Bilstein installation

[acman]

Hi all,
I have a 74 scout2, 345, auto.
I am installing the rear shocks now, I removed the old ones(two different brands) and installed two Bilstein 5100 on stock suspension, I plan on doing the front shocks tomorrow.
I have the truck on jack stands (on frame) with the suspension hanging I still had to compress the shocks about two inches,
I am wondering if this is normal. Havnt installed shocks in a long time.
Over the last 3 years I have installed new body mounts, all new electrical(small dash fire) all new interior.
Finally I am doing some of the mechanical, brakes, etc.
Hope to have it on the road soon.

Thanks for any advice

tony

 

[Scoutboy74]

No cause for concern. You don't want your shock to reach full extension before your suspension does and you also don't want it to reach full compression before your axle hits the bump stop. A little excess shock travel in both directions is a good thing. Your suspension droop is equal on each side right now. In an off-camber situation, one side will be stuffed while the other side will tend to droop even further then you see with both sides equally drooped.