New suspension question (1 Viewer)

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So I need new shocks - I hear everyone likes the bilstein 5150 or whichever the model is ... but quick question - bought my rig without being able to ask PO questions. There’s ranch I shocks with complete degradation of bushings - literally nothing left.
How do I figure my size shock for the order?
here’s some pics too..pretty sure there’s like a 2 inch ranch lift kit along with shocks...but I’m not completely sure yet with a glance down there.
Thx for any help sorry if this is a dumb question.

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Measure the distance from stud to stud and then try and get a shock that has an equal amount of compression and rebound. Example if the distance was 19”, I would try and find a shock that would range from 23” to 15” Putting the static distance close to the middle. Oh and I am running the Bilstiens, best shock I’ve ever run.
 
+1 on Bilsteins, running those on my ‘76 and ‘78 will be getting them soon as well.👍
 

You want the 5100 part number probably for 2" lift I'm guessing. I believe the 5150 is for remote reservoir. I'm running the 4" ones on my 4" lift and love them. Not cheap, but I would buy them again without hesitation.
 
The way we always did it was take the suspension to full droop/extension, then get a shock slightly longer when it is at full extension, that way when your rig does go into full extension in off road terrain you won't rip the shocks apart- - -easy deal.
 
I’m looking at either 16-26
Or 14-22 - thoughts? Bolt to bolt it’s 18

So order 5? Because I need one for across front too
 
Cycle your suspension.
Measure the distance between upper and lower shock mount at full compression (when your bump stop hits the axle housing). The compressed length of shock must be shorter than this figure (if not you’ll blow your shocks out upon bottoming suspension). Also typically shock manufacturers do not include the end (eye mount or stem mount) in their calculated shock length.

Use jack/jack stands/ blocks etc. to fully droop suspension. Measure length from mount to mount. This is your extended shock length. Typically your droop is limited by your shocks extended length.

If you want more axle droop (via a longer shock) you must extend the rubber bump stops (with spacers or larger bump stops) to protect your shocks.
 
These folks are a longtime mud supporter and Toyota specialist...https://www.metaltech4x4.com/
Mark at metaltech can quickly and easily determine your needs. They probably have it ready to ship.
There are other very capable supporting vendors also.
 
Cycle your suspension
@Kschep This is performed with shocks removed ;)

Also, you could look up the Rancho model (it's the 911x number) you are replacing for sizing.
 
Front horizontal "stabilizer" shock has to be a 50/50 (equal valving both directions). FWIW, steering stabilizers usually last a few minutes, even sooner with larger tires- - -just saying.
 
@Kschep I know it's not part of your question, but you have a fairly decent sized ding in your drag link rod (3rd photo down in post #1). Maybe it's just because I'm pretty conservative when it comes to the steering linkages, but I think for overall safety, you should consider replacing that with a new rod. ;) Also, I totally agree with @Downey and other super knowledgeable folks that the steering stabilizers aren't worth much as far as real function.
 
@Kschep I know it's not part of your question, but you have a fairly decent sized ding in your drag link rod (3rd photo down in post #1). Maybe it's just because I'm pretty conservative when it comes to the steering linkages, but I think for overall safety, you should consider replacing that with a new rod. ;) Also, I totally agree with @Downey and other super knowledgeable folks that the steering stabilizers aren't worth much as far as real function.
Ya I appreciate you pointing that out ... will address. Thx
 

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