There are several ways to measure shocks for a lifted truck. The first way is to remove the wheels and cargo from the truck. Then, lift the front shock until the tire is off the ground. Once you have the measurement, write down the distance between the upper and lower shock mounts. You can also take the measurement by extending the suspension a bit. The shock length is proportional to the axle movement.
Usually, lifted trucks will have shocks that are longer than stock. Typically, standard stock shocks are about three inches tall. If your truck has been lifted six inches, then the new shocks will be three inches taller. In the case of a five-inch lift, however, the shock height is five inches higher.
In either case, it’s important to get a measurement from the lift kit. The brand name and serial number can help you determine the correct shock length. If you don’t have a serial number, then you’ll need to find the manufacturer’s specs.
How Do I Know What Size My Shocks Are?
If you’re considering purchasing new shocks for your mountain bike, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Many manufacturers provide detailed specs online or in the owner’s manual. If your bike is an older model, you may need to consult the support pages for specific information.
First, you’ll need to know the frame’s normal ride height. This means jacking up the bike until the tire is off the ground. If you have leaf springs or coil springs, the height of your vehicle will be the same. If not, you can jack the bike up to the desired height.
Shocks come in various sizes, but you need to know the length of each shock before buying it. The shocks can be cut to fit your vehicle’s overall length and travel. This method may require some modification to the shock mounts. However, you should note that cutting the length of a shock can affect its movement.
Does a Lifted Truck Need Longer Shocks?
Changing your truck’s suspension can improve a variety of characteristics, including its handling and towing capacity. However, it is important to choose the right shocks for your application. You may need longer shocks in some instances and shorter shocks in others. The length of your shocks is based on how much suspension travel you need.
Before you lift your truck, think about how you plan to use it. For example, a 44-inch tire might not be right for your 50-mile commute. A twelve-inch lift may not be appropriate if you plan to tow heavy loads. You should weigh all of these factors and then decide if you need longer shocks or shorter shocks.
Long shocks help with the lifting process and provide additional damping. However, you should note that shocks are not the primary objective of lift kits. They are primarily used to account for the difference in mounting positions. They are also very difficult to replace. You need to have specialized tools and know-how to install them correctly.
Do I Need Longer Shocks For a 2 Inch Lift?
If your vehicle has been lifted by two inches, you may want to look into longer shocks. This will ensure the coils are not continuously compressed by the weight of the lifted vehicle. Longer shocks also mean less flex. Fortunately, there are easy ways to upgrade your shocks. There are inexpensive boost kits available that include shock extenders and coil spacers. JK-Forum recommends the Terrflex kit, which retails for $265 at Northridge 4×4.
One of the first things you should know about shock length is how much you plan to use your lifted vehicle. Your current shocks might be too short for your needs, and you might end up damaging them. Also, your current shocks could top out, causing an unpleasant ride. If you plan to use your lifted vehicle on mild trails, you may want to buy long shocks. OEM JK Rubicon shocks are a good choice, as they are two inches longer than the OEM XJ shocks. Often you can find low-mileage JK Rubicon shocks on eBay for very cheap.
Another option is to install a leveling kit. They are economical and will improve the look of your vehicle. The downside to using a leveling kit is that you have to buy new shocks to add two inches of lift.
Do I Need Longer Shocks For a 3 Inch Lift?
Shock length is a subjective matter. The exact length is dependent on your suspension setup and the use of your vehicle. After the lift, measure your vehicle’s eye-to-eye distance and bump-stop distances to determine the exact length of the new shocks you need. Then buy shocks that have the proper amount of droop. It is important to note that you will not need longer shocks if you plan to use a limited droop system, which impacts only one side of the vehicle.
Lift packages can include shocks that are adjustable. Longer shocks can raise a vehicle up to two inches. However, shocks that are longer than 24 inches may damage your vehicle’s exhaust system. It is also important to check with your mechanic before installing a suspension lift package.
A three-inch lift will require new shocks and struts. These components are needed to absorb the shocks from the road. You may need to install coil spacers and springs that are one-half inch longer than stock. This will compensate for the compression of your shocks before you can apply the lift.
Should a Shock Be Fully Extended?
When purchasing shocks for a lifted truck, you should know that not all shocks will fit the same vehicle. Unlike passenger cars, lifted trucks require longer shocks than stock height vehicles. The difference lies in the amount of travel and the design of the suspension system.
Standard shocks are not meant to raise trucks and are not designed for this purpose. Although they will raise your truck by a small amount, they won’t raise it more than half an inch. High-pressure nitrogen-filled shocks will allow your truck to lift approximately half an inch, but that is about all they’re good for.
Lifted trucks will have a rough ride, and standard shocks won’t be sufficient. Additional equipment, such as coilover shocks, reservoir shocks, and traction bars, may be necessary to counter the rough terrain. Typically, six inches of lift requires six-inch shocks.
What Happens If Your Shocks are Too Long?
The shocks in your vehicle are an important part of the suspension system. They help to control wheel speed by stopping the springs from compressing and rebounding. They are adjustable and you can set the stiffness of your shocks to make them move more slowly or more rapidly. If your shocks are too stiff, your tires will bounce off the road and you will feel less control when driving.
In order to check the length of your shocks, you can raise your wheel to determine the exact length needed. If you’re unsure of how far your wheel needs to go, a zip tie can be used to measure shock travel. Just make sure the zip tie is next to the body of the car. If you find that the shocks are too long, you’ll need to install bump stops.
A shock that is too long will compress too far and won’t be able to deliver the desired amount of lift. This will reduce the amount of up-travel and restrict ball joint spacers. In addition, some shocks will not work well with some mounting configurations. In these cases, a mount conversion kit may be used, but it’s risky.
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