Shock travel -Best way to measure????

[Supreme70]

Whats the best way to check the aount of shock travel needed for any set up???? Im looking to buy some blistien 5150 shocks but need to know the amount of travel needed so i dont ruin them.

 

[cybrfire]

Ya need some way to flex it to the max. Ramp, fork lift, engine hoist. I've seen all these methods used.

Measure at rest, ride height, shock mount to shock mount. Then flex it out and do some more measuring.

When you flex it as much as possible you should be able to obtain extended measurements and collapsed measurements. You can compare these to the ride height measurement and deteremine how much travel you have as well as how much of that is compression and droop.

 

[Madspeed]

best way

Full droop and full compression
or go by application and lift size

 

[tRustyK5]

Application and lift size will get you shocks that are crap, and too short every time.

Kert has the best method described already...

Rene

 

[Madspeed]

heh

Application and lift size will get you shocks that are crap, and too short every time.

Kert has the best method described already...

Rene

Actually the way I descrbed is #1
Flexing it will get you close
Calling the right person WILL get you the right shocks everytime And I know him personally

 

[cybrfire]

wanted to add one more thing.

Shoot a little long on length rather than right to measurement. Flexing it out will get you a nice gradual load on the suspension. Many times during off roading you will shock load the suspension which will cause it to travel slightly further than what your gradual loading showed.

So, if you measure a 12" travel, I'd lean toward a 14" or so travel shock. Hammering the shocks at the end of the travel will cause premature failure.

Installation of bumpstops and limiting straps can also eliminate this issue.

 

[Supreme70]

thanks guys I really appreicate the help, I have access to a highlow, sounds like the easiest way to me.