Replacing front shocks - they don't fit. Help!

[lostpilot28]

I've searched everywhere, but I can't seem to find an answer. I'm replacing the shocks on my '99 XLT 4x4. It's got a mild torsion bar crank to level it and the old, rusty shocks I'm taking off look like they have a "built in" extension of about 3 inches at the bottom.

The Pro Comp 918515 shocks I'm putting in do NOT have this extension, and they don't seem to have enough room to clear the half shaft. Either I'm doing something wrong, or I got the wrong part...but everywhere I look, including Pro Comp's website lists the 918515 shock for the 4x4 application.

Anyone know if I'm using the wrong shock? I can post a picture of my old and new shocks if that would help.

Thanks in advance!

 

[The_Epsicle]

Posting a picture of the truck would be helpful too, if you have a lift that would definitely mean the stock shocks wont fit.

In the mean time until you post those pictures check out these articles from the tech library about choosing the right shocks, and shock dimensions

 

[lostpilot28]

Yeah, I checked out both links for selecting shocks a couple weeks ago. I'm just really surprised that I haven't found anyone who brings up the same issue...weird.

Anyway, here are the pictures...you can see the Pro Comp is a little bigger in diameter, but also doesn't have the steel extension.

For the record, the shocks I'm replacing are not stock...and I'm assuming the previous owner added them because of the torsion bar crank. You can see that it's not lifted that much...probably 2 or 3 inches. Looks good for 230,000 miles, though!

[/IMG]

 

[The_Epsicle]

I wish my 94 looked that good!

I did a quick search on the shocks you're using, I couldn't find them listed as for a 4x4 application, in fact summit racing only lists them for RWD applications on any vehicle, I think you got the wrong part. Without knowing the engine size or the exact lift height I can't tell you what the right part is.

 

[lostpilot28]

Interesting! Out of all the places I looked, including Pro Comp's website, these are the ones listed for the 4x4.

My truck is a '99 XLT extended cab, 3.0 Flex fuel engine, 5 speed manual.

If you find another part for Pro Comp's let me know. If not, I'd be going with another brand. Thanks for your help!!

 

[MastuhWaffles]

I did the torsion bar crank, and when one of my shocks broke I decided to upgrade to rancho rs5000's, the one thing I did was get taller shocks and its been working out good so far.
It should look like your old shock, and the top should have just a little nut that bolts to the bracket.

 

[The_Epsicle]

Interesting! Out of all the places I looked, including Pro Comp's website, these are the ones listed for the 4x4.

My truck is a '99 XLT extended cab, 3.0 Flex fuel engine, 5 speed manual.

If you find another part for Pro Comp's let me know. If not, I'd be going with another brand. Thanks for your help!!

I think MastuhWaffles has got you covered on that front, glad I could help

 

[MastuhWaffles]

To be honest it looks like they sent you a rear shock.

 

[lostpilot28]

Well I think I figured it out with your help! My lack of caffeine apparently kicked in when I ordered them...I should have ordered 918595...but I got 918515. Doh! Fortunately, amazon has free returns so I'll go for the right ones.

 

[pjtoledo]

the short shock with the cross bar is for a coil spring 2wd setup. with coils the shock goes inside the spring.
the shock on the truck is what the factory used. it uses the bottom rod extension to clear the axle shaft.

Perry