I replaced my OEM rear shocks today with Bilsteins. I've only ever replaced motorcycle suspension components, so maybe this is normal but I felt like I had to push the ends of the shocks quite a bit more than I should to get them in the mounts. Not a whole lot, maybe a few millimeters of deflection, but it does leave some residual stress that seems like it would introduce binding over time.
The truck drove fine (better than on the rusted out OEM's of course!) so it's not like anything is obviously wrong. And maybe when the suspension compresses to standard sag the shock mounts line up more correctly.
I did look at the control arms and frame for any signs of damage or twisting (I do every time I have it up on a lift anyway) and didn't see anything, so unless this is a bushing wear issue it must be...normal?
Oh, and breaking those bolts with a few degrees of motion available for the breaker bar was awesome. Especially on the right side where the A/C lines interfere with the socket wrench head
Front Bilsteins may go on tomorrow!