Size of shocks with 4 in lift?

[DnvrJay71]

Hi everyone. I'm totally new to this, but am attempting to learn everything as I start my project. I've been looking at blazers for over a year now and finally found a 71 CST 4x4 - 4 speed
I need to replace the shocks first, but it's got a 4 inch (block) suspension lift on it. Current shocks are rancho 5001-9 and are marked c2751.
My question is what size and what shocks would you all recommend? This will be a daily driver\ camping and hunting..... so I'm not planning on switching out the axles or going crazy offroading just yet.

[gcburdic]

ttt

[Altec]

Is that blocks on all four corners? Or just the rear?

You pretty much have two options. Bilstein's, or anything else. Haha.

The Bilstein 5100 is a great shock, with a firm ride. Good for a full size. Only real draw back is that they are more expensive.

Probably not the best price, but Poly is a stand up shop.
http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/...s-p-19258.html

When you talk Rancho RS5000, Rough Country Nitro 9000, Pro Comp ES9000, and the Skyjacker Nitro 8000. The Rough Country, Pro Comp, and Skyjacker are pretty comparable (Haha, that is a nice way of putting it...). reviewed as good riding shocks, and great for a budget. You can do one on each corner of your Blazer for roughly $165-$180.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/shocks-and-...estid=35726630

Honestly, you can't really go wrong with the ones I've listed. My opinion is to read a couple reviews, do some pricing, and pick the best deal.

Also- Totally my opinion here, but I'd skip the rubber boots. They always end up looking like crap, and if they rip they will just hold water.

[DnvrJay71]

Blocks are just on the rear so I'm assuming it must be add-a-leaf up front? looks level so I wasn't sure if standard shocks would fit or if i had to get anything else?

[leakyfawcett]

Just out of curiosity, what size tires are those on the blazer in those photos?

[DnvrJay71]

33x12.5

[Altec]

Originally Posted by DnvrJay71

Blocks are just on the rear so I'm assuming it must be add-a-leaf up front? looks level so I wasn't sure if standard shocks would fit or if i had to get anything else?

Oh, ok. Leaf spring front, block rear lift kits are very common. No issues there.

Factory shocks aren't long enough. All the ones I listed are available in different lengths. Like 0"-1", 2"-4", 5"-6", and 7"-8". After that you start getting into custom brackets, and choosing shocks by travel.

[silver7]

I made custom dual shock brackets for my 71 C10 4x4 and since the mounting point was different I had to pick a different set of shocks which were operational within my new length. If I were you I would measure top to bottom mounting point then check out different shocks on www.summitracing.com. Most of the shocks I looked at gave a minimum and maximum length. I went with shocks which were close to the middle of the range installed and had room to compress and extend as needed.

[Altec]

To do custom length shocks the best way to get the length you need is to jack the truck up by the frame, and measure from the shock mounting point on the frame, to the shock mounting point on the axle. Add roughly a inch to that just in case. Then measure the distance from your bump stop to where it touches the axle (Don't forget to compensate for the rubber compressing).

Take the length you got from your first measurement from frame-to-axle, and subtract the distance you got from you bump stop-to-axle measurement and you have your compressed length.

Most will tell you to flex the vehicle out as much as possible to get these measurements. Granted, this will tell you if there is any forced droop on the leaf springs from the axle articulating, but for the normal person it isn't necessary. At that point I'd probably be looking at limiting straps anyway...

[TheWhiteElephant]

Originally Posted by DnvrJay71

Hi everyone. I'm totally new to this, but am attempting to learn everything as I start my project. I've been looking at blazers for over a year now and finally found a 71 CST 4x4 - 4 speed
I need to replace the shocks first, but it's got a 4 inch (block) suspension lift on it. Current shocks are rancho 5001-9 and are marked c2751.
My question is what size and what shocks would you all recommend? This will be a daily driver\ camping and hunting..... so I'm not planning on switching out the axles or going crazy offroading just yet.

Out of curiousity, why are you "just" replacing the shocks? Is it riding rough? Are you planning any other upgrades to the suspension in the future?