So I finally got all the parts in and/or replated and think I’m ready for assembly. (Side question…should I get the lower spring plate plated so it’s gold too? ) So, I’ve looked at the PET and WSM. In addition to that, Im hoping the experts will explain this to me instead of strictly relying on me trying to understand the WSM. So I see where to apply some DC111 but what grease should I use for the adjustment nut on the strut? My 2 main questions are:
1. Is there a good measurement of how far the spring should be compressed for an initial setting?
2. Can you please help explain how the upper and lower spring perch be oriented to each other and to the strut?

I took a couple pics during disassembly but I want to make sure I get this correct. Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

For the shock collar adjuster I mix wheel bearing grease and anti seize ,
and use a paintbrush or tooth brush to spread it into the threads.
put some of this on the reduced area of the shock piston also.

Then use wheel bearing grease to lube the top of the adjuster nut,
where it touches the lower spring perch so it can be turned later.
On these Bilstiens, Make the nuts initial adjustment where you can just see the threads of the shock at the lower end of the adjuster.
The lower perches are already plated they look fine.
You can smear the DC 111 on the outsides of the top hats.
MAKE absolutely sure that you have one of the flat washers under the rubber bumper plate
And just to be clear you are using springs from an 83 or newer
as the unadjusted early springs are different and will make the car sit too hi.

 

Thanks Stan for the tricks on greasing…what to use, how to use and where. In regards to the “flat washers under the rubber bumper plate”, are you referring to the white ones in my pic above for below the bump stops? How about aligning the bottom/top spring perch compared to the lower shock mount. Im not sure how to explain it…should the bottom of the spring align to the center of the lower strut mount?

oh, and yes, the springs should be the correct ones. I worked with Roger when getting everything ordered.

 

the layout you have is good,
the white washer first ,
then the bump stop,
then the dirt cover,
then through the spring ,
then the top hat,
then metal flat washer,
then the rubber plate,
then the top washer,
nut.
The perches line up to fit to the ends of the spring , tap them with a hammer if necessary to seat them.
then finalize it all with turning the lower bolt hole to line up with the anchor point.