Front end too high after shock replacement

[Mac_Gyver]

I replaced the front shocks on my '99 limited with Bilstein 4600 series replacements and put in new top hats in at the same time. My front end is now almost 2.5" higher than it was before. I want to get it back to the correct stock height. Any ideas what to look for?

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

I replaced the front shocks on my '99 limited with Bilstein 4600 series replacements and put in new top hats in at the same time. My front end is now almost 2.5" higher than it was before. I want to get it back to the correct stock height. Any ideas what to look for?

Bet your bottom coil supports are on upside down. Post a picture

 

[nc-grayson]

Bet your bottom coil supports are on upside down. Post a picture

this.

this is really the only likely option. Shocks don't provide lift, so it has to be the spring perch being upside down.

 

[Mac_Gyver]

<a href="http://s1026.photobucket.com/user/MacGyver0/media/20171007_191333.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/MacGyver0/20171007_191333.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20171007_191333.jpg"/></a>

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

<a href="http://s1026.photobucket.com/user/MacGyver0/media/20171007_191333.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/MacGyver0/20171007_191333.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20171007_191333.jpg"/></a>

That looks ok. What are the shock part #s? Lets see the tophat.

 

[Boudin]

Some new top hats come with the bottom bushing built into them so you don't need to install a seperate bushing under it. I used Monroe brand top hats, and this was the case.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Mac_Gyver]

The strut part number is Bilstein 24-187244
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/MacGyver0/20171008_120708.jpg

Top hat is Monroe 904900
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/MacGyver0/20171008_120538.jpg

I did notice the bushing integrated on the bottom of the top hat as mentioned and left out the bottom cushion from the washer & cushion set I got from Wheeler's Off-Road 'WHE STEM CUSHION KIT 1'
leftovers: http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/MacGyver0/20171008_120532.jpg

As installed top hats:
<a href="http://s1026.photobucket.com/user/MacGyver0/media/20171008_120157.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/MacGyver0/20171008_120157.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20171008_120157.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1026.photobucket.com/user/MacGyver0/media/20171008_120147.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/MacGyver0/20171008_120147.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20171008_120147.jpg"/></a>

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

I don't see a problem. Take some hub to fender measurements and post them up. Also, a side picture of the truck as it sits now.

 

[Mac_Gyver]

Hub center to fender is ~22" in the front and ~20" in the back.

<a href="http://s1026.photobucket.com/user/MacGyver0/media/20170919_172519.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/MacGyver0/20170919_172519.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20170919_172519.jpg"/></a>

 

[Kanoe]

Hey OP, have you still got your original shocks around?

The new ones should be the same as the old ones but why not measure from the lower spring seat to the shock eye bottom. See if the new ones are the same length as your old ones.

When I switched mine from original to 4600s and 99 tall springs I got a much bigger lift than expected. I have always just blamed the springs but I wonder...

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

the bilstein 4600s are known to be firm shocks. give a 1-2 weeks and they should settle down to the original height of about 21".

most probably the old shocks (assuming those were oems) were already dead that's why you measured about 20" only.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Hub center to fender is ~22" in the front and ~20" in the back.

<a href="http://s1026.photobucket.com/user/MacGyver0/media/20170919_172519.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/MacGyver0/20170919_172519.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20170919_172519.jpg"/></a>

You need some rear springs and shocks now. Get some 99 springs and the 4600 shocks and you'll be good

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

plus 32" tires and you're good to go.:dance:..:loco: