How do I measure to find out rear shock size

Dart Vader · Post by **Dart Vader** » Sat Jun 23, 12 1:34 pm

Hiya Guys

As you know I'm swapping out a 7.25 to 8.75 axle in the Dart and going to stiffer leaf springs.

Question - How do I measure, i.e. from where to where, to find out what size new rear shocks I need?

Has anyone done this and now what length shocks they used?

Vader

DaveBishop · Post by **DaveBishop** » Sat Jun 23, 12 2:08 pm

Hi Vader.
I don't know if I was right but when I did the same swap back in the 1970s I just used the same shocks I later put Monroe's on thay were the only american shock that you could get at the time but they fitted an a body no matter what axle you used.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Sat Jun 23, 12 2:13 pm

eye to eye extended length

Dart Vader · Post by **Dart Vader** » Sat Jun 23, 12 3:26 pm

So basically, put the axle in at the ride height I want and measure eye to eye and buy a set that meets the figure when extended?

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Sat Jun 23, 12 6:02 pm

No.

You need to know the shock will move the full max possible suspension movement. When the car is sat on its wheels the shocks should be compressed half way.

Take a shock off, compress it as much as possible, measure it. Then extend it as much as possible. Measure it again. Compare that with the length it was on the car with the weight on the wheels.

Look at the shock spec when picking a shock. Places like Summit Racing tell you the extended length at least.

Dart Vader · Post by **Dart Vader** » Sat Jun 23, 12 8:56 pm

Cheers Dave, understand now

Basically so it can move equal amounts in both directions when it actually in the car

Thanks