How to determine the correct shock absorber length

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Observe the following three guidelines when determining the correct shock absorber length for your vehicle.

  1. Preparing the Car:
    Place the car body on a level surface and remove springs, shock absorbers, bump rubbers, and sway bar(s).
  2. Determining the Maximum Length:
    Raise the car body until the tires are lifted off the ground. Take careful note of which component of the suspension is limiting the suspension from traveling further. Raise the tire enough to prevent that suspension component from binding. Measure between the center of the upper and lower shock mounting points. This gives you the desired maximum length shock.
  3. Determining the Minimum Length:
    Lower the car to the point at which the tub just touches on the pavement, or a tire just touches on the inside of the fender well, or until some other suspension component uses up all its available travel. Measure between the center of the upper and lower shock mounting points. Now select a KONI shock with a minimum which is shorter than your measured minimum suspension length. By choosing a slightly shorter shock you protect the shock from bottoming out and causing internal damage.