how to select proper shocks?

[Joe J-Truck]

I was field testing my suspension today.. Really flexing it out and I discovered I need different rear shocks that will give more travel. What's the best way to determine the actual length needed?

[desert_freak]

Thought I'd bump it back up! I have broke both my rear mounts on the body. I obviously have shocks that are too short. What is the best way to determine maximum length (droop) and shortest length (sucked all the way up in the wheel well without having access to a RTI ramp :D Seems like a jack can only get you so far. I need shocks (proper length) for the J10.

P.J.

[Hump]

Joe, I got Rancho 5012's. They have 13.5 inches of travel. I've got 9 inches of lift, and the shocks just snicker. They apparently are for 12" lifted chevy's, so i'm sure they would work for you. There isn't any difference in performance if you have more travel then you need, so that's why I went big.

[blt2krl]

I went out and found a road with deep wash outs in it. I put one tire in the hole and the other on the bank and went till one of the tires started to come off the ground. Then got out and measured full drooop and full compression.

[tuck]

Yup, what blt2crl said, just disconnect or completely remove your existing shocks, drive up a ramp, rock, bank, tire, hood or whatever it takes to get that suspension tweaked, measuring for full extension is pretty easy, but measuring the other side at full stuff is a little tricky. Good luck.

[desert_freak]

Hump, while more length is better one does need to make sure the compressed length of the shock will not hinder the tuck of the wheel when the other side of the axle is in full droop. Morale of the story you need to measure both (I know you guys know this, just want to make sure future readers don't go and buy LONG shocks for their stock rigs).

Guess I need to start looking for a import to back up onto :D

P.J.

[River Beast]

Your shocks should be mounted at the midpoint of it's compression and extension...

example:

RS5012's are 19' compressed and 33" extended.... for these, the mounted shock should measure 26".... 7" of travel in both directions.

of course this will be different if you run revolvers... ;)