so i finally have all the parts i need for my sprung over toyota axles samurai. all but one big thing. well, four. i ordered some rancho rs5000 from 4wheelonline and they sent me stock height shocks. i figured i'd have about an 8 inch lift with the axles and the 3inch lifted shocks from trail gear, but they said that rancho doesn't make an 8" lifted shock.
it kills me to have all my stuff but i can't lift my slamurai. so first of all, im wondering what size shock i can get that will be juuuuuust right. second: should i stick with rancho or would a calmini 5" work? third:does anybody have some cheap shocks they wanna give me a killer deal on?

-thanks

So your running a SOA with 3" lift springs?

Stock shocks will work, but they will limit your suspension something fierce.  Your best bet would probably be to pick up some Ford F-250/350 Shock Towers.  This will allow you to run longer shocks for a Ford full size instead of shocks made specifically for your Samurai.

Here's my suggestion flex out your rig and take measurements at full stuff from shock mount to shock mount and full extension from shock mount to shock mount. Do this for both front and back. Then go to your local parts dealer and ask to see the shock spec sheets or books.
Look up the type of mounts you have then look up shocks that have those types of mounting points and then look for shocks that are close to your full stuff measurments and full extension measurements.
Take a half inch off your stuff measurements just to make sure it compresses enough.
Gook Luck.
Bash