Coilover adjustment question
 

So when installing traditional coilovers, should you install them on the car with the shocks piston fully extended???

Because I feel without making sure you have the shock piston in the right spot (and matching each side) your height adjustment on the threaded body will be hard to match and even cause the shock to bottom out.

I hope you get what Im saying

the shock piston will sit where it wants to sit. If you can compress the shock by hand, then toss it out and get a new set...so yes, it is installed fully extended. Height adjustment is separate from the shock since you adjust the lower mount, not the spring preload.

Thank you, I have installed several sets of coilovers on different cars and always wondered about the shock piston length, but your right it does automatically extend, so that means it's not a measurement that matters, thanks for easing my mind

The shock piston is internal. It's screwed on the end of the shock rod. It's free to move. When you take the coil overs out of the box with the spring on them. They are topped out. Meaning that they are at max travel. When install in the static position. The piston is somewhere near the middle of it's travel. With a lowered car. The piston sits closer to the bottoming out position.