Shock Height Ratings

[Doppleganger]

I did search but didn't find this exact scenario....if it exists, feel free to delete this and point me in the right direction. I wore a helmet when I played football but apparently it didn't help.

How are shocks rated for height? I see the same PN for 2-4" as 4-6" lifts. I just ordered a Tuff Country 2" lift kit (Jegs has them on sale + $50 off code....then go to Summit to get them to beat it....heh heh ~ about $800 delivered) - without the shocks. I'm leaning towards the Bilstein 5100's - but Bilstein shows them at 4-6" lifts and the Jegs, Summits, etc of the world all say 2.5".

Would these be ok on just a measly 2" lift? Just trying to smooth the ride out a bit.

Thanks fellas.

 

[idahovette]

Don't know the answer to your question, but from the sound of your deal the helmet helped

 

[dvdswan]

IIRC it has to do with the amount of travel of the springs. If you have a stock shock on a 4" lift and articulate the suspension you will have very little to no down travel thus placing an extra load on the mounting point of the shock on the frame since it is a single sheer point and the axle has a double sheer point. This was a lot of the reason the back shocks had issues of cracking the frame at the shock mount.

IMO, its best to take the original shock length and add your lift size to the length.

 

[Doppleganger]

Well....was hoping to use the Bilstein 5100's but doesn't sound like they will work with a 2" lift. Really dont want to go 3, basically because I want the front and rear springs and the 3" kit uses rear blocks. Its almost half price but I think the Tuff Country springs will help the ride all around.

Summit swears the 5100's will work.....no one else shows 2" application. Most show 4-6 - so I called Bilstein and they said 3-4". Wonder if I could add-a-leaf for the 5100's to work? Amazing Bilstein wouldn't have that application.

 

[Craig 85]

Here's a link to ORD's info on Bilstein shocks. They refer to a 5125 instead of the 5100. You may give them a call. They're a great resource. With regards to the add-a-leaf are you referring to the rears? I would discourage it unless you use it as a replacement for one of your stock leaves. Back in the early 90's I had an '87 K20. I didn't want a 4" block in back, so I did an add-a-leaf with a 2" block. It road stiffer than my K30 does.

I have used Tuff Country front springs on my last 2 trucks. A 4" EZ Ride on a K10 and a 3" HD for my K30. I would also recommend ORD's front shackle kit and the sway bar disconnect.

http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Bilstein 5125.htm

 

[Doppleganger]

Thanks for the info - will call them tomorrow. I spoke to them about a suspension setup a year ago and they were waaay out of my league $$$-wise. I think springs and shocks were almost $2700.....for a 3" lift. I'm sure they might be worth it, but there's that blood and turnip thing here too.

I will talk to them about the shocks though. If I cant find a way to use something like the Bilsteins, I'll cancel the Tuff Country springs and live with whats there. I wouldn't mind a 3" lift but dont want the blocks in the back either.

Thanks again.

UPDATE: Just spoke to ORD and they have ways to make the 5125's work with a 2" lift....backs are fine, the fronts you use the extension / relocation kit they have. I'm hysterical.

 

[77 K20]

There isn't a need to use their "custom" front shock mounts. On their website they show for a 2" lift using the stock shock mount you need a shock with 8.13" of travel.

Then below in another chart they have the 8.13" shock info. 21.54" extended and 13.58" collapsed.

I'd just order those.

What Tuff Country springs did you order? The EZ rides or the HD ones?

I ask because I had a small block and ordered the HD ones and it provided 3" of lift as the HD springs are meant for a big block/heavy winch bumper/snowplow (weight). Without the extra weight it adds a bit more lift.

It looks like the part number for that shock would be
33-185590

https://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm?id=15034

 

[Doppleganger]

I got Tuff Country's 12721K setup. I got them without shocks because I wanted the Bilsteins instead.

Summit swears the 5100's will fit a 2" lift, but Bilstein said 3" would be the minimum. Course Bilstein is going off a flat 2" reference.....if they're an actual 3" as you say, I cant see a problem.

I'm still not 100% clear on why ORD prefers the 5125's over the 5100's (I think the guy I spoke to said the 5100 was a generic CAR shock?) - I know the 5125's are supposedly stiffer - just thought the whole point was to soften the ride a tad. I have heard no one unhappy with the 5100's on their trucks. Really hope I can use them.

He also kept referring to a 10" shock - he referring to a 10" travel?

 

[77 K20]

Yes, a 10" shock is 10" of travel.

The 5100's and the 5125's are supposed to be identical. The 5100s have somewhat generic vehicle specific applications. But that one shock will fit several different brands. Kinda a "generic" fit. The 5125s are there for an individual to get a custom shock that fits their purpose directly. Different part numbers even have different valving options. The 255/70 is supposed to be a good fit for a full size truck. Too "soft" of valving will be like the shock isn't even there. A more "firm" valving will do what it is intended- and slow down the spring bouncing.

See more about the 5125s here:

https://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/bilstein_5125.cfm

 

[Doppleganger]

I admit I'm not up to par on the valving thing - what they mean, etc. But I figured the fella at ORD has forgotten more about it than I will ever know, so 5125 it is. I'm so far behind all this I think I'm first.

Thanks a bunch for the links and info - very helpful! He also recommended the sway bar disconnect? Said it was for the lifted setup.

 

[Craig 85]

He also recommended the sway bar disconnect?

I've ran the sway bar disconnect in my last 2 trucks. I really think it helps with the ride. I've had 3 other 4WD Square bodies over the years without a disconnect. Big difference. I believe the fact that the disconnect removes the binding point at the leaf spring mount lets the sway bar and springs work in different arcs, thus allowing a better ride.

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[climb-101]

Bilstein has measurements chart and an online chat area that is helpfull. if you measure the collapsed and extended length you can go off there chart and find one. i have some in mine and there listed as a factory replacement set for he 4runners.

 

[Doppleganger]

Thanks for the info and pic fellas - GREAT help!

 

[Doppleganger]

Sorry for the plethora of stupid questions.....its been awhile since I had my last square body so gotta get visuals in my head as to how all this works.

I would also recommend ORD's front shackle kit and the sway bar disconnect.

I get the sway bar disconnect - its on the grocery list for sure. Whats the shackle kit do?

There isn't a need to use their "custom" front shock mounts. On their website they show for a 2" lift using the stock shock mount you need a shock with 8.13" of travel.

Then below in another chart they have the 8.13" shock info. 21.54" extended and 13.58" collapsed.

I'd just order those.

It looks like the part number for that shock would be
33-185590

What about the rears? I have read some who used the stock length ones......doesn't sound right though. I dont follow the flipping shackles thing either.

Thanks again fellas for all the help - is VERY appreciated.

 

[Craig 85]

Shackles are a lot beefier and 1/2" longer like the 88-91's. It helps prevent the spring from bottoming out on the frame from too much travel. ORD's shackles are greaseble and frees up friction.