New Shocks

[JAllenWAG]

My suspension is completely shot and I will eventually be getting a lift. However my shocks are so far gone that I am gonna replace them now. I'm gonna go with Rancho shocks. Is it OK to put the ones for a truck with a 3" lift on an unlifted truck? I'd rather do this since I'll probably get the lift sometime in the next few months. What is the difference between the ones for an unlifted truck and those with a 3" lift height? Is it just the travel length? Thanks.

[SLINKY]

good question, i'd like to know the same answer as well. planning on doing the lift by the beginning of summer

[seadog]

Just make sure your shocks dont bottom out before your suspension does and you will be fine and no shock damage will be done.

[JAllenWAG]

How do I do that seadog? Can I avoid bottoming out by just not doing any heavy offroading? I don't know too much about suspensions.

[RamJetFSJ]

The Rancho shocks for a 3" lift are 1" longer than the ones for stock when compressed. (stock=13.125" compressed, 2-3" lift=14.25" compressed).

You may be able to get away with it, but I wouldnt try it. You could easily bottom out a shock just by going over a dip to hard, especially with saggy springs. If you have to risk it, just by some cheap shocks so you wont be bummed out if you ruin them.

You can do this: measure between the shock mount bolts while the trucks weight is on the wheels. Then measure the distance from the axle to the bump stop. Subtract that from the 1st measurement, and that will give you a general idea what you want your compressed shock length to be.

If its about 13 inches, youll want to use the stock size shocks, but if its 14 or 15 youll probably be safe with the lifted shocks.