Shock Grommet Removal?

[Aquaman]

I have my front shocks out now on my '68 Newport 4D HT. It has old grommets still in but I see a metal sleeve in them from what I believe are the original shocks. I believe I remove these before installing my new KYB shocks with new grommets. I want to make sure before pulling them out and also what about that metal sleeve?

Any insight and experience is appreciated.

 

[Big_John]

Pull or push the metal sleeve out, then take the rubber out. That will make it easier to get the rubber part out. Sometimes you have to destroy the rubber to get it out. I've used a pair of dykes to clip the top in that case, but usually it pulls out with pliers.

Chances are those aren't original shocks if the rubber looks that good.

 

[Aquaman]

Does that metal sleeve get reused? There is not one in the boxes with the new shocks.

 

[Vaanth]

The metal sleeves are generally used with the one piece rubber bushings like the original bushings such as these in the following image:

This looks like what you have with the removed shocks.

Most aftermarket shocks employ multiple piece fitted rubber bushings without a sleeve. If your new shocks have their own bushings and washers like the following image shows, the sleeve is not used:

 

[Aquaman]

The metal sleeves are generally used with the one piece rubber bushings like the original bushings such as these in the following image:
View attachment 709623
This looks like what you have with the removed shocks.

Most aftermarket shocks employ multiple piece fitted rubber bushings without a sleeve. If your new shocks have their own bushings and washers like the following image shows, the sleeve is not used:
View attachment 709624

Thank you both! This answers my questions. It is what I thought but one never knows and I want to avoid headaches "down the road". Have a great weekend all.

 

[Vaanth]

Thank you both! This answers my questions. It is what I thought but one never knows and I want to avoid headaches "down the road". Have a great weekend all.

I forgot to add a point, although you might already be aware. The sleeve acted as a limit to prevent over-compressing the bushing. With the two piece bushings, there typically is no limit on non-shouldered stems, so unless the shock manufacturer specifies otherwise, tighten the shock stud nut until the bushing compresses to the point that the outer edge bulges even with, or slightly outside, the edge of the washer.