replaced front ball joints shocks rack n pinion now ride height 3" higher

Did you have the control arms off? Control arm bolts must be tightened with the vehicle on the ground. Not with them hanging down while the vehicle is on the lift. 3 inches still sounds like a lot.

Did you compare the 'Bilsteins' to the original struts? Only time I've heard that brand name mentioned recently , has ALWAYS been in reference to lift kits! Do you still have the struts you removed??

How does the vehicle ride and drive now? The coil springs are what lifts the vehicle, not the shock absorbers, unless they are 'bottomed out' due to wrong application .. Which surely would show up in the ride quality!