Hey guys, sorry if I sound like a total newb; I'm kinda new to the whole 4x4 thing. I did some searching but couldn't really find a good answer.

Anyway, I just bought this truck about a month ago with what looks to be a 4" lift in the rear(I measured the rear blocks to be about 4" tall) and cranked torsion bars in the front. The truck has some aftermarket shocks(not sure what kind, all I know is they're blue) but I don't think they're extended length.

I had a chance today to try some flexing and I'm pretty disappointed, especially since I have both sway bars removed. I have a feeling the previous owner just put on some factory replacement shocks that aren't extended length which I think is the reason for my poor flex.

Here's some pics so you can get an idea what I'm talking about. I apologize for my ugly truck, she's been through hell!





So those of you that have a 4" block lift in the rear, what shocks are you guys running?

Thanks!

All help is greatly appreciated!
Alec

 

It looks like those shocks stock length if not shorter.
You can search to web to find the size of the shocks meant for 4" lift kit.
Take those dimensions/numbers to any local parts store, they should be able to cross reference the size and get you some decently priced extended shocks.
If not, then you can always order some new shocks designed for your lift i.e. skyjacker, superlift, etc ($$$).

 

The quality of ride will greatly improve and so will the spring flex/ axle droop!

 

Ah, I was hoping there would already be part numbers compiled. How do I know how much longer to get? Like I said, I'm new to this.

 

Rough Country Hydro 8000's (P/N #8132)... They're $29.95 and are for a 4-5 inch lift!

 

Thanks. I was looking at those along with the Superlift 85410. Any real difference between the two?

 

 

$23.79 each http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/catalog.php

 

Sweet!! Are those direct bolt-on, no modification needed?

 

All shocks should be direct bolt in.

 

Bushings may be different....when I bought my SkyJacker shocks the bushings were wrong. I just put the factory ones in them.

 

Which of these do I need? I'd assume I'd want the last one because it has the most travel? Or is that too big of shock for my 4" lift?

 

If you go to some of these shock mfg's websites, they have charts which show bushing size, extended and compressed lengths, etc. Also they will tell you which of their shocks are suited for a particular lift. Rancho has the chart I'm describing. Do a little bit o' reasearch...
Best way is to check your compression and extension length of your shock axle mount to your shock frame mount. Remove your shocks and cycle your axle. This will get you some idea of the numbers you should be looking for.

 

It seems most companies that sell 4" lifts couple them with shocks which are about 15.5" compressed and about 26" extended giving a total of around 10.5" travel.

Now my question is, can shocks with more travel be ran? Based on that chart, it seems like the Monroe PN# 34964 would definitely work, but I also see the PN# 34687 has almost 3" more travel. Would those work with my 4" lift or is it too large of a shock? If not, could I maybe use the PN# 34685? I want to get as much flex as I possibly can.


Thanks!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

I have an 85, and I think off the chart I am going to go with the 34930's with about a 4" lift for the rear. can anyone confirm the bushings are right on this shock?

also about the front, does anyone have any idea where I can find that chart like for the kind that have the loop on the bottom and the stem on the top?