So I installed a 1.75" Daystar/ProComp lift on my Jeep w/33's. Obviously that ate up 1.75" of travel in the downward direction. I wanted new shocks, so I called Teraflex because I like the no-hype "black" shocks they sell, plus Tera seems to make some really nice products. They say their smallest shock is good for a 2-4" lift, which to me seems like a big window.....? These are the shocks that come with their 2.5", 3", and 4" lifts, part #'s 001553200 (front) and 001554200 (rear).

Well I recieved the shocks and let me tell you they're LOOOONG. I'm NOT too sure they would work with a 2" kit and am kinda suprised they ship with their 2.5" kit. Overall they're 4" longer than the stock Rubicon shock That means that with their 2.5" lift, the axles are going to drop 1.5" further than stock, on their 3" kit - 1" further, and on their 4" kit, the shocks should be perfect. Unless of course their is something else that stops the axles from falling...? But from what I understand, there IS NOT. I believe this could reek havoc on Brake Lines and Electrical Wires....?

I am somwhat suprised they sell such a generic shock with all of their kits. If my assumptions are wrong, please let me know. Just a heads-up and I thought it would be nice for people to know these numbers...

Here are the dimensions:

Rubicons - Front: 14.5"/22" Rear: 15"/23.5"
Tera's - Front: 16.5"/26.2" Rear: 17.2"/27.5"

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you can get limiting straps to stop downward travel, but this isn't going to be your issue. if your shocks are too long, they will bottom out when you stuff, which dramatically reduces their life. lengthen your bumpstops to the point where your shock doesn't bottom out.

 

Exactly!! Assuming that your shocks are in fact too long, you're real problem is that they may bottom out and in addition to wearing them out, you can end up damaging or ripping off a shock mount right off your Jeep. Unfortunately, I speak from experience here

 

If your kit came with 2" longer bumpstops, it might be possible to use the 4" longer shocks, since a 4" longer shock is only 2" longer when compressed. Extended brakelines are a must in this case. All of the Teraflex kits also use new upper spring isolators which have a "cone" to prevent the springs from the possibility of falling out when the suspension drops. If your kit doesn't have these you are also risking the springs falling out with the longer shocks.

 

I'm sorry, I guess I should have clarified. They are only 2" longer in the "compressed" configuration. I'm not worried about them bottoming out as I have extended bump stops. I AM WORRIED about them letting my axles move TOO far in the downward position!

No one seems too concerned about the axles moving too far downward while wheeling? Maybe it's not a problem.

My spacers do have cones so hopefully the springs won't fall out of their pockets...?

husky~

 

Just out of curiosity, have you verified that your bump stops make contact with the axle pad before your shocks bottom out?

If your axles are really drooping so much that your coils would fall out, believe me, your brake lines and/or ESP wiring harnesses would go first. A lot of droop is good and is something that you want on the trail and as mentioned before, your concern with shocks being too long should be with them bottoming out and not the other way around.

 

you would be suprised how long your esp wiring and brake lines can hold an axle up while on a vehicle lift... dont ask how I know..