Shock Length Calculator
The shock length calculator is specially designed to help calculate the appropriate shock absorber length for various vehicles, particularly in off-road and performance applications.
Consider a Jeep Wrangler owner planning to lift their vehicle by 3 inches. They would use a shock size length calculator to determine the new shock length needed to accommodate the increased suspension travel. Shock Length Chart
| Vehicle Type | Stock Height | Lift Height | Recommended Shock Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler JK | 18 inches | 2 inches | 20-21 inches |
| Ford F-150 | 22 inches | 3 inches | 25-26 inches |
| Toyota Tacoma | 20 inches | 1.5 inches | 21.5-22.5 inches |
| Chevrolet Silverado | 23 inches | 4 inches | 27-28 inches |
| Land Rover Defender | 19 inches | 2.5 inches | 21.5-22.5 inches |
Shock Length Formula
The shock length formula is:
New Shock Length = Stock Shock Length + Lift Height + Additional TravelSuppose you have a Toyota 4Runner with stock shocks measuring 25 inches. You’re planning a 3-inch lift and want to add 1 inch of additional travel for better off-road performance.
Plugging these values into our formula:
New Shock Length = 25 + 3 + 1 = 29 inchesYou should look for shocks around 29 inches in length to accommodate your lift and desired additional travel.
How do I know what length shock I need?
- Measure your current shocks: With the vehicle at ride height, measure from mounting point to mounting point.
- Consider your lift height: If you’re lifting your vehicle, add this to your measurement.
- Factor in additional travel: For improved off-road performance, you might want extra travel.
- Check manufacturer recommendations: Some vehicle manufacturers provide specific guidelines.
- Jeep Cherokee XJ: Stock shock length is 19 inches. For a 2-inch lift, you’d need approximately 21-inch shocks.
- Ford Ranger: With stock 20-inch shocks and a planned 3-inch lift, you’d look for 23-24 inch shocks, allowing for some additional travel.
- Subaru Outback: If you’re adding a 1.5-inch lift to the stock suspension, you’d increase your shock length from 18 inches to about 19.5-20 inches.
Dodge Ram 1500:
- Stock shock length: 24 inches
- Planned lift: 4 inches
- Desired additional travel: 0.5 inches
- Calculation: 24 + 4 + 0.5 = 28.5 inches
Toyota FJ Cruiser:
- Stock shock length: 21 inches
- Planned lift: 2.5 inches
- Desired additional travel: 1 inch
- Calculation: 21 + 2.5 + 1 = 24.5 inches
Nissan Xterra:
- Stock shock length: 22 inches
- Planned lift: 3 inches
- Desired additional travel: 0.75 inches
- Calculation: 22 + 3 + 0.75 = 25.75 inches