The nitrogen charged shocks will extend on their own, when you cut that strap, and they are a right bitch to compress. Take off one of your old nasty ones, compress it as far as it will go, do the same thing to one of your new ones, and compare length...... (having a friend help you makes it somewhat easier.) Don't cut that strap until you are ready to install them...... once it's cut, they will extend to their full length.

 

Well, I had them installed. Yes they are a little to long...
Looks like I have about 4 1/2 inches left before they would bottom out.
Ride a little stiff. but no more bonce
The guy had the rubber boots all bunched up on top, had to slide them down.

 

OK for the record the stock shock extended length is 25 1/4 inches. fully collapsed length is 16 inches..

also , I would tell anyone who has the 4x4 with factory off road package to NOT get the billstine for the lift #'s 76 and 83. they are to long. even though thats what the dealers says will fit.
get the ones for the regular 4x4, they are a little cheaper and should fit just fine.