Shock length..???

[wizard9100]

To begin with, my Cj has a Waggie front differential (I think), SOA, once I get the bent leaf springs replaced, and measure for my maximum front end travel..how do I go about getting the correct length shock for it? Can shock be purchased according to shock travel?..yeas, I have not a clue on this one...

 

[2lostspace]

x2 I need to get new shocks when I do the spring over on the CJ.

 

[CJ]

Hey wizard9100! Welcome!

The easiest way to measure is pretty much what you said.

Measure between the shock mounts with the Jeep on the ground. Also take note of how far the diff will move until it hits the bump stop. Jack up the Jeep to full articulation and remeasure. Add the articulated distance and the bump-stop distance together. That is your full travel distance. The first measurement is your normal length.

Almost all shock manufacturers have specifications of the compressed and extended length of their shocks.

 

[dalefan88]

i work at a parts store so let me tell ya. if you get that person that says they have no way to check the lengths. tell them to get the shock book out and the lengths and shock mounting are in the back of the book.

 

[BajaEdition]

cj nailed how to measure for the length, now after installing you will want to tune up your bump stops so that you have no problems with the shock or mount. You want that bump stop to stop the movement of the axle 1/2 inch to 1 inch before the shock runs out of movement, I prefer the 1 inch as the stops are rubber and compress a bit. without the bump stop set up like this you can either rip off the shock mount or bottom the piston of the shock and crack the seals.

 

[TexasBlues]

ok, so thats take off both front shocks and articulate and bump-stop to get the full travel?

i am going to install the towers and make sure that i get the right shox too... also want to make sure that i get the towers installed correctly... any tricks to know?