Lots of threads on brand/type. Not much on length. Is there a basic formula to start with?
CK5
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Shock Length
- Thread starter cbbr
- Start date
I seem to recall that most of the major companies have it down pretty well for mild lifts (6" and under). You basically just call 'em up or look at their website/catalog, and correllate the correct shocks with your truck model and the amount of lift you put on it. This was my method with a 4" lift and ordering from ProComp.
If you've changed anything else (such as axle type or shock mount location), this is all out the window and you'll have to do a custom measure, as far as I know.
If you've changed anything else (such as axle type or shock mount location), this is all out the window and you'll have to do a custom measure, as far as I know.
That's the problem. I am changing everything.
im gonna run the ferd towers in the front w/a 14 inch stroke shock..i got a 6 inch lift also...not to sure about the rear yet cause im gonna inboard them..cbbr said:
Well, if you could accurately predict where your mounts would end up, it's just a bit of trigonometry to figure out length.
The most simple solution is (obviously) to measure the static final setup (or a mockup thereof) and then account for travel. This only sucks because you have to wait to order shocks until most of the other stuff is done.
The most simple solution is (obviously) to measure the static final setup (or a mockup thereof) and then account for travel. This only sucks because you have to wait to order shocks until most of the other stuff is done.
Right now, in the rear for instance, I will have 21" eye to eye. My original thought was to jack up one side and measure the compression, but I'm sure that I will compress them more on a hard drop off road.
That's where bump-stops come into play.
You could jack up one side like you said, then fab up a bump-stop so it only allows the axle to move about that far even in a dynamic environment. Yes, it does limit travel, but only slightly, and you could then choose a shock that you knew would not reach its mechanical limits. You probably wouldn't want to go very far beyond that much travel anyway (?).
You could jack up one side like you said, then fab up a bump-stop so it only allows the axle to move about that far even in a dynamic environment. Yes, it does limit travel, but only slightly, and you could then choose a shock that you knew would not reach its mechanical limits. You probably wouldn't want to go very far beyond that much travel anyway (?).
cbbr said:
There's really no limit to how long of a shock you can use. It is more of a practical consideration due to the required location of the upper mount.
If you want a 21" length at static ride height and you can measure the loaded arch of your springs (amount of up travel before spring goes completely flat) you should be able to find a shock to match....
Let's say you have 5" of bump travel and 21" eye-to-eye static length. That would imply that the shock would need to be 16" fully compressed (min length) to accomodate your uptravel. You should be able to look up shock tables for each manufacturer to see which shocks have a 16" min value, and then see what the maximum extended value will be...... that will ultimately determine how much droop travel you'll end up with.
If the droop value isn't good enough, you'll need to make changes to your upper mounting point to allow for a longer overall shock.
Hope that's not a confusing mess to read....??
Greg72 said:There's really no limit to how long of a shock you can use. It is more of a practical consideration due to the required location of the upper mount.
If you want a 21" length at static ride height and you can measure the loaded arch of your springs (amount of up travel before spring goes completely flat) you should be able to find a shock to match....
Let's say you have 5" of bump travel and 21" eye-to-eye static length. That would imply that the shock would need to be 16" fully compressed (min length) to accomodate your uptravel. You should be able to look up shock tables for each manufacturer to see which shocks have a 16" min value, and then see what the maximum extended value will be...... that will ultimately determine how much droop travel you'll end up with.
If the droop value isn't good enough, you'll need to make changes to your upper mounting point to allow for a longer overall shock.
Hope that's not a confusing mess to read....??
lots of confusing but good info there...i had to read it a few times to figure exactlly what you were saying
Makes perfect sense. I just need to jack the truck up on one side and see how far it compresses. Thanks.
I would suggest finding a someone local that has an RTI ramp. Or maybe a local 4wd retail or manufacturing place. Also I would add an inch to the bump travel just for safety sake. Or drop the bump stop an 1". Safety margin.
Problem is that I have no shocks and the closest RTI that I know of is a long way away.
i dont know which jack you have or engine lift you have but you could always try that...i have a long frame jack and this weekend i helped a guy load a rear in a truck and the jack lifted high enough to just roll the rear in the truck...just a idea
I have a HF long reach that should work. If not, I'm going to strap the hi-lift to a wheel.
sound like a good and sage idea...when i was younger i wanted to see how well my tuck would flex with a jack and didnt think about what i was doing at first and jacked the truck up under the tire...the truck had no trans in in...needless to say i came off i went running and damn near hurt myself by myself...
