Rear Shock Length Question. What's Going On Here With These Bilsteins!!

[DeuceRooster]

So I installed 2" lowering shackles on my 1990 2WD. At the same time I am replacing my rear shocks with new Bilstein 24021715 shocks. Bilstein gives this part number for applications lowered 0-4" however my passenger side shock seems way too short. In this photo I forced it into place but as you can see now the rear sits crooked. Once the truck is on the ground it sits evenly but I am sure the travel is comprimised. Is this normal? Any way to correct this? I've heard of people using shock extenders but not sure if that's what I would need especially with only a 2" shackle drop.

I did drive the truck about 5 miles around town after the install and it didn't make any new noises even around tight turns. Everything seemed to feel fine however it was only a short drive.

Thanks

 

[Das Hatt]

Are both shackles set to the same height? Some have multiple holes. Are the shackles binding on the spring or the shackle bracket? I doubt the shock has enough compression force to lift half of the axle assembly/brakes/wheel and tire.

Did you cycle the shocks before installing them?

 

[DeuceRooster]

Are both shackles set to the same height? Some have multiple holes. Are the shackles binding on the spring or the shackle bracket? I doubt the shock has enough compression force to lift half of the axle assembly/brakes/wheel and tire.

Did you cycle the shocks before installing them?

I did not cycle the shocks before installing them. I did check extended length on both to make sure they were the same.

Both shackles are set at the same height. Shackles are moving freely with no binding. I basically had to lift the passenger side of the rear end to get the lower shock mount to connect to the lower eye of the shock. So the shock itself is too short it seems.

 

[bluex]

You were at full droop with the axle hanging. Either the shackle travel or the shocks limit it at that point. Djm sells different length shocks for the rear if you want (but I wouldn't) you have really good shocks, once you have the truck on the ground with weight on them they will compress an be fine.

You shouldn't need extenders for shackles only. Worst case measure the length with it on the ground an compare to the full extended. That will tell you how much travel you have or where it's at in the range.

 

[Sean Buick 76]

I would disconnect one end of each shock and extend both shocks and measure the max length of each of them. Contact the manufacturer to determine if the extended lengths are in spec or not.