Need help choosing shocks

[DaveMueller]

So my front shocks are shot. The suspension is no longer stock thanks to a PO. I don't know how to identify what shocks I should get (based on size, not handling etc).

Shackles are 3.5" center to center, so I think just a little longer than stock (3"?). I don't think the 1/4" lift would affect the shocks.

However, the upper shock mount has been changed. It is much higher at the shock mounting point, and the fender was cut away to fit. It looks like the stock CJ5 mount in the manual, just longer (taller).

The bad shocks have 10" of total travel, 16 to 26". Google didn't find any useful info on the number stamped in the shell.
Tires are 30.5" (265/75-15).

Is there something I can measure to determine min/max for the shocks, and do vendors publish that kind of info?
What's the advantage of using a longer shock if nothing else has changed on the suspension?
If I go back to stock CJ5 upper mounts, will I have problems because of the larger tires?

Thanks
Dave

 

[hagar]

It looks like you already have the information you need.

Measure as it sits on level ground between the mounting pins.
19", 20" ???

Compression at 16"
Extension at 26 "

No go to any shock book (Monroe) and choose lets say Monroe Gas Magnums.

Look up the stock application to get the upper and lower mounting information (round eye, pin or stud).

Get into the technical information and look for a shock(s) that come close to your specifications.

http://www.monroe.com/downloads/install-instructions-guides/MonroeMountingLengthSpecifications.pdf

Pick out the type/brand you want.
So look for shocks that mount correctly.
Then look for length/compression specs for what you need.

Easy.

 

[hagar]

I looked up Monroe Gas Magnums for a stock 76 CJ5 application.

They show 34904 for front at 11.88" comp. 18.13 ext, 6.25 travel
They show 34905 for rear at 12.63" comp, 19.75" ext, 7.13 travel

We look at the mountings and both show L1 and L1 for upper and lower.

So we are now looking for:

-Monroe Gas Magnums with L1 and L1 mountings.
When we find one that mounts correctly, we now look
at the published catalog information for
compression, extension, and travel in inches. (What you need over stock)

Take your measurements and see if you can find a shock that will work.

Scan the catalog to see what's listed and what's available.

Right those shock numbers down and go shopping.

Don't worry about the vehicle application for what you find; just make sure that it mounts correctly and it's within the measured specs you're looking for.

 

[hagar]

So looking thru the Monroe link I listed above, I found two that might work
based on the info you posted.

32270 and 32370 might be possibilities for you.

32270 = L1 L1 15.13 comp, 25.0 ext, 9.88 trvl

32370 = L1 L1 16.13 comp 27.25 ext, 11.13 trvl

Look at the specs for each and then you decide. Don;t take my word for it.

Getting the feel for what I'm trying to say ?

 

[DaveMueller]

Don't worry about the vehicle application for what you find; just make sure that it mounts correctly and it's within the measured specs you're looking for.

That's what I was planning, but the few websites I looked at only listed application, not actual specs. I wanted to narrow the search first.

Thanks for the help!

Dave

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Be sure to get the 'softest' shock you can find.
LG

 

[DaveMueller]

Is there any point to excessive travel? With the wheels off the ground, I can measure the distance between shock mounts. I can then compress the suspension, and measure again. Those are the numbers I really need (plus maybe an inch margin), not what the old (and possibly excess travel) shock is, right?

 

[DaveMueller]

If you save the Monroe catalog and open it outside of a browser, you can search for any combination of mounts. I used "L1 L1" and found 32. Now to look at the rest of the specs.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

You do not want your shock to run out of travel before your axle does.
More so on 'closed'.
LG

 

[jp360cj]

Be sure to get the 'softest' shock you can find.
LG

This. Basic parts store shocks will do fine. I have Doetsch DT3000s on mine and they are much much better than the Skyjackers and Ranchos I had before.

Is there any point to excessive travel? With the wheels off the ground, I can measure the distance between shock mounts. I can then compress the suspension, and measure again. Those are the numbers I really need (plus maybe an inch margin), not what the old (and possibly excess travel) shock is, right?

The only problem with that is the suspension isn't fully cycled when the tires are off the ground. When one size lifts, the other side will droop further. But it would give you a decent idea of what you need.