Unclear on compressed and extended measurements

[chevymotocross]

I'm in search of a softer ride for my truck and I realize I need to get away from the too stiff Doetsch-Techs I'm running. Rear is lowered 6'' with shock extenders and the front is dropped with a 2'' coil (and 2.5'' spindles which I know don't affect the shock length).

http://www.monroe.com/assets/downloa...engthSheet.pdf

Monroe has a nice chart showing extended and compressed specs. So do I take the measurement between top and bottom mounting points (front and rear), for the extended measurement and with the truck on the ground on it's own weight for compressed?

[SCOTI]

You can use the Monroe info as a guide for comparison if your current set-up is not correct. You need to have a point of comparison 1st which means knowing what your current set-up is to allow comparing....

Take measurements of your shocks: @ ride height (installed w/full weight on the suspension); then remove a front & rear shock to verify fully extended/fully compressed lengths. Use your measurement data to verify your ride height is as close as possible to 3" more than the shocks fully compressed dimension (the point @ which the shock bottoms out causing poor ride quality).

With the 2" coil/2.5" spindle set-up, you should be fine w/OE replacement length shocks. As you stated, the addition of the drop spindles nets drop w/o impacting shock travel. This is where I usually opt to simply relocate the upper mount slightly higher to regain any travel lost if necessary (this is fairly easy to do on the 73-87's).

For the rear, the shock extenders will help but they don't help enough on over 6" drops. Since you only have the flip kit w/the extenders, some stock length replacements should work there as well. Use your measurement data & see if there's a need for shorter shocks....

Try the Monroe Sens-a-Tracs or KYB's GR-2's; good shocks w/o exessive pressures.

[chevymotocross]

Thanks for the reply SCOTI,

I doubt the oem length shocks will work with these 2'' coils. The lower control arms are parallel with the ground, drastic difference from stock. Haven't considered moving the upper shock mount but it does appear to be not to difficult.

As for the rear I forgot to mention I have the flip and shackles set to the 1'' drop (western chassis shackles). So not sure if oem will work but atleast now I have an idea of how to measure for the setup.