt it.

Follow the directions of the strut manufacturer.
gr

 

Ok thanks for the answer. I see that some people did do it differently by cutting them from the end. So the top hat is the bumpstop not the whole dustboot, that's very important cause I'm installing new springs soon and needed to make sure I know what I'm going to do.
Well I don't know if I'm going to need to trim the bumpstops for H&R springs. I guess I'll find out in the manual.

 

thanks all you guys for the answers.

 

I probably wouldn't cut the bumpstops for the H&R's, but again, follow the instructions of the manf.

I believe you'll find that the strut/shock manf. will recommend trimming based on the drop of the springs you opt. for....not the spring manf.

When I researched this topic, I too found differing opinions. NJMAXSELTD was the guy to whom I deferred professional opinion since he is an experienced installer.

Unless others can prove their expertise, I'd not trust "opinions".

gr

 

Ok I'll PM that guy, and ask him about it. thanks alot.

 

BTW Shurik --

Let me know what it says in the install instructions for the H&R's. I doubt it will say anything, but you never know.

One last piece of clarification:
The picture that you posted in your orig. post....the piece WITH the circle IS the BUMPSTOP.
That is the piece that would be trimmed if you do so....not the "corrugated" part at the bottom of the dustboot.
Make sense?
I trimmed mine at the "neck" of the top bump, or roughly 1.5" of bump was trimmed.

When I first had my struts installed, I told the installer to trim the bumpstops, and they did not. I could tell right away.
I made them disassemble the entire thing (front and back) to shave them-off appropriately later. Boy, did they lose money on me!
I can't say as it made a HUGE difference, but it was noticably less apt to bottom-out on larger potholes, etc.

Keep in mind, that my progress springs are a much heathier drop than the H&R's.

good luck.
gr

 

Ok I'll let you know about the H&Rs install info. I'll keep this thread posted.
thanks.