Longer Front Shocks

[axekick]

I noticed the previous owner of my 2005 Suburban had the torsion keys cranked all the way. Also, they put shock extenders on it. I thought that meant I could get the KYB shocks that say they're for 3-5" of lift. PN 565076. But they seem too long and I'm sure I'll smash them going over a dip in the road. So I didn't install them. Then I started thinking, if I cut off the upper shock mounts and welded on some taller ones, I could use these shocks and I'd get some extra travel. Otherwise, maybe some keys and extended bump stops might be the way. What would you do? I hate to use KYB Monomax shocks (which I love) with shock extenders.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

They do make properly sized shocks for lifted trucks and related components for lowered trucks. @Trey Hardy may be able to give you some pointers.

Also, you could call the folks at Summit Racing, and they could give you some advice, as well.

 

[Trey Hardy]

I noticed the previous owner of my 2005 Suburban had the torsion keys cranked all the way. Also, they put shock extenders on it. I thought that meant I could get the KYB shocks that say they're for 3-5" of lift. PN 565076. But they seem too long and I'm sure I'll smash them going over a dip in the road. So I didn't install them. Then I started thinking, if I cut off the upper shock mounts and welded on some taller ones, I could use these shocks and I'd get some extra travel. Otherwise, maybe some keys and extended bump stops might be the way. What would you do? I hate to use KYB Monomax shocks (which I love) with shock extenders.

Take the shock extenders off and you should be good

 

[axekick]

I did try to put the lift shocks on without the extenders. They’re just too long. I’ll just get the regular ones.

 

[wjburken]

How long are the extenders? That should give you an idea how much “lift” is there due to cranking the keys. I’ve never seen just cranking the stock keys giving much more than 2”, but I can’t say I’ve ever tried to push it. Others may have different experiences.

 

[axekick]

Yesterday I finally put my lift keys on and while I was at it I installed the long shocks. They go on and there's a little bit of up travel but not much. I've driven around and they haven't bottomed out even going over speed bumps but I'm sure I could smash them if I tried. I'd like to get some extended bump stops. I should have supported the front of the truck and removed both torsion bars and the sway bar to see what the shortest and longest possible lengths are at the shock mounts, or at least to figure out how long a bump stop would have to be to limit the up travel and protect the shocks. Anyway, I stripped a bunch of the threads on one of them so I will probably just order the shorter ones and install them with the extenders I have. This is mostly just for discussion purposes.

Speaking of, I have the front cranked up pretty good. Is that enough to warrant the later model CV axles? Are aftermarket upper control arms helpful? Is that just for alignment purposes or do they allow more travel? Can anyone share their experience with any specific ones?