newb Q - What size shocks needed 4" lift

[howsie]

I recently have brought a 80 series which has had a 4" lift in it. Problem is whoever has done the lift has not replaced the shocks and these are maxxed out. Castor angle is correct at least.

Anyhow and sorry if this has been asked before wanting to know what size shock would be good.

ATM i have been quoted $150 a shock for old man emu N73L (for front) and N74L (for rear)

N73L - open = 667, closed = 381

N74L - open = 673, closed = 387

Does this sound like its half decent?

I am also chasing after info on how the springs are supposed to be seated (pics would help) as i had a spring fall out the other day, when the shock snapped! Am not looking at spending huge money about $150 a shock is the limit

cheers howsie

[Jack S]

mate i would be looking into some blistien shocks!

[howsie]

are these just a better shock or do they have longer travel. I know nothing of this sort of thing this is my first 4x4 and the first time ive repaced shocks on anything

[+dj_hansen+]

To work out your shock lengths you need to first find yourself a suitable ramp or a tall trolley jack, then remove your current shocks, drive slowly up the ramp or jack up a wheel until you either hit the guards with your tyres or hit the bumpstops, then measure the distance between the shock mounting points on the wheel you have lifted up. Do this on all 4 corners, this will give you a measurement for the 'closed' part of the shock measurement.

You then need to go through a similar process to the above but to measure the 'open' or 'extended' length required for your shocks, so drive up the ramp or jack up a wheel until the opposite wheel has run out of travel and once again measure between the shock mounting points.

Also remember we dont want out shocks acting as the bumpstops as that will be the quickest way to throw away $150 per corner, so you may also need to space out your bumpstops to stop this from happening.

You will then need to look into correcting your sway bar mounting points to suit the lift.

Bilsteins are a good shock, however getting them in the length and rate you require may be a bit on the expensive side, an example here http://locktup4x4.com.au/universal-118/ ... hocks-152/ so perhaps outside your budget.


Choosing a shock will come down to the type of driving you want to do, soft flexy stuff you can get away with a lighter valved shock, but heavy touring, towing, outback trips will require a stiffer valving to be able to control the suspension cycling.


Do a search as there are several threads on shocks, and should stand you in good stead also on some places to buy them that may look after outerlimits members. As a start, search for words like dobinson, efs, boss, koni, ridepro; and search for something such as ridepro AND landcruiser to weed out some landcruiser orientated results.

Enjoy!

[chunks]

You are limited by your budget, for $150 per shock you could probably get some Dobinsons, Pro Comps, Ranchos or maybe Ironmans.

[howsie]

cheers for the info guys