I installed my new GABs and RSR springs yesterday but I'm confused about the fitment of the rear damper assemblies. The FSM says to install the assy so that the paint mark faces rearward. This is impossible as the paint marks on my OEM damper were on the tube facing outboard and the GABs have no paint mark. I installed the drivers side with the bottom spring perch indent facing forward as this is the way the OEM was installed. I had already removed the Pass side so I couldn't compare it but the paint mark on the OEM would indicate that the spring perch indent points rear on that side. this puts the adj valves on opposite sides of the tube. Can someone verify the propper orientation? Thanks.

 

I can take a look at mine tonight. I don't recall the adjusting **** being on different sides though.

 

Thanks. I'd really appreciate it.

 

weird. i'll have to check mine too, i think i remember both my adjustment ***** facing forward

 

My springs are on Ground Control coil-over perches (no spring indent) but FWIW I mounted them with both adjustment ***** facing rearward. About 4.5 years with no issues.

 

Where did you get those GABs? How much?

 

I'd imagine he bought them used. They have been discontinued for quite a few years.

 

Nope. Bought them brand new a year and half ago. They're NOS. Came in sealed GAB boxes with the hardware, japanese instructions, sponsorship stickers, and warranty sheets. I bought them off a forum member Osuma 3. Paid $475 shipped to Seattle. He had 6 complete setts at the time. I've been waiting to install until I could find aset of RSR Race springs.

 

Mine had both ***** facing rearward.

 

http://www.mazdamotorsports.com/weba...0001&langId=-1
^Mazdamotorsports still carries them. I just replaced a couple that started leaking. $202 ea.

 

I can't imagine it makes any difference, unless the **** itself interferes with something.

 

I'm guessing it has something to do with the spring seat position. The FSM contains a specific installation note that directs a specific orientation.

 

Not sure about spring seat, those installation notes may be specific to OEM.
I think having the adjustment on the aft side makes it easier to reach in a pinch when the car is on the ground.

 

Thanks mo. I'm hoping someone will post some pics of the OEM setup and even their GAB setup.

 

I was wondering what tolls needed to make adjustment?

 

No tools needed. Just twist the **** by hand. 8 settings.

 

So just loosen the tower bolt and turn?

 

No. **** is on the side of the damper tube. Look at pics.

 

What about the bolt on the strut?

 

The adjustment ***** are facing the rear on all four of mine.

 

Sorry for all the noob questions, I'm not a suspension guy. So you have to jack the car jump to turn the **** to rise it and leave the car sitting to lower?

 

^Hehe. The adjustability is for rebound - how stiff or how quick the shock reacts. Not height adjustment.

 

So height adjustment you have to use the screw on the strut? If so what tools need to use?

 

As gracer said, the **** on the shock controls an internal valve which adjusts rebound.
With the standard spring perches there is no height adjustability unless you install a shorter spring. There are kits such as mine which have height adjustable perches. You loosen a set screw, use a spanner wrench and turn the base up or down.
http://www.ground-control-store.com/...tion.php/II=42

 

still one of the best shock combos ever made. sper r's ftw

(that was my plug since i have a set forsale)