[MUDDERLUVER]

I need to replace the REAR shocks on my YJ. i will give you guys all the info i have because this will not be a "stock" replacement.

1994 YJ with a 5" coil conversion. 8.8" ford rear (i'm sure bottom mounts are in a different location than the stock rear axle). 35" tires.
if it makes a difference, there is about 8" between the top plate and the top of the bump stop at the bottom of the springs.

At ride height it is 17" from eye to eye between shock mounts. what i need to determine is what will be a safe compressed & extended measurement. the PO had a set of monroe gas shocks on it and when i pulled them off they were completely wasted. the monroes measure 14" compressed and 22.75" extended. i'm thinking that having 17" at ride height between mounts and using a 14" (compressed) shock wasn't the right choice but i know you have to take the angle of the shock mounting into consideration. i may be overthinking this but want to make sure i don't squash or rip a shock off while flexing. what do you think a safe compressed and extended measurement would be for me?
any input is appreciated.

and HAPPY EASTER to everyone.

 

[AllMudd]

I would try and flex and compress the suspension so you can measure the comoressed length and the extended length. And then maybe add/subtract 1" for measureing errors and the possibility that you were not able to fully travel the suspension.

 

[tstone]

Yep, you need to cycle the suspension and measure extended and collapsed lengths.

 

[MUDDERLUVER]

O.K. thanks guys. i was hoping there was a mathamatical way of doing it but i guess this will be the best way to be sure.

 

[Ez roller]

Try to use a fork lift if you can , put the forks together and lift it till the other tire on the same side your lifting just comes off the ground and take your measurements

 

[MUDDERLUVER]

I was able to use a platform under the jeep and jack it up until the tires were off the ground. the front shocks needed were fairly easy to figure out because the mounts are still close to stock but the rear.......not so much. when the PO installed the 8.8 rear in it he welded a couple lower shock mounts to fit his needs (which i think were for street only) because if i flexed with the shock length he had on there it would not have been pretty. they were mounted about 3 to 3.5" too high on the axle and was off just enough that i could not find a shock that would let me max flex and not damage the shocks.
i'm going to cut the current mounts off and relocate them in a lower position to give me a little extra travel in both directions so i don't hear "snap" while flexing.

thanks for the help guys!!

 

[StanF]

Another way to flex...I've seen a picture of someone using an engine hoist and a chain or strap through the holes in the wheel. It looked easy and safe, if you had a large enough hoist.

 

[Ez roller]

Here's a couple of pics of my set up, up front I welded a set of All Pro shock mounts to get more travel in the rear I made my own out of some tubbing and welded it up as high as possible and slanted them inward at the top

 

[MUDDERLUVER]

very nice!
now THAT is some flex right there.....
i will need to be creative with my bottom mountes because they are not correct. they even leaned in towards the tire at the top. not good.

 

[Ez roller]

I think your going about it the right way , cut em off and move to a better location just check the flex and make sure your measurements are right ,every set up is a little different,