Rancho shocks won't fit AWD

[rider]

I've got a 2002 AWD Safari that I would like to install new shocks on.

The problem is that they simply won't fit. There's so little room between the upper control arm and the shock body on the existing (narrow) shocks that the recommended Rancho 5150 or 5152 shocks, which are larger in diameter simply have no room to fit. The situation is the same on both sides.

Any suggestions?

I've attached some pictures below.

[MountainManJoe]

I have RS5152's on mine, but the body is lifted 2" and my torsion bars are cranked up.

[rider]

I have RS5152's on mine, but the body is lifted 2" and my torsion bars are cranked up.

The weird thing is that Rancho recommends the RS5150s for a stock AWD vehicle. The 5152s simply have a different extension, but when installed in a stock (or 2" lifted) van, they will sit in exactly the same position. Evidently something is wrong with my van. I've looked for pictures of those shocks installed but haven't found any (although a lot of people have talked about installing them). I haven't actually been able to find any pictures of the upper control arm and lower shock mount for that matter...

[Cobra]

i'm running rs999150 on mine it is a tight fit but there has never been any contact and your set up looks basically the same as mine although i'm a 98 and stock height now i'm curious

[DerekBell]

Okay, my installer said that my 5150s that I bought from Summit don't fit either.

Everywhere I look it says the 5150s will fit my 2000 AWD in front.

What am I gonna do?

[dunedog]

Why would you want to replace ? KYB in my opinion is a better shock to start, unless something in the industry has changed.

[Cobra]

I'm lost unless your van's control arms have been modified, or Tenneco recently changed their shocks design it should fit i suggest you contact them.

[MountainManJoe]

I dont think they fit perfectly . You still have to stretch or compress them a few cm to get the bolt through.

[Cobra]

TimelessB: i don't know if his installer actually tried to install them or just eyeballed it but if he did and the shock body is rubbing the upper control arm something is wrong i'm pretty sure the control arm on mine yours are the same as his. I'd love to tinker with it myself to see what's going on but i doubt he is anywhere near me
BTW is it possible to install the control arms on the wrong sides? wouldn't that cause the interference problem with the shock since the contour on them is different side to side?

wait i just realized the original poster wasn't DerekBell what are the odds of him having the exact same problem.......