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Shock length ? Can I use a jack ?

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:32 pm
by CWBYUP
I need to measure my shock lengths so i can order new ones.

Can I just use a jack and jack it up ?

Is there anything I need to look at if I do ?

Thanks Nick

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:45 pm
by HotFourOk
If you jack it up, they will only open to the maximum extension if the shock itself is the factor limiting your suspension travel.
This is usually not the case (if it is you need longer shocks ;) )

Undo the lower mount, and extend it yourself, and measure it fully extended, fully compressed and at normal ride height.

Also, measure from the correct point depending on the mount type.

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:47 pm
by -Scott-
What he said.

Tell us all what you drive, and whether you're talking front/rear or both, and there may be somebody who can supply the figures you want. ;)

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 7:01 pm
by CWBYUP
Sorry didn't explian myself real well.

shocks are out and just wanted to know if buy jacking it up this would be enough to get the measurements for the new ones.

Its on a SPOA SWB WT zook with climax shackle's.

Cheers Nick

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 7:52 pm
by Reddo
yeah but don't forget compression may be an issue with longer shocks, ie, the shocks will bottom out unless they have sufficient room to travel and you may need to alter the upper mounting point or increase the bump stop thickness.

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 9:22 pm
by benhl
and jacking will not compress the opposide side enough... Can you get it crossed up somewhere in your yard or somwhere and measure - then cross up the other end and measure again.

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 9:55 pm
by CWBYUP
Well a mate rang and he was still at work so i went around and used his forklift.

thanks for all the help i'll be ordering some tommorrow.

Thanks again everyone.

Cheers Nick

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 10:00 am
by markil
CWBYUP wrote:Well a mate rang and he was still at work so i went around and used his forklift.

thanks for all the help i'll be ordering some tommorrow.

Thanks again everyone.

Cheers Nick
Even with forklift you will not be able to get full articulation. So if want to make use of full travel make sure you allow a bit more travel in both droop and compression.