[T-Bob]

hey guys..lowered my truck in the rear. Original shocks are 19 1/4" center of eye to eye. ....SHOCK MOUNTS ARE NOW 15 1/4...So, ...do I get shocks exactly 15 1/4?..or do I have to get a bit longer for a pre-load?...if it helps at all, I am looking to get some Tenneco coil overs..

 

[ProMetalShop]

Not so much do you have to have the exact length eye to eye, but enough room for open and close travel.

 

[56 VIC]

Hey T-Bob, just a little expansion on what Steve said,,
When you pick your shocks there are many considerations. In the area of length here are a couple of things to remember. The shock needs to be able to travel (or said another way the suspension needs to be able to travel both directions) without the shock hitting bottom or the other way without the shock hitting full extension.
So you will need to know those numbers to be able to select a shock the right length. If you have a total length of suspension travel of say 8 inches, then you would want a shock that has a bit more travel than that, at least 8 1/2 inches or more. this would give you 1/4 of an inch each way to keep the shock from getting damaged by hitting the end of its travel.

Remember shocks are not ideally meant to support weight, or limit travel. They control the movement of your suspension during travel, that is the ideal situation. Of course there are air shocks and others, but that is a different disscussion.

 

[1937Austin]

You need your shocks to have more at both ends, and I usually get shocks that will go 1" farther in compression than the suspension travels, and 2" more than static eye to eye measurement extended. That will ensure they don't bottom or top out in normal driving.

 

[56 VIC]

I agree,,,more clearance from topping or bottoming out cannot hurt.

 

[T-Bob]

length

thanks guys for the input...time to do a little measuring....

 

[1937Austin]

Glad you brought this up, as I almost forgot I haven't done my front mounts yet! I hope to use Econoline shocks, as they'll fit the axle, and I'll just need to check travel and build frame mounts for the correct travel.

 

[chopperwarehouse]

help

so by this reasoning, my shock mounts are 12 inch apart, thus needing 2 inch travel each way, i would need 16 center to center when fully extended?...dont think the guys at auto zone can help with this custom app. thanks

 

[1937Austin]

No, you need 14" shocks to get 2" over your static 12" length. Or rework your mounts to get into a more common length. 14" max travel is pretty long, and tough to find.
Monroe has a chart online that specifies all the various attachment ends, and lengths of travel for shocks they sell. It's a great resource to help you find out if something is available or not.

 

[chopperwarehouse]

thanks, will check out that monroe chart

 

[chopperwarehouse]

actually, i installed my original shocks and have 2 inch. travel. hoping these work.