How to measure a Shock Absorber - Suspension Specialist Car and Truck Information

Using your tape measure, there are two basics measurements you need: Again - These measurements have to be taken with the shock OFF THE VEHICLE.

COMPRESSED length. This is the measurement you make with the shock absorber pushed all the way in. Collapse it as far as you can till it "hits bottom". Now take your measurement. Note: Some shocks have an internal bumpstop. In those cases, the measurement usually will be when you hit that, but is still considered the collapsed measurement, even though, technically on an extreme compression incident, the shock will collapse slightly more.

EXTENDED length. This is the measurement you make with the shock absorber all the way out, pulled as far as it will go.

TRAVEL length. Also know as the "Stroke" measurement. This is how far a shock will go in and out, how far it travels while compressed and then extended all the way out. It is best to know the travel of both the shock, and the suspension on the vehicle / project. Especially if you building from scratch. (travel on a suspension is also known as "articulation".)

NOTE: You also need to measure the mountings at each end on the shock! Click here for information on how to do that.

The "Length" on these illustrations below is the measurement you need to take. For both measurements, collapsed and extended.

Here are some quick basic representations of how to measure:

shock absorber technical charts

The eye to eye shocks are the easiest to measure. Do it from the center of each eye hole. (remember, you do this twice, once in the collapsed position, once in the extended).

shock absorber technical illustration

If you have a stud (threaded stem) at one, or both ends, measure from where the stem meets the body of the shock. (you do this twice, once in the collapsed position, once in the extended).

Shock Absorber diagram

If you have an end with the "feet" or wishbone mount, measure from where the mount meets the body of the shock. (you do this twice, once in the collapsed position, once in the extended). Note that in this illustration, I have rotated the mount so you can see the open ends. Normally in this side position the would not see the openings.

First Page of Article | The Tools You Need to Measure a Shock Absorber | How to Measure a Shock Absorber

How to Measure the Shock Mounts | Example Shock Chart | Extra: How to Install Shock Absorbers