So idk if this in the right section, if not can one of the admins move it?

So before I start I know I should flex out and measure it, but I'm at work all day today and want to order the shocks today.

My XJ sits at exactly 3" over stock front and back, currently on 31s but plan on going to 33s or 35s here soon. I want to know what the longest shocks you guys would recommend? Not lookinf for a whole bunch of up travel as 35s on 3" will be a pretty low COG build, but I want to maximize my down travel. Currently have RC's 3" shocks and i have about 3" of exposed shaft at ride height. This is about maxed out as I can get.

 

I just recently jumped through a bunch of hoops trying to figure out some shocks from other vehicles that would fit a lifted XJ.

Based on various stock replacements the stock length is 12.7 compressed and 20 extended give or take some fractions of an inch. Looking at specs of various lift kits that included shocks they increased these specs the same as the lift. 3" lift 23" extended shocks. Measuring my own XJ I found these to be fairly accurate. You should be able to calculate based on that and do alright IMO.

 

With short arms you could probably just go by the recommended lift amount. With long arms I would definitely flex it and measure. And make sure you bump stop properly!

 

go onto summit website. look at the bilsteins. they show all collapsed and extended lengths. you can even call in and discuss some part numbers and see if they have any similar sizes if you're looking to get really specific. the best way to do it is measure how long your shocks are at ride height

eye-eye length at ride height
subtract length of exposed shock shaft at ride height
that equals your collapsed length. so if you want to keep that uptravel find a similar shock on the summit site

I ran 12" travel shocks on adjustable short arms/4.5" lift and pulled the entire shaft out of the shock once. needed limit straps.. so try to find maybe an 11" travel shock and run 3-4" of uptravel.

 

You won't need over 10" shocks with the stock lca's and no drop brackets. Lift does not matter.

If you go with a larger than 10" travel shock on stock lca's you will actually lose travel.

I am currently at 2.5 lift and 35 x 15 x 15 swampers. Just threw the tires on. And trying to get them to clear without rubbing. And still retain the stock flares.

 

The arms will be swapped soon, and not looking for much up travel as I dont plan on going higher than 3", and plan on 35s before I dove it front and back. I max out my shocks at full flex they measure 23" eye to eye. And my stock lca dont touch my coil buckets. I preffer having down travel and staying stable, ive seen too many flops from too much lift. Ill probaby remove they shocks this weekend and max it out, a lil late to order now.

 

I run 10" bilsteins. My lca's hit the coil mount way before the shock maxed. And adjustable ones now as well as modified coil mounts. Still with 10" shocks. Any more down travel and the axle would be at a horrible angle.

 

The only way I would run longer shocks is with drop brackets. This way your lca stays at a better angle. Or go long arm. 10" of travel is more than enough.

 

Look at my passenger lca with 10" bilsteins. No way I would want a steeper angle.

 

you going to long arms? caveman is right about at least one thing. lowers will hit your buckets. I bent an RE control arm that way. but you can shave those buckets down a bit. I know you want to stay low but if need be you will be 100% fine stepping up to a 4.5" lift. a 3" lift does not a lowCOG make.

why remove your shocks? dude I told you exactly the answer you need in my post above. you can pull your current uptravel AND estimate your eye to eye length while the jeep is at ride height. get bilsteins that have the collapse length you like with the longest travel available. if it's too long get limit straps. you should be running limit straps anyway no need to complicate it

if you want that badass downtravel you'll need long arms. caveman has the right amount of travel to not have his axle swoop underneath his jeep. but if you get 12" travel shocks now and long arms later, you wont have to get another set of shocks later. ya dig?

12" travel on short arms. not a pretty site...




same exact shocks and lift height, but with long arms and proper limit straps

 

I hate when we agree on something.

 

I was gonna give you **** for saying lift height in relation to shock length does not matter but then I thought nah. let sleeping dogs lie .!....!.

 

Why buy twice?
Install the suspension you want and then MEASURE SO YOU GET THE RIGHT SHOCKS.

 

LOL

 

I would love to see a pic of that setup