Front Shocks

[Scouse Lee]

Apologies for clogging the forum up but the more I work on my SJ the more I find there are things I need.......could do with a decent set of front shocks but not sure what size I need as the truck is lifted, (well springs over axle)......how do I measure the shocks, I presume open them fully or is there another method, (it's all new to me).

[andyrew]

Hey lee.

Pop up some photos of your suspension set up

If it's been spoa the the shock mounts may have been relocated

[Scouse Lee]

well I've got the front axle complete with springs in my garage atm, gonna clean & paint it, put all new seals & bearings on and replace the leaf springs..........is it the shock mounts on the axle or the top ones you're on about?

[twiss]

He means the ones on the axle

[Scouse Lee]

yep I thought about it and came to the conclusion the top mounts couldn't have been modified just going out but will take pics on my return

[ScottieJ]

best thing to do is flex it up until it lifts a wheel. once on each side and then measure between the shock mounts, subtract at least 1" from the compressed length and then find a suitable shock with that closed length and an open length that is longer than the measurement you took.

you can get pro comp and rough country shocks in loads of sizes.

[Scouse Lee]

Here's a pic of the bottom shock mount, I presume this is standard........Scottie I can't follow your advice because the axles not on the SJ

[twiss]

That isnt a standard shock mount... The standard shock mount was originally part of the U-bolt plate

Also, what the f**k is up with the ridiculous washers and double bolts????

[andyrew]

Here's a pic of the bottom shock mount, I presume this is standard........Scottie I can't follow your advice because the axles not on the SJ

that u bolt looks rather scary.

in theory u could use standard shocks on the front if you use the original shock mounting position
(on the spring plate)

but id have thought astra shocks would be about right if you use the current shock mount (on the axle

this is only a guess and ideally you want to measure it all up.

[ScottieJ]

Yeah might be worth getting some new U bolts if you haven't already.

Personally I would wait until the axle is fitted, then follow what I said, much better to do that than to end up with shocks that are the wrong lengths.