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By Jim Oaks If you buy a suspension lift kit, the manufacturer usually has a set of shocks designated to fit the kit you're purchasing. Unfortunately, not all shock manufacturers list shocks for lifted vehicles. If they do, it may not be for the exact size of lift you have. So what if you've altered an aftermarket suspension lift, or you've created your own lift, and need to buy new shocks? This usually involves a lot of cross referencing, and some manufacturers may simply tell you that they don't have a shock for your application. From time to time I find myself looking up shocks for people with custom applications. I decided to make a chart to help others looking for shocks to fit their Rangers. Below is a chart of shock applications for the Ford Ranger. I listed expanded/collapsed lengths and part numbers provided by the manufacturers. In order to do this, I just picked out one of there shock lines so I could get the dimensions. I was more concerned about lengths than shock types. For the Skyjacker shocks, part numbers beginning with 'H' are their Hydro shocks. Simply replace the 'H' with a 'N' for Nitro shocks. For ProComp, see the information below the charts.
I added Bilstein because they offer a shock for lifted Rangers, but I don't have the dimensions. As you can see, the shock dimensions for a 4x4 Ranger seems to be
Breaking Down ProComp Part Numbers: It can be easier to find a ProComp shock for your application if you know how much extended length you need and what mounting type you want. The part numbers for the ES1000, ES3000 and ES9000 break down as follows: First Digit = Series (1, 3 or 9) Digits 2,3 & 4 = Extended Length (225 = 22.5 Inches) Digit 5 = Mounting Type:
Digit 6 = Mounting Hardware Included Knowing this, we have been able to pick the right shocks for custom applications. Looking at the Procomp 31951 listed for the Ranger, we can break down the number and see that it is a ES3000 with a 19.5 extended length with a stem/loop type of mount. Measuring For New Shocks: These charts can be a guide to help you find new shocks. A better way would be to actually measure. Measure the distance from the upper and lower shock mounts with the vehicle parked at level ride height. Next, take the measurements again with the suspension cycled and flexed out. These measurements will give you the collapsed/extended length. It's also suggested that you measure the distance between the bump stop and where it contacts the axle. Subtract that distance from the measurement between the upper and lower shock mounts at ride height to get the compressed length. You may want to add .5-inch to 1-inch to that so the shock doesn't bottom out. It's important to get the right size shock. If the shock is too short, the travel and compression of the vehicle's suspension and axles will be limited. If you only measure for the extended length (suspension travel), the shock may be to long and not fit between the shock mounts (unless you raise the upper mount) when the vehicle is at ride height. If your suspension ends up with more travel than the shock allows, consider installing a limiting strap so you don't destroy the shock from the suspension wanting to pull it apart. On long travel suspensions, you generally see really high upper shock mounts, and will even see the shocks sitting way up in the bed. This is so they can fit shocks long enough to get full use of their suspension travel. If you've built a suspension for increased wheel travel, consider raising the height of the upper shock mount in order to fit shocks that will give you more use of that wheel travel. Looking Up Shock Specifications: Most shock manufacturers offer online catalogs for their shocks and even list their measurements. Here is a list of links to various manufacturers shock catalogs: Bilstein Off-Road Application Guide (.pdf) ProComp Shock Absorbers (.pdf) Rancho Shock Specifications (.pdf) Superlift Superide Shocks (.pdf) If you find that one of these links is no longer working, please EMAIL us so we can update it.
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