dumb shock replacement question

[jcrandall]

Feel free to chastise me if the answer to this is in FAQ or searchable, but I was not able to find it.

On a 98 LX, with AHC removed and an OME Medium lift, will shocks that are sized for a stock 98 cruiser fit?

The challenge is that one of my front shocks is worn out, and I would like to browse for shocks but in the right "universe".

I don't have a need for extra travel, I just want to make sure if I use LC shocks, I won't run into a length issue due to the slightly higher ride height.

Maybe I'm overthinking it, but thanks in advance.

 

[FlammableFishie]

I wouldn't look for stock shocks if you have an OME medium lift. Look for the appropriate OME shocks.

 

[NWForester]

To directly answer your question, yes they will fit and not conflict with your lift.

Shock selection is an intimate thing for folks: trying to balance travel, ride quality, weight carrying capability, brand, price, availability... I know I spent hours pouring over specification sheets and varying forum opinions when deciding what would work for my application. In the end I am happy with my choice and if there is any advice I could give: you generally get what you pay for and buyer beware.

Whatever shock manufacturer or shock design you feel you prefer, the important thing to know is what your suspension is capable of and not exceed that or you run the risk of increased catastrophic failure.

Regardless of lift height and flavor of springs, your suspension travel is your limiting factor. Until you have changed other components such as UCAs for the front and brake lines in the rear, you MUST stay with shocks that limit your wheel travel to within OEM tolerances.

 

[jcrandall]

To directly answer your question, yes they will fit and not conflict with your lift.

Shock selection is an intimate thing for folks: trying to balance travel, ride quality, weight carrying capability, brand, price, availability... I know I spent hours pouring over specification sheets and varying forum opinions when deciding what would work for my application. In the end I am happy with my choice and if there is any advice I could give: you generally get what you pay for and buyer beware.

Whatever shock manufacturer or shock design you feel you prefer, the important thing to know is what your suspension is capable of and not exceed that or you run the risk of increased catastrophic failure.

Regardless of lift height and flavor of springs, your suspension travel is your limiting factor. Until you have changed other components such as UCAs for the front and brake lines in the rear, you MUST stay with shocks that limit your wheel travel to within OEM tolerances.

Appreciated, agree with the intimate deal, and the get what you pay for.

 

[FlammableFishie]

You might be overextending the OEM shocks with a medium lift installed. Be careful on going from OME to OEM without changing springs, the overextension of the shocks might throw off performance. I also wouldn't run one OEM shock in the front with an OME on the other side.

 

[jcrandall]

You might be overextending the OEM shocks with a medium lift installed. Be careful on going from OME to OEM without changing springs, the overextension of the shocks might throw off performance. I also wouldn't run one OEM shock in the front with an OME on the other side.

That helps man, thanks. Not looking at OEM though, to clarify my question, it's really about searching. The current OME shocks are the 60000 variety, measuring 443/298 mm (open/closed). The new shocks under consideration are the Bilstein 4600 variety, measuring 429/290 mm.

So, being 1/2" shorter at full extension and 1/4" shorter at full compression, doesn't seem like it will impact any mall cruising - at least not catastrophically.

And yes, replacing both fronts.