Went for a drive today in my truck with a friend who is a mechanic... he says the vibration issues I've been having are due to the junk Superlift shocks.

While I do hope to someday go to coilovers, for now I just want to change out the front shocks to see if I can solve the problem. I was thinking of throwing my stock Bilsteins on using the extenders listed below to see if the vibration goes away.

Anybody tried these before? I'm just guessing the bolts on the lowers will line up, I haven't measured my truck yet. I was just going to probably use one or the other, whichever gets me closest to the length of the Superlift shocks.

Amazon.com: Superior 13-6541 T-Mount Shock Stud Extender: Automotive

Amazon.com: Superior 13-6501 Shock Stud Extender, Fine Thread, All but '69 & Later Fords: Automotive

 

Shane drilled a couple holes in lift blocks and used those for extenders

 

Yep, I remember him doing that. I don't have any lift blocks laying around so it's cheaper to buy these! After just looking at my truck I don't think I could use the bottom extenders... I don't think they'd clear the CV axle. I did also find that Mr. Gasket has 3" and 5" extenders for the top so that should be all I need to adapt them. If it works then I can just get OE length replacement shocks when these are done... there is already 60,000km on the Bilsteins anyways. For $10 it's worth a shot to make them work!

 

Maybe I should have done some more research first, I'm answering all my own questions! Doesn't look like the top extensions will work either. They are all either 3/8-16 or 3/8-24 thread while the Bilsteins are 10mmx1.5! I wonder if I bought some good replacement stock length shocks if they'd have 3/8 studs... then I could use the adapters to lengthen them.

 

my dad got extensions for his, work fine as far as i know, he doesnt have superlift though.

 

I'm sure you could find something that would work. Bilstein or like company might actually have a replacement shock for a different vehicle that has the right mounting styles and specifications. I was in the process of researching this when I decided to go with coil-over's instead.

You could also have a custom adapter or mount made to the preferred mounting style and length. Then you could use the shock you want.

 

I've got a way figured out to make an adapter, but I called Superlift today and they're sending me a new pair of front shocks. I know they're really not that great of quality but if they're lifetime warranty I may as well get another set and see if it fixes the problem!

I checked into replacement shocks but the biggest problem is the bottom section between the body of the shock and where it mounts to the lower control arm. There aren't many that use the small rod needed to clear the CV axle. If I do just get different stock replacement front shocks I can just buy an adapter, as any replacement one I've looked at has a 3/8" stud not 10mm like the Bilsteins.