Well, I've done lots of digging. Even looked at QA1 and other manufacturers. I can't seem to find any offerings of a shock (monotube or otherwise) that meets the specs of 22" extended/13.7" compressed (the extended length can be +/- 1"). Heims are a requirement as I need the shock to line up on mounts that are off-angle (and are a PITA to cut/reweld). Preferably a monotube design as that will give me more room behind the tires, although anything is fine at this point.

Valving has to be very stiff. 5000lb truck and want a very sporty ride.

Impossible?

I'm converting to 8-lug 14-bolt semifloat with an electronic locker.

 

By heim ends do you mean the typical bolt through with bushing style? The rubber bushing allows some misalignment angle...

 

It actually needs to be a spherical-style Heim joint. The bushing type won't allow enough angle.

What I'm looking for may not exist. I was certain that Bilstein had some in the 6100 series but I couldn't find them.

The problem is shown on the bottom picture:

 

Like these? AFCO 3870BG Afco Big Gun Twin Tube Coil Over Shocks - Free Shipping on All Orders @ JEGS

Or just fab up some new shock brackets...they would need to be modified anyway to use this style of shock.

I went with AFCO 3890 shocks to get a little more extension. But they do not come standard with Big Gun valving...had to have them re-valved. AFCO could probably build something appropriate if ordering directly from them.

 

The easiest thing is to just weld on some new shock brackets. Ive seen pairs of brackets for like $20.

 

Dirt track shocks.. What's on the front and back of my truck..
Speedwaymotors
Daymotorsports
Smileys racing products.. Search thru those..

 

Try calling Viking shocks. They produce/sell heim joints so they might be able to substitute a heim on the rod-end side of the shock and put together a custom setup for you.

I'm glad I saw this thread. I've been looking into the 9.5" rearend for my Tahoe as well. Keep us updated on what you come up with for a solution.

Mike

 

It's looking cheaper to cut the shock mounts off the bad axle and weld them on the new one. Now I just have to find a welder to come to me lol.

 

Ballistic Smooth-Body Emulsion Shock

This should help you out

 

This is what I would do.