Front 5100's "grew" after first test drive.

Hi guys.

I just installed a set of 5100s, fronts, and rears, on my stock 1999 4Runner.

Everything went smoothly until I backed out of the driveway and the front end bounced. Now the shock shaft if 1/2 inch too long on each side in the front.

Its like I need more threads or a thick rubber spacer to replace the stock one. Is this normal for the shocks to "grow" upon first use? Everything was tight when I put them in. The top nut was bottomed out on the threads. The part numbers are correct for my application. I am also using the lowest snapring groove for stock height.

I suppose I could take them out again and move the snapring higher to take up the slack but I so don't want to do that. In my mind, it should just be correct out of the box on ALL height settings. Another thing I could do is just take that top nut off and slip in a couple stock rubber grommets then put the washer and nut back on.

Has anyone experienced this before?

Any advice would be wonderful. Thank you.

 

Pics will help us get you pointed in the right direction. Sounds like you’re missing the washer and grommet below the top hat.

 

Well, sorta.

Took em back out and the bottom set is technically there but both grommets are so worn they may as well not be.

I have a new set for each side on order.

My own fault for not looking closely enough at the old parts.

Excellent guess!

 

There ya go. Problem solved!