Skyjacker Shock Sizing Question

[Rampager]

So in the very near future I am buying new shocks for my 96 2wd B3000 and have almost decided on Skyjacker with a front 2 inch coil spring leveling kit as well. But looking into shock sizing has me confused now. The rear shocks I'm getting are the N8058 and are spec'ed for between 0" and 3.5" lift which is fine because if anything I might put a 2" block back there but for now is staying stock height. In the front I am going to get the Skyjacker 2 inch leveling kit which is simply longer coils. My stock front shocks are almost exactly 15' extended length and 5" stroke but the N8052 shocks Skyjacker recommends for up to 2" lift are only slightly larger in size.

• Collapsed Length (in.): 10.02
• Extended Length (in.): 15.69
• Shock Stroke (in.): 5.30

Could someone clarify how I will still manage to get a 2" lift when the recommended shock has an extended length of less than an inch more than stock? Wouldn't the shock top out and limit the change in ride height? Wouldn't I be better suited for the N8054 which seems to be sized better for a 2" lift above stock?

• Collapsed Length (in.): 11.52
• Extended Length (in.): 18.66
• Shock Stroke (in.): 7.14

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[rickf92592]

I won't speak to Skyjacker's application chart (not a big fan of the brand) but:
Visualize where your springs and shocks are in relation to the pivot point of the a-arm and the spindle/wheel. As you get closer to the a-arm pivot point, there is less travel compared to the wheel travel.
You don't need 2" longer springs/shocks to get 2" of lift at the wheel which is where lift dimensions are calculated.

 

[mp3deviant721]

You have a TIB system. There is the "lift ratio" that you need to take into consideration. Simply put, you get 1.5in of lift at the wheel to every 1in you put under the coil spring or adding to the coil spring. So a shock would not necessarily have to have an extra 2in of length. That 2in longer shock may give you extra travel but probably wouldn't be worth getting because that one shock that is just slightly longer than stock would be fine. Get what what I'm getting at? Also one word of advice, that Skyjacker kit may not give you the full 2in that you are looking for. You may want to look into coil spring spacers and a new pair of stock springs.