Top Hat Bushing Isssue… Missing…

2023 TRD Pro Tacoma. Just had the Westcott kit installed and noticed that the shop must’ve forgotten to reassemble with the bushing at the top of the shock assembly on the passenger side. And I feel like the driver side bushing isn’t compressed enough. What do you guys think? Is it fine to just tighten the driver side and unbolt and install bushing on pass side without taking the truck apart? Also, gonna have to go get a bushing. Will any damage be done by not having it? Thanks for any help!

 

I think the washer in the the first picture goes under the top hat?
The second picture looks correct.

I also question how much thread engagement there is on the 3 top mounting nuts.
But then again, I’m used to seeing threads sticking up out of the nuts.

 

so, first I have to admit I am not familiar with exactly how the westcott kit installs, but I agree with TnShooter, to me it looks like there should be more threads showing on the 3 bolts. It does not look like the tophat/coilover is actually fully seated in the shock tower. Unless of course the Westcott kit is basically just a spacer lift and if that is the case it would make sense how you could be low on threads if there is a metal plate sitting on top of the tophat.

The bushings are also indeed not right, the one in the second photo is not compressed nearly enough, and in the first photo I agree it does not look like there is a bushing. But neither of the coilovers look like they are high enough in the tower.

You could jack the truck up, take the tire off, remove the lower bolt holding the shock to the lower control arm and make sure the entire coilover is fully seated in the tower first. While you are doing this it should be easy to check the bushing situation.

 

Yeah, take a look at the video.
I’d take it back to the installer, it’s not right.


https://youtu.be/Q3gAqzoZ4Hs

 

Yeah the westcott kit comes with a shim that goes on top of the top hat. Is it gonna hurt anything driving without the bushing in there until I can get back to the shop?

 

Yes, I've seen the shock rod bore out the opening because of no bushing. So limit driving until its repaired.