Stock Shocks.....sizing Issues

View attachment 35312 View attachment 35312 View attachment 35313 View attachment 35313 OK, I took the 4" lift off and returned the jeep to stock height. (front shackle has +1") I now need stock shocks to replace the longer Skyjackers that came with the lift kit. Do I just go with a stock length from an auto parts search for my 74 or do I measure? As you can see, body is off and it wont be put back on for some time. Also, the bump stops installed are only about 2" tall. Would these be similar to stock?


Stock steelies going back on. Not any hardcore wheeling where I live so more street based. Sorry, hardcore guys.....

THX

 

Measure. But you should be able to use the factory replacements.

Your collapsed length must be less than the distance between the pins minus the distance from the axle to the axle stop.

The front shackle extension will give you 1/2" extra distance from the stop to the axle, but you still need to limit upward motion with the bumper, not with the shock absorber.

 

X2 on what Timgr said. Measure what you have then compare to stock length shocks and make sure they will work.

 

Thanks guys...I guess it's best to get everything back together and then pick up the shocks.......Wheels and steering shaft are coming soon so we are moving forward.....


OLDSKOOL

 

Putting more weight on the chassis won't change the measurement. Both the distance between the pins and the distance from the axle to the bumper will change the same amount as you add or remove weight, giving you the same maximum collapsed length.

NB the axle bumper will squish some when the axle hits the bumper, so err on the side of a slightly shorter shock.

 

Understood and not sure I didn't even process that. Based on the photos, The shock mounts look stock to me. Do most bump stops come in around 2 inches thick for stock? If so, I will pick up shocks locally and measure them against the CJ's geometry. Return if no go....



OLDSKOOL

 

Pretty sure the factory bump stops are available. They are usually about 1.25" thick block, or a wedge-shape about 1.5" on each side. What you have on the front looks correct, though I can't see the rears in your pics. Typically you'd add steel between the frame and the bumper if you need to limit travel more.

Yes, from what I can see in the pictures, everything looks original to me except the front shackles.

The V8 CJs usually have a steel block between the bumper and the frame on the front passenger side to give the oil pump cover a little added protection. None on sixes, IIRC.

 

So that's what a frame looks like. I'm from NNY. I just assumed they came new with rust, cracks, boxed in welds...