2002 Silverado shocks on an '86 K5...will it work?

[jonrpick]

Ok, I know I should just get new shocks, and they're not that much, but I'm in a financial bind.

I just helped a friend swap the front and rear shocks on his 2002 Silverado 1500 today. I got the old rear shocks. They *look* like they'll work. The eyelets at the end fit my rear axle ok.

I don't have a length for my old ones though, because they were thrown out.

This is strictly a temporary solution. Truth is, 6-year old shocks are going to be better than the 22-year old ones that came off of it. I do plan on getting the right shocks soon, but right now I need something that'll get it down the road ok.

I looked up the rear shocks for both trucks on Advance Auto's website. The part #'s are very close, but not the exact same among the same model shock for both trucks.

So will this work as a temporary solution until I can get new ones?

Edit: a couple of my friends think it should work as a quick-fix... although the valving may be different.

Edit #2: both trucks are stock height, his is 2WD...

 

[redneckdude]

biggest thing id worry about is overall length and compression. Most shocks for similar body style trucks are the same...IE; a reg cab short bed 2wd 1500 silverado and a 1500 2wd suburban may use the EXACT same shock. Valving could be a little weak, but its better than no shocks.

 

[jonrpick]

biggest thing id worry about is overall length and compression. Most shocks for similar body style trucks are the same...IE; a reg cab short bed 2wd 1500 silverado and a 1500 2wd suburban may use the EXACT same shock. Valving could be a little weak, but its better than no shocks.

That's my thinking. If they bolt up without needing compression or stretching, the length should be A-OK.

And again, 6yr old used shocks are better than 22yr old used shocks.

 

[redneckdude]

yeah, as long as they are "near" the center of the stroke, they should be fine. we replaced the shocks on my dads 00 silvy a little over a year ago...his stockers were actually still decent with like 120K on them.

 

[jonrpick]

yeah, as long as they are "near" the center of the stroke, they should be fine. we replaced the shocks on my dads 00 silvy a little over a year ago...his stockers were actually still decent with like 120K on them.

By the time I'm actually buttoning everything up, things may change, and I may be able to drop some coin on the "right" ones, but I think these will work for a month or two. Won't know until I can get the axle back under the truck.