Two sets of shocks, neither work????

[CopesChevys]

Ok, so I've installed all new Moog UCA bushings & ball joint, LCA bushings & ball joint, Moog idler arm & bracket, Moog inner & outer tie rod ends (with Moog sleeve), Moog hub assembly, Advance Auto brand CV axle. So far, the passenger side is complete and I'm ready to tackle the driver side. But yet, I've run into an issue with these shocks. I ordered what I thought to be Bilstein 5100s but they seem to be dimensionally way too long. I DID do my research, and from what I understood they should work. It was just the shocks were "valve'd" that they could "also be suited to work with lifted applications". Keyword ALSO. So I figured it should work with mine (3" body lift, no suspension). I really had to cram them in there to get them to fit and it seemed a bit extreme. Summit & Jegs both tell me they are wrong. I only inquired with the front part #. Truck is a 99 Tahoe LS 4WD 4-Door, 5.7

So I run to Advance Auto to buy some el cheapo Monroes until I can call and get the correct Bilstein application. I get home and they won't even extend into the mounting hole locations.. WTF? I call and they confirm it's the correct part # for my application. I'm BAFFLED.

So I'm back here, looking for some advice and some insight as to what will work. The truck has a 3" body lift and I plan to do some heavy off roading as we see warmer weather. I just want whatever will work best for my truck. If someone can tell me if the Bilsteins I have will be fine for my application, that would be great. So I don't have to go through the hassle of calling to return, shipping them back and waiting on new ones. Thanks!

Bilstein Front Part # 33-061399
F4-BE5-6139-H8

Bilstein Rear Part # 24-185615
F4-BE5-6254-H6

---------- Post added at 06:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:21 PM ----------

Or if someone can page SunlitComet since I can't seem to send PMs yet? :-(

 

[NathanJax]

Or if someone can page SunlitComet since I can't seem to send PMs yet? :-(

I PMed him

 

[SunlitComet]

the front shocks you got were for a tahoe like yours but with a 4-6" suspension lift. so for obvious reasons. the rears you have are for a 2-4" suspension lift. neither of them is "can put on now and be ready when suspension lift goes on". the only three 5100 series shock listed on bilstein's site are for lifted applications.




Search Results
1999 Chevrolet Tahoe LS V8 5.7L GAS FI NA 4WD


Part Number: 33-061399
Series: 5100 Series
Drive Type: 4WD
Position: Front
Front Spring Type: Torsion Bar
Rear Spring Type: Leaf
Descriptor: Front Lifted Height: 4-6"
*Collapsed Length (IN): 14.37
*Extended Length (IN): 22.78
*Collapsed Length (MM): 365
*Extended Length (MM): 578.5
Old Part Number: F4-BE5-6139-H8

46mm Monotube Shock Absorber (click for more info)

Part Number: 24-067379
Series: 5100 Series
Position: Rear
Descriptor: 4WD is for the two door only
Descriptor: 4WD Rear Lift Height: 2-4"
Descriptor: RWD is for the four door only
Descriptor: RWD Rear Lifted Height: 4-5"
*Collapsed Length (IN): 17.28
*Extended Length (IN): 28.29
*Collapsed Length (MM): 439
*Extended Length (MM): 718.5
Old Part Number: F4-BE5-6137-H8
Old Part Number: F4-BE5-6137-H9

46mm Monotube Shock Absorber (click for more info)

Part Number: 24-185615
Series: 5100 Series
Drive Type: 4WD
Position: Rear
Body Style: Sport Utility
Number of Doors: 4
Descriptor: Rear Lifted Height: 2-4"
*Collapsed Length (IN): 16.18
*Extended Length (IN): 26.2
*Collapsed Length (MM): 411
*Extended Length (MM): 665.5
Old Part Number: F4-BE5-6254-H5
Old Part Number: F4-BE5-6254-H6

---------- Post added at 06:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:16 PM ----------

I would suggest you give rancho adjustable a try for your off roading needs.