shocks for 72 K20 2" tuff country lift

[Tumbleweed1C4]

I bought a lift for my truck and haven't put it on, so I can't measure. I opted out of the tuff country shocks when I bought it, so I am trying to get some shock recommendations (IE part numbers/specifics) or at least measurements so I can order some and have them on hand. I have also heard with 2 inch lift I can use the rears up front and just buy new shocks for the rear. Anybody confirm that?

[Stocker]

Yup, stock rear shocks are the right length to use with 2"-2.5" front springs. I have 2.5" Softrides and am running KYB Gas-A-Just shocks, #KG5417. Per my old chicken-scratched notes, they are 11 3/4" long collapsed, and 18 1/4" extended. The KYBs are a bit firmer than stock but they will loosen up a bit (or I just got used to the feel). Years ago I ran big yellow Monroe Gas Magnums. Good for a while but got mushy sooner than I had expected. I've never had Monroe Sensatracs but have heard they have a bit softer ride.

[Tumbleweed1C4]

Thanks stocker! That is enough to put me in business if need be. Anybody else have recommendations or negative feedback on other shocks that would be great.

[Tumbleweed1C4]

well, after going back and researching Tuff Country shocks that would have came with lift if I had chosen to go that route, it states a 16 inch and 26 inch length, compressed and extended. Are you sure those measurements are not stock length shocks? I cross referenced that to the Bilstein 5100s, and got part #24-187084, which I then found lists as for our trucks with a 3" lift. So, looks like that might be the way to go. They don't make it that easy to track the info down, really. Hopefully this will help someone doing a search.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by Tumbleweed1C4

Are you sure those measurements are not stock length shocks?

Looks like I gave you bad info and I apologize. Must have been original front shocks. The KYB website shows collapsed length 13.35" and extended length 21.42". Still shorter than the Bilsteins you referenced, though.

[Tumbleweed1C4]

No don't be sorry, stocker, I appreciate the help. I am not sure you are wrong, but you did mention it was according to your "chicken scratchens" or something along those lines, so buyer beware, right? So I just started cross referencing stuff through searches and started steering toward the Bilsteins because I only hear good things about them and was saving some coin by using the rears up front, so thought I would pay for good ones in back. In all fairness the Bilsteins list as for 3 or 4 inch lift, but I have seen several people on here say their 2 inch lift ended up giving them 3 or 4 inches in real life, so I kind of factored that in as well as the measurements from tough country on their shocks in my decision. I just tried to make an educated decision as best I could, because like I said you can't just google "shocks for 72 chevy with 2 inch lift" and get any information worth a damn. I am just glad to be a part of this site where we all try to help each other best we can.

[swamp rat]

Here's what i found out, most lifts seem offered longer shocks then you should have, On my 4" BDS kit the shocks were way too long, then when mounted they only offered about 2" of travel, and thats not good, they said the shocks were for a 4" OR 6" lift, they didn't want to work with me much but i was able to look thru there catalog and pick shocks with a closer length for what i needed.

I found its best to jack up the truck and get measurements eye bolt to eye bolt without shocks on when the springs are fully extended and again when sitting static, then jack up one side and try and get an idea of the collapsed length.

Now take that info and start looking at the shocks, find one that fully extended is about 1" longer than when the springs are fully extended, and when sitting static offers the ample amount of travel needed without bottoming out.

[Tumbleweed1C4]

That makes perfect sense to me. I was just hoping to find someone who had done it and could give the info so I could get everything and just go to town installing the lift with everything I needed. So given what you just said, I may be receiving new bilstein shocks in the mail that are too long. Great.

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by Tumbleweed1C4

That makes perfect sense to me. I was just hoping to find someone who had done it and could give the info so I could get everything and just go to town installing the lift with everything I needed. So given what you just said, I may be receiving new bilstein shocks in the mail that are too long. Great.

Well, lets hope not!

[1redbowtie3]

Chevy K10 / K20 / K30 1978, HYDRO H7000™ Front Driver or Passenger Side Shock Absorber for 2"-5" Lifted Vehicles (H7051) by Skyjacker®. Length: 22.58" Extended, 13.71" Collapsed...



Chevy CK Pickup 1978, HYDRO H7000™ Rear Driver or Passenger Side Shock Absorber for 0"-2" Lifted Vehicles (H7043) by Skyjacker®. Quantity: 1 per Pack. Length: 24.84" Extended, 14.82" Collapsed....


Just installed a 2.5" today, these are the shocks I used with it ..