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How to Measure a Shock Absorber
HOW TO MEASURE A SHOCK ABSORBER THE CORRECT WAY IN 6 EASY STEPS
Why?
The correct measurement of your shock absorbers is important to allow full flex of your vehicle and to reduce damage and wear to the shocks.
HOW TO GET THE BEST RESULTS?
In order to get the proper lengths for your shock absorber it is vital that you flex your vehicle to maximum articulation, which will require the removal of the factory shocks.
Phase One - Measure The Vehicle
STEP 1
Remove the shock absorbers from your four wheel drive vehicle.
Step 2
Flex up the vehicle to achieve maximum articulation. This will provide one side of the vehicle with full compression and allow the opposite side of the vehicle to reach the full extended height.
Hot Tip: If you do not have access to a ramp you can also use any incline that allows you to reach maximum articulation. If you have access to a forklift even better.
Safety Warning: When the vehicle is stable and it is safe to reach under the vehicle... then proceed to take measurements.
Step 3
Measure the compressed side of the vehicle from the top shock mount on the chassis to the lower shock mount on the diff to get the full compressed closed length of the shock absorber. Take the measurement and write this figure down!
Note: The Bump Stop should be touching!
Step 4
Measure the extended side of the vehicle from the top shock mount on the body chassis to the lower shock mount on the diff to get the full extended open length of the shock absorber. Take the measurement and write this figure down!
Note: Coil Spring Vehicles - The lower mount usually sits on the diff. Leaf Spring Vehicles - The lower mount usually sits on the diff or u-bolt plate. IFS Vehicles - The lower mount usually sits on the lower control arm.
Phase Two - Measure the shock
MEASUREMENTS TO BE TAKEN FROM HERE
EYE MOUNT - Eye type shocks are measured from the centre of the eye where the bolt would normally go.
PIN MOUNT - Pin type shocks are measured from the base of the pin where it is fixed to the shock body.
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Step 5
GET THE EXTENDED LENGTH OF THE SHOCK - Allow the shock to expand on its own or pull it out to the full extended length. Take the measurement and write this figure down!
Note: Ideally the full open length should be the same or nearest to the measurement taken from the vehicle.
Step 6
GET THE COMPRESSED LENGTH OF THE SHOCK - Compress the shock by hand or by using a strap until it seats to get the full closed length. Take the measurement and write this figure down!
Note: Ideally the full closed length should be the same or shorter than the measurement taken from the vehicle.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
If you use a shock that is to short it will top out and may damage the top seal causing leaking. And if a shock that is to long is used it will bottom out and damage the valving reducing the effectiveness of the shock. Now you have the OPEN AND CLOSED Measurements. Take these measurements to a quality suspension dealer LIKE SUPERIOR ENGINEERING AND BUY SOME NEW SHOCK ABSORBERS!