How to Measure Shock Length to Install Lippert Bolt-On Shock Mount Kit

Updated 03/15/2016 | Published 03/13/2016

Question:

How do you measure the length of a shock? From where to where on the shock?

asked by: Gerald D

Expert Reply:

I will be happy to help explain how you would measure a shock such as # LC283280. Basically, you will compress the shock all the way (A) then mark the inner leg where the outer leg stops. Then release compression and measure the stroke (how far the shock moves) (B). Then measure the half way point of the stroke (C). Then you measure the shock length with it compressed to the half way point (Fig. 4A). The measurement cannot exceed the fully extended or compressed lengths.

Add 2 inches to that last measurement. Make a measurement perpendicular to the shock mounting lip on the tie plate that is the same distance and make a mark on the I-beam parallel to the shock mounting lip on the tie plate. The shock should be up to a 45 degree angle but no more as shown in the picture for the Lippert kits.

expert reply by: Michael H