96 GMC shock extension question

[ChevLoRay]

I bought new Bilstein's for my '96 GMC, but while Bilstein said the rear shocks would work with vehicles lowered up to 4-inches, that ain't so. Prior to buying them, the site (www.shockwarehouse.com) said up to 6-inches "with shock extensions".

Not so. I have 16-inches between the upper mount and the centerline of the lower bolt. The shocks I bought will not fit. You cannot compress them enough to fit the static height dimension.

SO, the question is: What about shock extensions? I have had to order rear shocks from BellTech (which I should have done from the git-go), but I also have a pair of brand new Biltein's that I can't use and the return situation in getting them back to the website building in FL, plus a restocking charge and my paying freight....it just ain't worth the hassle.

[N2TRUX]

There is no question, you need the shock extensions. They give you back some much needed length for the shock and improve the angle at the same time. Yes, use shock extenders.

[ChevLoRay]

Thanks for the feedback. I have a pair of BellTech Street Performance shocks that will be here on Monday afternoon.

But, I also have about $135 tied up in the Bilsteins that I can't use w/o extensions, that I got from www.shockwarehouse.com. It wasn't until I called them on Friday morning to say that the rear shocks didn't/wouldn't fit, that they told me about a note from Bilstein that said there was a problem with the fit on my truck. Great. They have their money and I'm stuck with a pair of shocks that can't be used and they want me to ship 'em back and then they will decide what to do. Fat chance. I managed to make everyone at their business mad, including the owner. I'm thinking that before anyone does business with them, they should know a bit more about 'em.

Enough ranting...thanks for the note. I'll look for some extensions to augment the Bilsteins for future use.