quick suspension questions on method, bumpstops, dust boots

[doogle]

hi all,
i will attempt at replacing my stock suspension on my NA with kyb agx and kings tomorrow. i am a bit of a newb to it but have been reading up on it and also saw it happen during the dodgy day in may, however it was on an NB.
i have this book, and will be attempting the method in it which i think is the long bolt method, where you remove the long bolt on the upper control arm..


also i am wondering if this variation of the long bolt method may be easier (and safer?) for someone without air tools and not much arm strengh either? however i do have some basic spring compressors should worse come to worse...
http://www.miata.net/garage/shock_install.html

now the other thing which confuses me is bumpstops and dust boots. the book says NA had bumpstop and dust boots all in one.. my dust boots are nowhere to be seen. i have got some fat cat motorsports 46mm bumpstops. at the moment i don't have any dust boots.

i hope some of this might become clearer as i go along, but

1. are dust boots essential? the keith tanner book says you should cut the boots from the (oem) bumpstop if installing lowering springs. the fat cat motorsport installation guide has options for with and without the dust boots. i know they keep out dust duh... but i understand the shock has valves or something that do that too.. and i'm not sure on what they cost but i'm looking to save some money where i can if they are going to cost

2. when rebuilding the shock/spring assembly does my FCM bumpstop just go where the original bumpstop is? the FCM ones also has some washers supplied with them (what is their purpose?), manual says they go on top of the bumpstop. are these necessary?
i also have a hard time picturing what it might look like, is there something that secures the bumpstop in place or is it free to travel up and down the rod of the shock?

again, i hope some of this will become clearer as i get my hands dirty, but sorry for being a complete newb and i appreciate any comments or suggestions

thanks

[OVERDRAWN]

Hi Go to the FCM website and you will find instructions, for dustboots go to your auto store and get generic ones.With the KYG's treat the threads on top with respect as they strip easily and do notgrab the shafts with any type of multigrips,one little mark and the seals are stuffed.Spend a little time searching as there are numerous articles on how to R@R struts. Don't be intimidated it is not rocket science.
OD

[doogle]

ok well progress so far is i managed to get the front done, decided i didnt have enough time to do the rear...
my findings so far were that:
- the NA has a lot less bits and pieces than the NB which i saw rebuilt. just the top nut, a washer, top hat and the bumpstop/dust boot.

i have rebuilt it this way.. except i didn't use dust boots

Question: Is the FCM bumpstop free to travel up and down the length of the shaft? It is doing this at the moment with relative ease

I will have a go at the rear tomorrow which i'm told is easier...

thanks wun for the tools too

thanks for the heads up overdrawn!!!

[doogle]

let me rephrase the question:
SHOULD the FCM bumpstop be free to travel up and down the shaft?

many thanks

[RG.net]

let me rephrase the question:
SHOULD the FCM bumpstop be free to travel up and down the shaft?

many thanks

Yes.

[doogle]

let me rephrase the question:
SHOULD the FCM bumpstop be free to travel up and down the shaft?

many thanks

Yes.

Awesome!!!

I fitted the rear suspension today. I stood back, looked at the car and just dreaded the thought of taking out all 4 if i had got it wrong ... but thanks MXHEVN, now i can sleep comfortably tonight

Note for next time... Buy good spring compressors. I am scared to death of mine!


Thanks a lot everybody for the help!