I bought a set of NIB "used" QA1 C/C plates from a friend about 1.5 years ago, when I was first starting to piece together the suspension. I got them for a good deal, and at the time there was no way I could afford the MM pieces. Fast forward to last May, when I was finally able to afford the shocks I wanted thanks to an internship. I got everything installed and aligned properly, but I noticed a knocking noise from the front. After checking into it, I realized I was having a clearance issue with my new Cervinis hood. The bolts from the C/C plates were taking chunks out of the fiberglass, so I trimmed the bolts. After that, I noticed I was still having the clunking noise. I looked at the C/C plates more carefully, and noticed that on the driver's side the bearing the shock goes through had about 1/8" of play!!! I took the top plate out and shimmed it with a valve seat (see pics) The knocking went away for a bit, but it came back again. I guess the other side had come loose or something. This time, I tracked down some NIB "used" MM C/C plates and swapped them out. No more noise, much cleaner install, and plenty of hood clearance. I don't know if I just got a bad batch or what, but the QA1 pieces I got are total junk. I wouldn't even give them away.
Pics
Shim
Cut bolts for clearance
