OK, since there seems to be more knowledge on this forum than from the vendors I've been speaking with, I'm going to ask this here. I'm currently dealing with JTO (reserving comment) and they convinced me that their KYB shocks would work fine with a 2.5" shackle. Here's the thing, I just removed the Toyota shocks and had to compress them to get the upper post out of the mount. The new KYBs, on the other hand, fully extended, do not even reach completely through the hole. I'm short by about a 1/2 inch from the bottom bushing hitting the mount. They're telling me on the phone this is the shock that fits. Thing is, it's shorter than the Toyota (blue) shocks I just took off. BTW, I have stock springs that aren't badly sagged. I also have a jack under the axle right now - this isn't at full droop. Is there a suggested 'extended' length on shocks, if one is running just extended shackles?? I can't imagine these are long enough. I may now order OME shocks, but I'm really looking for what people, with a similar setup, are running. Thanks!!!
Shock length question - new install help
- Thread starter FJsixty2
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I got a 3 inch kit from JTO and they specced rough country/heckethorn shocks. Im pleased with them so far, and they have plenty of length. If your KYBs are shorter than that pos blue shock it definitly wont work, send it back.
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- #3
after i posted the above, i went out and remeasured the shocks. the KYBs are 1" shorter than the blue Toyota shocks (in the front) - fully extended. i was just looking at the HFS shocks and they have a set of 4 that they state are for "2-2.5" lift, but are too long for a 1.5-2.5" extended shackle and stock springs". i just can't believe these KYBs are right if they're an inch shorter than the Toyotas. i'm at a lose now as to which shock i should buy. this, after i waited 3 weeks for JTO to get my parts to me...
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- #4
a bit more info - waiting for a call back from man-a-fre. full droop measurement is 22 5/8" from middle of bottom mount to bottom of upper mount. compression measurement is 19 3/8". the KYB shock is 21" from the top of the shock body to the middle of the lower eye. add a .5" bushing up top and i'm still over an inch short of full droop. maybe my springs are drooping more than a stock spring should - not sure. man-a-fre is going to 'suggest' a shock length based on my measurements.
If at full droop the shock is too short to reach the mount then it isnt the right size, no way around that. Tell JTO that you KNOW that it isnt the right size, that it is too short, and that you want to send them back. Every time ive called them except for the last time, the guy pretty much tried to convince my i knew nothing and that they were right on, they dont have a leg to stand on as far as the shock thing goes so tell them you know youre right and to sit on it and rotate.
I would just get shocks for a 2.5 inch lift in case you ever do anything with new springs, it would save you the expense of having to buy new ones. I wheeled my shocks meant for my 3 in. lift with 2 in. over stock shackles up front and 1 in. over in the back with stock springs and had no issues with it binding on compression. I flexed the crap out of it too. You seem to have your measurements down, im sure MAF will steer you right with that info.
I would just get shocks for a 2.5 inch lift in case you ever do anything with new springs, it would save you the expense of having to buy new ones. I wheeled my shocks meant for my 3 in. lift with 2 in. over stock shackles up front and 1 in. over in the back with stock springs and had no issues with it binding on compression. I flexed the crap out of it too. You seem to have your measurements down, im sure MAF will steer you right with that info.
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- #6
good suggestions, agent orange. good to hear that you also ran shocks for a 2.5" lift with stock springs and extended shackles. i'd certainly like to have some spring flexibility (purchase) in the future. based on measurements, it certainly seems like even a shock for a 4" lift (overall lengths listed on MAF site) would work right now. i still haven't heard back from MAF yet, but as soon as i have something worked out, the KYBs are going back to JTO. thanks for the input.