Measuring for shocks correctly!!!!!

[brans87]

Since this ORD subject seems Hot to night I figured I would lay out my own mistake!!!!!

87 K5 with 4 inch TC springs, Furd shock towers (from ORD) front shackles (from ORD) all leaf spring bushings (from ORD) greaesable bolts (from ORD) shackle flip in rear (DIY4X) and 5100 Bilsteins and 5125 from ORD.

So front shock's I have mounted vertical (can get a degree for you guys) and rear are in stock location bolt to a want to say 78-79 FF 14 bolt. I have hardly any travel in the rear for shocks and when pick it up on a lift the pass side hangs lower and pulls toward that side.

No genius at all like you guy's but what is it going to take to get my truck to ride smooth like it should with Bilsteins? Never got into mesuring etc as this is my first 4x4 truck. I already know I am probably going to have to cut off rear shock mounts on axle and install different ones in different spot on axle.

So Don't think I am bashing ORD as I have bought parts from them and support them. This is a learning curve that needs some knowledge thrown my way!!!!!!!!

 

[LNielson]

Did you call ORD? They might be able to get you close enough just based off their experience.

The only way I know to measure is to find a way to flex out your suspension and physically measure it out, then locate your shock mounts and bump stops.Access to a forklift is really handy. I've seen people use Cherry Pickers to lift up just one wheel to get them flexed out. If you can find a ditch or other twisty spot that is easy to get to you can flex it out that way too.

 

[Bent77]

Since this ORD subject seems Hot to night I figured I would lay out my own mistake!!!!!

87 K5 with 4 inch TC springs, Furd shock towers (from ORD) front shackles (from ORD) all leaf spring bushings (from ORD) greaesable bolts (from ORD) shackle flip in rear (DIY4X) and 5100 Bilsteins and 5125 from ORD.

So front shock's I have mounted vertical (can get a degree for you guys) and rear are in stock location bolt to a want to say 78-79 FF 14 bolt. I have hardly any travel in the rear for shocks and when pick it up on a lift the pass side hangs lower and pulls toward that side.

No genius at all like you guy's but what is it going to take to get my truck to ride smooth like it should with Bilsteins? Never got into mesuring etc as this is my first 4x4 truck. I already know I am probably going to have to cut off rear shock mounts on axle and install different ones in different spot on axle.

So Don't think I am bashing ORD as I have bought parts from them and support them. This is a learning curve that needs some knowledge thrown my way!!!!!!!!

Sounds like you’re harassing ORD. So we should dog pile you


Need the measurements from shock eye to shock eye: at rest, collapsed, and expanded
IE installed length and total travel up and down

 

[brans87]

I know better!!!! When you have a mixed mutt you can't expect all piece to fit correctly when still a newbie!

 

[brans87]

Will see what weather does this weekend maybe can do some measuring!

 

[Justin V]

Sounds like you rear shocks are too short...

Might be fixable by moving mounts on the axle tube, might not.

Measurements (shocks removed) as stated above are the key... you may find that after taking your measurements that you still need to relocate the mounting points even if you buy new (longer) shocks.

Just remember that if you use the forklift/engine hoist method to flex your stuff, you need to lift a front tire to get the most action from the rear, and vise versa...

 

[brans87]

There to short in the rear I know!! Which if I would of measured before ordering I would not have this problem!!!!

So now to do as you guy's mention to get to the next step.

I wouldn't feel bad relocating the shock mounting points on the axle as they hang low.