Hey guys, I'm trying to build a set of blue shocks for my TC3 and just can't seem to get them right. I'll get 2 real close in speed and rebound then let them sit for an hour and they're way off again. Building them according to the AE instruction sheet but with no luck. Anyone got any secrets on building these things.

There is a black art to building shocks. Sounds to me like you need to replace the bobbin foam.

Are you using these shocks in an oval car?

Everything is brand new and yes I plan to use it in an oval car.

When I build my TC3/AE shocks for oval I start by unscrewing the bottom ball link and then the cap. Once the cap is off I push the piston assembly out of the shock and let the oil spill into a trash can. I then remove the bobbin and orings.

Replace the bobbin foam and slide the bobbin back onto the piston shaft.

For oval I like using black rubber orings since they are harder and cause less stiction and by far cheaper. For touring I use silicone for a better seal.

I lightly lube my orings first with trinity diff lube and slide them onto the shaft spaced apart. I then add more diff lube between the bobbin and ring, and between the two rings. Gently slide the orings to the bobbin. Now insert the piston assembly into the Shock body and use a 3/16 or 1/4" driver to push seat assembly into the shock body. The excess diff grease will become a "stuffing box" preventing the thinner weight oils from leaking out.

When you fill the body for the first time have the piston all the way down. Fill 2/3 full, push up on the shaft to bring the pistion close to top of oil line. Rotate the shaft by a 1/8 and pull it down. This should remove majority of the air under the piston. If not just repeat a few times or let the shock sit upright with the piston near the oil line. Once the air is all collected, pull the piston down.

Fill the shock to have a bulging meniscus and screw on the cap. If the shock will not compress, too much oil. If no rebound not enough oil.