CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Longer shocks for a shorter lift?

Nutro

1/2 ton status
Joined
Jul 16, 2020
Posts
128
Reaction score
35
Location
Austin, TX
I swear I posted before about it but I cannot find it. My 88 is lifted 2.5" and I ordered some Bilsteins. Well to my surprise they sent me Bilsteins for a 3"-4" lift. They offered to email me a shipping label and return them for the 2.5" version but now i"m wondering if it would be a bad thing to have shocks 1/2" to 1.5" longer?
 
Just make sure your shocks don't end up as the bump stops. As far as valving differences I'm not sure.
 
Dang! Those are the same one I bought. Hmm I wish I knew for sure if they would work with a 2.5 lift
 
Put them on and use a jack to cycle your suspension?
 
Man, I wanted to do that but they won't let me return them if they are mounted.
 
You could always compare the shaft length of the shocks vs. the overall length of the shock and compare it to the ones you're replacing, unless, of course, you're replacing them because you popped one. I'd measure my travel with a tape or piece of rope and compare it to what the shock's specs are. They obviously have measured this stuff at the factory, and there's a reason the shocks you have aren't suggested for the truck you're going to put them on. There were at least two engineers who said the correct shock performed better than the one you now hold. Plus, they are so sure it's a better shock, they're willing to exchange it and pay the shipping. Think about that, they are willing to cut into their profit margin in order to get you a different shock....that's how sure they are that the ones you have aren't the best ones for your truck. For my money, I'd want the ones they think are best. Just because they work doesn't mean they are the best option.
 
I'm only running 1 inch of lift on my 78, with no front sway bar. I twisted it up and found out I needed the 3 to 4 inch lift shocks to let it articulate. No replacement for twisting it up and doing some measuring. It really was eye opening for me.IMGP3683.JPG
 

Latest Posts

Top Bottom