Shocks

[Dominic]

Would you guys mind schooling me a bit on selecting shocks? The vehicle is a 1995 Grand Cherokee 5.2 with 6" springs and long arms. The current shocks have alot of up travel and limited down travel. I think they limit the articulation of the suspension. What is the proper way to calculate the length of shocks I need?

 

[Zombie]

Remove spring, and move the axle around Stuff to the point where you are either on bumpstop or have tire in the fender (if your tire is in the fender, you should really think about moving your bumpstops or moving your fenders)
So with your axle stuffede as far as it can go, you measure the distance between your upper and lower shock mounts, subtract a bit and use this as a base measurement for compressed length. If you need more travel than this length will allow, you need to work out moving your bumpstops around to get what you want out of your suspension.

Did I miss anything?

 

[Chevycrew]

I just max my suspension, then measure.

To measure the front, back up on an obstacle till the front lifts a tire. Then measure the extended length on one side, and the compressed on the other. (opposite for the rear.)

This will get you close, if possible add a couple extra inches each way. This may open a can of worms where you ending up moving mounts, etc...