I have a set of b6 shocks for the 97 sitting on the bench. OF course they come with no instructions and nothing on the Bilstein web site. I've replaced lots of shocks and struts on other cars but have a few questions about these:

Do I re-use the dust cover from the original Decarbons? Is there a bump stop in that dust cover and do I re-use that as well?
The new shocks come with a cap that I know I tap on after I slide the spring seat down, but they also come with a small washer. I saw a video where the guy slides that small washer down the shaft BEFORE the dust cover. I thought that small washer probably went under the nut at the very top.

Thanks

 

OK after digging for hours I THINK the washer goes on the shock rod before the boot slides on to it. I still don't know if I should use the original Decarbon bump stop. No instructions from Bilstein and waited an hour to ask their tech a question with no answer.

 

OK I finally understand where all the parts go. I got one side done last night. No matter how carefully I mark all the parts the front and top attachments don't align exactly. To make a change you need to loosen the rop nut and partially compress the springs (AGAIN) ? There has to be a better way!