Help with shocks...

[72gmcshorty]

What is the quality level of the shock brands out there? I'm assuming KYB near the top, monroe on the bottom. Where does doetsch tech, belltech,fit in? Any others?

Will the shock limit how low my vehicle can go when i air out my bag? (will it prevent me from bottoming out when i air out?)

I know when you put a 3" drop spring, you've dropped your truck 3 inches. When you replace the spring with a bag, how much drop do you now have...

[SCOTI]

I can't answer your first question because I like to use stock replacement shocks & make my mounts to work w/them (or choose a similar vehicle w/a 'better' length). The other stuff is answered in red....

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

Will the shock limit how low my vehicle can go when i air out my bag? (will it prevent me from bottoming out when i air out?)
Yes, it can do both if the optimum length isn't used.

I know when you put a 3" drop spring, you've dropped your truck 3 inches. When you replace the spring with a bag, how much drop do you now have...About the same. 3" drop @ ride height & more when the air is purged.

[72gmcshorty]

for the rear.....i have a bag, bolt-in notch and the shock relocator brackets. Do i buy just stock length shocks?


***just noticed i hit the 1000 post mark!!****

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

for the rear.....i have a bag, bolt-in notch and the shock relocator brackets. Do i buy just stock length shocks?

They will work if you are running a 2" block and a button bumpstop, or a 1.5" block and a tall bumpstop(for 15" wheels). Otherwise, the shocks will be too long.

[72gmcshorty]

ok, i measured my rear aired out and came up with 11 1/4" center to center. I don't have a body or wheels on my frame so i'm not sure what my aired up height would be. Anyone have that measurement handy. I have bag and CPP notch.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

ok, i measured my rear aired out and came up with 11 1/4" center to center. I don't have a body or wheels on my frame so i'm not sure what my aired up height would be. Anyone have that measurement handy. I have bag and CPP notch.

Research what the air bag mfr recommends for ride height on your particular bags. Most dbl convoluted bags are around 2.8 - 3" @ full compression & between 5.5 - 6.5" @ recommended ride heights (sleeve type bags are slightly longer).

[72gmcshorty]

so i should be ok to assume my aired up height to be around 17 1/4" (i have the double convoluted bags). I need to find a shock that will cover 11 1/4"- 17 1/4". Correct?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

so i should be ok to assume my aired up height to be around 17 1/4" (i have the double convoluted bags). I need to find a shock that will cover 11 1/4"- 17 1/4". Correct?

Sounds about right. But to clarify.... the 11.25'' + 3" = ride height (bag @ 6.5") so 14.25". Now figure in allowable extension of 2-3" & that puts you in the ball park of 17.25" max length.

[gringoloco]

Easy way to figure out what you need online:

Go to the Monroe website - http://www.monroe.com/ - and figure out what your stock shocks are.

Once you have this info, use the following guide to determine the mounting style of your stock shocks. Then, you should be able to find a shock that meets your mounting needs with your required lengths.

http://www.monroe.com/assets/downloa...engthSheet.pdf

Also a good idea to cross-reference your chosen shock's application to make sure the valving will be similar to your truck's.

Happy hunting!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Easy way to figure out what you need online:

Go to the Monroe website - http://www.monroe.com/ - and figure out what your stock shocks are.

Once you have this info, use the following guide to determine the mounting style of your stock shocks. Then, you should be able to find a shock that meets your mounting needs with your required lengths.

Also a good idea to cross-reference your chosen shock's application to nake sure the valving will be similar to your truck's.
Happy hunting!

I think this is an often overlooked aspect to finding the best replacement shock for a 'custom' application.