How do you go about selecting the right length shock one needs? Right now, my front shocks are bottoming out before the axle hits the bump stops. Previous owner put a 3 inch lift on the truck and it has some Rancho shocks on. If I hit a big enough hole, it just jars the truck really bad when the suspension compresses. Looks like if the shock is bottomed out, there's about an inch and a half gap between the bumpstop and axle. The rears are just fine. Thanks for any info.

 

When you order shocks, most come in several lenghts according to lifts. The Skyjackers I got come in 0-2" and 3-4" lenghts. Hope this helps.

 

sounds like you need a shorter length shock. i wouldn't run long travels on a 79-85 truck with stock steering -- you'd break the j-arm eventually

 

Thanks guys, looks like I found something that may work at Summit Racing.

 

Well, I went for the Skyjacker N8055 shocks for the 3 inch lift and they're the same damn size as what's on the truck Going to exchange them for the N8054 shocks which are for the 1.5-2.5 inch lift. Compressed length is a couple inches shorter which is about what I need. Extended length is about 4 inches shorter though :/

 

#*(^%**&^@$*&^ dang Summit Racing..... exchanged the shocks but didn't get to check them till tonight after getting back from a 2200 mile round trip drive to Arizona and back. (old gal did alright except for going up hills) Summit packed 1 correct shock but here's the puzzler. They also packed 6 big u-joints that aren't even on the invoice! Going to drive for 3 hours or so and exchange them in person to make damn sure I get what I ordered.