Lift height vs shock ability

[21Moja]

It seems as though most lift manufacturers claim a height but actual height is another story...For example, Clayton 2.5" is not a 2.5" lift, the actual is closer to 3-3.5" plus, if I look at shocks they too have ranges for lift compatibility. So if looking at a Falcon or Fox shock that is 2-3" will this work on the 2.5" lift?

Sponsored

 

[j.o.y.ride]

If you know the final height of the lift from middle of the 2 shock bolts then you can find the proper shock length. There is nothing standardized to truly reliably get the proper shocks until you know the true length needed. If you buy a package including shocks from a lift kit you can be reasonably assured it's correct. If you piece it together ehhh.

You could also get a proxy guess by looking at the part # of the shocks included in a given kit and then go find the spec lengths of that model on the shock companies website. That should be fairly reliable to take those length specs from one shock mfg to another. But it's getting a little distant from the initial needs of the lift.

 

[21Moja]

If you know the final height of the lift from middle of the 2 shock bolts then you can find the proper shock length. There is nothing standardized to truly reliably get the proper shocks until you know the true length needed. If you buy a package including shocks from a lift kit you can be reasonably assured it's correct. If you piece it together ehhh.

You could also get a proxy guess by looking at the part # of the shocks included in a given kit and then go find the spec lengths of that model on the shock companies website. That should be fairly reliable to take those length specs from one shock mfg to another. But it's getting a little distant from the initial needs of the lift.

I find it doubtful that most people are actually measuring properly for their shocks...I could be wrong. Logically most are just using what the manufacturers recommend, unfortunately, there will always be a bias towards a specific shock manufacturer

 

[Dougstdig]

It seems as though most lift manufacturers claim a height but actual height is another story...For example, Clayton 2.5" is not a 2.5" lift, the actual is closer to 3-3.5" plus, if I look at shocks they too have ranges for lift compatibility. So if looking at a Falcon or Fox shock that is 2-3" will this work on the 2.5" lift?

If I’m not mistaking, @Clayton Off Road anticipates a steel front bumper with winch into their formulation / manufacturing parameters. Other than this, there’s no way to accurately account for all other options, body weights etc.

 

[21Moja]

If I’m not mistaking, @Clayton Off Road anticipates a steal front bumper with winch into their formulation / manufacturing parameters. Other than this, there’s no way to accurately account for all other options, body weights etc.

That is correct, its also based upon the rear (Clayton is) of the Jeep on a Rubicon...

 

[Dougstdig]

That is correct, its also based upon the rear (Clayton is) of the Jeep on a Rubicon...

…not to sound like a commercial for Clayton, but I’ve seen numerous posts and YT vids where folks have swapped kits from other manufacturers to Clayton as other manufacturers springs seem to have issues with spring sag over time…especially the rear as weight is added.

 

[21Moja]

…not to sound like a commercial for Clayton, but I’ve seen numerous posts and YT vids where folks have swapped kits from other manufacturers to Clayton as other manufacturers springs seem to have issues with spring sag over time…especially the rear as weight is added.

Dont get me wrong, I love my Clayton lift...Its been great the entire time Ive owned it (I love their control arms).

 

[Blade1668]

Years ago the available shock mfg and lift kits was less plentiful and some didn't include shocks or for other mods. What might be a 3 in lift ended up as 4.5 or 2 due to various other factors. Same situation now due to Sport, Overland vs Rubicon or Mojave ect.
So you had to install kit then find correct length shocks but not as much now. On my XJ I relocated lower shock mounts direct on axle tube and done away with bar pins so there was no direct off the shelf ones for it. So out with tape measure for drooping and compression, after that find out what vehicle used that specific type of shocks to get them at local shop /store.
Dang is it easy nowadays. Almost 2 weeks without cell service and e-net... so I could be start hurting feelings too. ?

 

[Clayton Off Road]

It seems as though most lift manufacturers claim a height but actual height is another story...For example, Clayton 2.5" is not a 2.5" lift, the actual is closer to 3-3.5" plus, if I look at shocks they too have ranges for lift compatibility. So if looking at a Falcon or Fox shock that is 2-3" will this work on the 2.5" lift?

Hey Chris!

The heights of our kits are based on the amount of lift gained in the rear as this is the taller end of the vehicle, and all of our kits are about .5" taller than advertised. We also remove about 1" out of the 2" of factory rake, which means you're gaining an additional inch up front. For example, our 2.5" kits on the JT would work out to about 3" of lift in the rear and 4" of lift in the front.

Fox and Falcon shock packages listed as 2-3" of lift work perfectly with this setup as most shock manufacturers take into consideration that the front end tends to get a little extra lift.

 

[21Moja]

Hey Chris!

The heights of our kits are based on the amount of lift gained in the rear as this is the taller end of the vehicle, and all of our kits are about .5" taller than advertised. We also remove about 1" out of the 2" of factory rake, which means you're gaining an additional inch up front. For example, our 2.5" kits on the JT would work out to about 3" of lift in the rear and 4" of lift in the front.

Fox and Falcon shock packages listed as 2-3" of lift work perfectly with this setup as most shock manufacturers take into consideration that the front end tends to get a little extra lift.

Im glad you jumped in on this, I looked at the 2-3" lift shocks but based upon measurements (mainly the rear) this Falcon shock table shows the 3.5-4.5 shocks would suit better. This is what I followed to measure the back:

Measure between the shock mounts at ride height.
2. Measure between the bumpstop and the point where the bumpstop contacts. Add 1" for compression of the rubber bumpstop.
3. Subtract #2 from #1.

My measurement was exactly 19.5", this puts me in perfect range for the longer shock...

 

[Clayton Off Road]

Im glad you jumped in on this, I looked at the 2-3" lift shocks but based upon measurements (mainly the rear) this Falcon shock table shows the 3.5-4.5 shocks would suit better. This is what I followed to measure the back:

Measure between the shock mounts at ride height.
2. Measure between the bumpstop and the point where the bumpstop contacts. Add 1" for compression of the rubber bumpstop.
3. Subtract #2 from #1.

My measurement was exactly 19.5", this puts me in perfect range for the longer shock...

I would reach out to Falcon for further explanation with this chart, but in our testing and based on customer feedback the 2-3" shocks work best with the 2.5" kit. In general, longer travel shocks on the Gladiator tend to be a bit too long even for the 3.5" lift, and even Falcon recommends running a set of limiting straps or spring retainers with the longer version, so I would personally stick with the shorter version for the 2.5" lift.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Measure between the shock mounts at ride height.
2. Measure between the bumpstop and the point where the bumpstop contacts. Add 1" for compression of the rubber bumpstop.
3. Subtract #2 from #1.

My measurement was exactly 19.5", this puts me in perfect range for the longer shock...

That's not how it works...

this is better...
1. Pull your springs and shocks.
2. fully raise axle (compression) to rest on bump-stops, measure shock mount to mount.
3. Install springs.
4. fully lower axle to where springs are at max, but still seated (extended) measure shock mounts again.
5. subtract 4 from 2 to determine the travel.
6. Use all 3 numbers to compare and shop for shocks.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

That's not how it works...

this is better...
1. Pull your springs and shocks.
2. fully raise axle (compression) to rest on bump-stops, measure shock mount to mount.
3. Install springs.
4. fully lower axle to where springs are at max, but still seated (extended) measure shock mounts again.
5. subtract 4 from 2 to determine the travel.
6. Use all 3 numbers to compare and shop for shocks.

You're doing it the slow way and you're not accounting for compression of the rubber bump stop.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

You're doing it the slow way and you're not accounting for compression of the rubber bump stop.

How is this "The slow way" ? This is the correct way.... I guess the "fast way" is to just buy the kit that has already had these steps done and figured out for you?

Figuring out bump stop is an entirely different exercise in measurements. But, yes... I forgot to remove the bump stops to take the measurements first...

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

How is this "The slow way" ? This is the correct way.... I guess the "fast way" is to just buy the kit that has already had these steps done and figured out for you?

Figuring out bump stop is an entirely different exercise in measurements. But, yes... I forgot to remove the bump stops to take the measurements first...

It's slow because you don't have to pull the coils and shocks to get your fully compressed measurement.

You do not need the springs and shocks out of the way. Measure between shock mounts at ride height. Measure travel before bumpstop hits. Subtract for bumpstop compression. Do math.

Fully extended you can measure just for fun. But you'll be buying the shock that fits the fully compressed measurement unless you plan to add some bumpstop.

Sponsored