We all know Ford don't do shocks for these cars anymore so aftermarket is all there is.

I've tried most channels I know and getting close on a Bilstein compromise but has anyone else managed to find right shocks for Outback pack utes? The rears seem particularly hard to find. The rear shocks are 500mm at full extension and approx. 305mm full compression. That's definitely beyond the standard shock so next closest seems to be a Land Rover at 550/330mm.

Front shocks seem to be do-able - a Bilstein can be modified for droop to suit, similar to how they setup for the later model RTVs.

IIRC, the Outbacks (shockies) had protecter mounted at the bottom too......????

Yes indeed. It's just a metal collar that slips over the pin end on the shock. Nothing fancy. My left shock on the XH has a punch hole just above the collar.....

Making progress in spite of no firm knowledge seeming to be out there.

My car has been fitted with Pedders standards on the front. They're both truly shagged - no oil left in them and everything covered in oil and dirt. Very messy. Front end won't be obvious!

Anyhow, the critical bit is the rear end. I have found that the standard shock runs from 305mm to 500mm length. The only real match I could find is funnily enough the rear shocks on an XD sedan. In Koni 80-2111 these accommodate the 305mm but only extend to 490mm. Close enough. In the Bilsteins the XD shock runs to circa 470mm.

I bought the Bilsteins as I was doing my EA with them anyhow.

The rears are in and fit fine. What I can confirm though is that the shocks are indeed the limiting factor in droop travel on the Outback so I have lost exactly 25mm (1 inch) of droop travel from the static ride height. I still have around 75mm or 3 inches with the Bilsteins in.

On the front the Outback has an extra poly thrust washer above the bump stop. This has had to be deleted for the Bilsteins which are the standard XH catalog size and length. Note the Bilstein can be changed to provide an extra 20mm droop but I have elected not to until I know for sure there are any droop travel issues.

I'll put in all the details when I get the car back together including travel measurements.