Wrecked

I've been dreaming of having a lift kit for a while and trying to plan out everything so when the time comes I am prepared to do everything right. I have read about a lot of people recomending BPEs for a wider selection of shocks. How do you know what length shocks to buy after you install the BPEs and the lift? You would no longer be able to just search for shocks for a XJ with a 3" lift because the different mounting method. Sorry if its a stupid question but I haven't found the answer anywhere.

Wrecked

No one knows the answer?

Jamie57

Hang on. There is a guy on here that has a chart for shock lengths.
You can also go to your parts supplier and ask them. If you put the BPE's on you now have the most common shock attachments out there. You just need to figure out collapsed and extended lengths.
If the BPE's shorten shock length by an inch and your adding a 3 inch lift then it makes sense to look for a 2 inch longer shock extended length.

4.3L XJ

Still hanging on? Just support the vehicle when your done and measure the length from the bpe to bpe or stud. Then follow the instructions in this post.

Several of you have asked how to find shocks for your lift kit, or better yet your home made lift. It is not enough to say "I have a 3" or 4.5" springs or kit". For instance, a Rancho or Skyjacker 3" kit will take stock length shocks while a Rubicon Express kit will not. there is a way to figure out what shocks you will need in most of the major brands.

First go to: Monroe Electronic Rapid Information System (MERIS)


Then click on "Passenger Cars and Light Trucks" and then find your Jeep, such as 86 Cherokee.



You will now notice several shocks listed for the front and rear. Let's pick a front shock #911026. This is a stock front shock. Now click on "Misc. Application Info"



Now click on "Mounting and Length Sheets" You will get a PDF file of their catalogue. Scroll through until you find your shock number.



You now have a lot of information at your disposal. You now know it has a S4 stud top mount, a XP4 bottom mount and that it is 20.375" long when extended.
At this point you need to go back to the first three pages to find out how to measure your shock and know what S4 and XP4 mean.



At this point we find that we can substitute an S3 mount for an S4 if we need to, and an XP3 for an XP4.

Now it is the time to know just how long a shock you need. So go jack up your front end and undo your shock and measure the distance between mounts. The PDF file will show you how on page 379.

Now go through the PDF file and you will find that you already have the longest shock with those mounts. Here is where a little knowledge comes in handy. JKS makes adapters for the XP4 mount and also the S4 mount on the top if you need them. These convert your mount to an L1 mount, which is much more common. So let's try it again with our adapters. Let's just adapt the bottom to a L1 and leave the top at a S4. Still nothing that fits. Now let's adapt both top and bottom to L1

Now there is:

911029 at 23" length
911172 at 22.65" length

Scrolling through the Reflex shocks

SC2911 at 22.875"
SC2913 at 24"
SC2946 at 25.62"
SC2957 at 26.875"

Scrolling through the Gas Magnum shocks

555006 at 22.25"
555949 at 29.375


At this point, there is a shock length that will accommodate an 8" lift, maybe more depending on spring manufacturer. If you don't like Monroe shocks, just find the brand you like, give them a number and ask them to convert it to their brand and you will have what you want.

Jamie57

Told Ya.
Man I love this site

A55MULL3T

Ok, now what about the opposite direction? I want to know what's the shortest shocks I can use on my 2000 2wd in order to lower it down more. Already running 17" wheels w lowpro 45rs
TIA PFA