I have to replace the shocks and struts on my 2006 Ram 1500 (4x4 crew cab) and I decided I wanted Bilstein, the only problem is they don't make complete front strut assemblies and their struts don't include the lower spring seat (the metal flange that the spring sits on, not the rubber or nylon isolator). Bilstein told me I would be able to re-use the seats from the old struts as long as they were original because those were removable. As it turns out the struts that were on my truck were not original that won't work. It looks like nobody makes those spring seats, I can't find them from any aftermarket supplier and the dodge dealership says they don't make them any more, and I can't find any from a salvage yard, ebay, etc. Does anybody know where I could find these spring seats or am I stuck trying to return these Bilstein struts because they're completely useless? Thank you!

 

Could you post a pic of your front suspension? I can't find a useful parts diagram.... can you link one?

 

Unfortunately I wasn't able to find a diagram either. I don't have any pictures of my front suspension because I have the struts at the local shop, they were going to build the assemblies for me but nobody can find the parts. I'll try to get actual pics when I can, but here is a stock photo of what I'm looking for, the metal plate looks kind of like a top hat with the insulator and spring sitting on it.

 

Can you get a part number for the dodge dealer?

 

I checked and the shop looked around too but I couldn’t get a part number. At this point I feel like my only options are to find an original set of struts in a salvage yard or have the seats custom fabricated, both of which are probably unrealistic.

 

If you can find a truck in the junkyard..... should be able to get the spring seats from it. Car-part.com is a locator service, might check them out.

Another option would be to get 'loaded' struts. They come with springs already installed. Not inexpensive though......