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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: weeha66 on December 22, 2008, 05:06:52 AM

Title: Shock Absorber Info.
Post by: weeha66 on December 22, 2008, 05:06:52 AM
I just finished Installing a calmini S/R on my Sammy. Now I need longer shocks (about 2" longer) None of the local parts stores has any. Does anyone know of shocks for other vehicles will give me the 2" extra length?
Or, do I need to bite the bullet and order the high dollar ones off the net?

Thanks and Merry Christmas to all.
Title: Re: Shock Absorber Info.
Post by: Amilla on December 22, 2008, 09:52:15 AM
Whats high $? what are you looking to spend?
Title: Re: Shock Absorber Info.
Post by: weeha66 on December 22, 2008, 09:55:15 AM
not over $150.00
Title: Re: Shock Absorber Info.
Post by: Jeremiah on December 22, 2008, 04:27:50 PM
Your local parts stores have them, they're just being lazy. It won't be listed as a "longer travel" shock for a Samurai - you just need to ask them to crack open the books and get ones that are longer than what you have (measure it eye to eye collapsed and extended all the way). Is it 2" total, or 2" up 2" down (total of 4") longer? Whatever it is, give yourself another inch as "room for error". Get the cheapest shocks they carry - like the $10.00 - $15.00 ones. The cheaper they are, the softer they are - which is exactly what you need in a vehicle that weighs less than a gallon of milk.

The BEST way to do it is to flex your suspension all the way down (take measurement to your shock mounts), and all the way up (take measurements to your shock mounts again), give yourself an inch for room for error, and have the parts stores crack open the books. If I remember correctly, stock shocks can handle Calmini's SR just fine though... they didn't recommend changing shocks when I inquired. But, I'd bet you SHOULD change them - they're probably old and over-due to be swapped out.
Title: Re: Shock Absorber Info.
Post by: kubik1981 on December 22, 2008, 06:49:37 PM
if they are the same set up in the rear as a tracker i think a ford mustang rear shock will work. i not quite sure the year maybe 85-88 i think if you can get a hold of jeff1997 he has some part numbers
Title: Re: Shock Absorber Info.
Post by: Drone637 on December 23, 2008, 12:11:27 AM
They are different size then the Tracker rear shocks. 

Stock, according to Rancho is:

Rear - 17.875 in. Extended Length, 11.25 in. Collapsed Length.

Front - 15.25 in. Extended Length, 10.25 in. Collapsed Length

Like Jeremiah said, just go to the shock book and look up shocks with the right ends on them and just a bit longer.


Title: Re: Shock Absorber Info.
Post by: weeha66 on December 24, 2008, 07:38:46 AM
Thanks to all who replied. I did have to replace shocks with longer ones. Parts stores said they didn't have books anymore. I ended up calling Gabriel tech dept. he gave me the longer shock numbers I needed in about two minutes.
Title: Re: Shock Absorber Info.
Post by: Drone637 on December 24, 2008, 08:59:03 AM
Find better parts stores.  :D
Title: Re: Shock Absorber Info.
Post by: jason hutchison on December 24, 2008, 11:59:19 AM
I order directly from Doetch Tech and I am happy with their shocks and they are usually less than 50 bucks a shock depending on what you want.

Title: Re: Shock Absorber Info.
Post by: Vagabond on December 30, 2008, 08:47:22 PM
Measure for correct length.  Buy those that fit.  Forget about what else they fit.
I use the NAPA Advantage stocks, and they're very comfortable.  A bit of work matching up the size and ends with a number though.

There are too many variables for any one to give you informed advice about specific shock length. This is how you measure for them:
http://www.off-road.com/toyota/travel.html
Title: Re: Shock Absorber Info.
Post by: Jeremiah on December 31, 2008, 02:48:34 AM
Find better parts stores.  :D

x2

All the Napa stores I've been to have them. Sounds like your part guys are being lazy - I always offer to look myself.