Coilover sleeves - Some craaaazy thoughts

[DaButcher]

So, Yes!

Coilover sleeves.
There is this thing, called a "shrink sleeve"; which I see Coleman Racing has for Bilstein Shocks.

However, they do not state the ID (Inner diameter), so this makes me wonder:
Can one just heat this sleave and then make it shrink (when it cools off) on a bilstein shock for a volvo rear setup?

My theory is that one could convert a bilstein shock like the F4-B46-1662-H0 ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BILSTEIN-F4-B46-1662-H0-VOLVO-REAR_W0QQitemZ180325022504QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ200 90201?IMSfp=TL0902011110004r34554 ) and buy a shrink sleeve, shrink it on the shock body.

Here is the shrink sleeves that I'm babbling abount:
http://www.colemanracing.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=49_1284

Can someone plz give me some 2 cents about this theory?
Ps. the body of the shock I have, is 5cm i diametre (1.968").

If this doesent work, is there some other way I can convert the shocks? (I already own them and they are brand frikkin' new).

I would use them on IRS MK2, which means the spring rate would be really soft (used purely as a helper spring).

I've seen some coilover conversions in the past (thanx to google), and they have had the "c-clip" on the shock body ( a slight ridge / edge ). However, the volvo bilsteins have no such thing.

I guess welding on the shock body might damage the shock, due to heat?
Or could one weld on a hose-clamp and use this as a "c-clip" for a coilover sleeve?

Am I right if I think that the shrink sleeve needs no ridge?
The non shrink sleeves are a bit over the 1.96" (2.04" is the smallest), which I think means if I dont use shrink sleeves, I would need a ridge to stop the sleeve from dancing on the shock... Is there some "easy" way to do this? maybe weld on a thingie like this?
http://www.rt-fritid.no/images/syrefaste_slangeklemmer_marine.jpg

I know.. I'm confused :-P

I tried emailing coleman, but no luck on replies.

[RvolvoR]

the poi did what you are talking about, but with some QA1 coilovers...

[DaButcher]

the poi did what you are talking about, but with some QA1 coilovers...
those where prebuilt coilovers..
I want to build my own, with bilstein rear shocks.. if possible with "ease" :-P

[the poi]

you cna just buy bilsteins with threaded bodies. download their catalog and just pick one thats close

[Project.PRV240]

so how do you shrink the sleeve? do you just torch it? is the sleeve still strong afterwards?

[mAydAy]

Most any standard Bilstein Racing shock will come with a groove cut into it. Buy a Bilstein coilover kit, put the included snap ring in the groove, slide the coilover sleeve over and done. The sleeve sits on the groove.
http://www.stockcarproducts.com/coilovr1.htm

I've also in the past made my own grooves for round snap rings on shocks that didn't have them. I took a pipe cutter and ground the tip off of the cutting blade (one time replaced the blade with a heavy washer, this worked well too). Carefully run it around the shock like you would when you cut pipe, and it should cut a groove in. But be careful, if you do it wrong you can cut your shock body in half....

Here's a kit with a more standard round snap ring.
http://www.stockcarproducts.com/coilovr2.htm

Threaded body shocks have their ups and downs. The threads on coilover sleeves wear out and can get gummed up and torn up. If you have a threaded body shock, when they get worn out you have to discard them. Most people here probably won't ever be adjusting them that much though. Corrosion can be an issue too with coilovers on the street, if you have sleeves then you can always discard the sleeves when they get corroded and messed up.

Also, for what its worth, most Bilsteins have a slightly larger outter diameter than most other racing shocks such as a Pro or a Carrera.

[Mueller]

so how do you shrink the sleeve? do you just torch it? is the sleeve still strong afterwards?

heat the sleeve in an oven or with torch, it expands, you slip it over the shock, it cools and it is tight against the shock....kinda like how you can do wheel bearings....