Quick story first, then to my ask. Purchased a 57k (mileage) 997.2tt in 2018, that lived a CA and FL life. The sun deteriorated the bump stops and spring pads (see pic), so I picked up new ones from the dealership in 2018. The rest of the suspension was fine (still is) so didn't touch it until I had to replace the LF wheel bearing last year. At that time I swapped out both front wheel bearings, bump stops, and spring pads. The rears I haven’t touched at all, though I have the parts on hand.

I've opted to refresh my suspension this year. Recieved H&R springs yesterday, rear shocks today, and tmw will receive front struts. I couldn't find a DIY for this set up, though I've swapped suspensions on other cars, and have the service manual. My questions are more on setting up the new struts/shocks with the springs.

Rear:
- what exactly needs to be swapped over other than the OE shock mount?
- do/should I use the spring pad 997.333.523.03 (see pic)? Or does the spring just slide/twist on and sit on the small B8 metal perch?
- the B8s came with bump stop (996.333.105.02) and I have a brand new Porsche 997.333.105.01 OE bump stop. Not that it is necessary, but should I swap out the bump stops and use the 997 version or run with what Bilstein provided? The only difference I can tell is the 997 feels marginally firmer.

Any advice for the front struts? Otherwise I'll most likely ask questions later in this thread after parts come in.



OE rear shock

Bilstein B8 and H&R springs

 

This might be one explanation for my question on spring pad but would like confirmation from someone with experience swapping over. Looking at the OE diagram the rears either use a metal and rubber pad (9.1) for standard and pasm applications, while sport applications use a thicker metal perch/ring (9). This may be how Bilstein's are built (similar to sport). So I assume the spring rests directly on the metal perch without any pad, correct?

Bilstein definitely calls for swapping over #2 through #5.