sizing replacement shocks

[MonsterTrac]

I was wondering how exactly to select the right length of shock as far as both extended and compressed travel. First off, My 01 Sport Trac is fairly unique in ride height, I have about 9 inches of lift total ( 4" custom suspension, 3" body, 2" tt/shackle). And to further the problem, I want to move the upper mount of the shock ( In the rear, up higher to allow for greater travel of the rear shock). I could take measurement from where the bottom shock mount is to where the top mount is going to be, but I dont know what that would mean, seing as the shock is under compression, Wouldnt The shock size have to be measured with the suspension fully compressed, and fully drooping, Im not shure how I would safely measue the distance with the suspension fully compressed....

 

[Robb]

You will have to fully flex both front and rear of the truck. Flex the front as much as possible and measure the length of the shocks on both sides, that should give you an extended and compressed length. Do the same for the rear.

 

[MonsterTrac]

Im assuming I couldt just jack up the truck to find out the fully expanded length, but How Am I supposed to find the fully compressed length?

 

[Robb]

Usually, when you find an extended length on one side, the compressed length will be on the other side. For example, if you jack up one side under the shock mount until the other side just leaves the ground, you will have both measurements, compressed on the side you jacked, extended on the other.

If you are going to a good off-road shock like a Rancho, the measurements don't usually have to be perfect. For example, if your measurements come up with about 8" of travel in the front, you will probably find a Rancho that encompasses those measurements, but has 13" of travel. You just have to fit your measurements in the range of a particular shock and most off-road shocks have a BIG range.

I have the links for measurements of Rancho 9000s and 9000Xs if you go that route.

 

[MonsterTrac]

thnx rob, your post cleared everything up fine, I should be able to get the measurements now..