Hey guys - Any of you have an accurate shade tree method for measuring shock lengths? Eyeballing what's the center of the holes (while holding the tape measure along the spring) doesn't feel like the best way forward.
If the bolt IDs at each end are the same, just measure to the same edge on each, either the edge towards the top, or towards the bottom on both. Same measurement as to the center.
if the bolt diameters arent the same, measure outside edges, inside edges, then avg the two numbers. even measuring off the bolts is tough, esp if one end has a spherical bearing and its not pointing straight.
The best and easiest way would be to have someone with a stretcher measure it. Then keep track of changes when they’re made. Still a margin of error, but smaller if it’s measured and good notes are kept.
If it's a Penske with a negative spring, you'll need a stretcher to get an accurate number. If you're going shade tree, use the mounting hardware and get them as straight as possible and measure center to center.
The Öhlins tool is about $800. K Tech has one for less than half that, and it comes with various bushings for your shock. If you don’t use a stretcher, run your preload to the max to compress the top out spring.
have u ever compared shock length w/ max preload to stretched length? will the top out spring bottom out in most cases?
I use two nailsets through the bolt holes and measure point to point. They stick out far enough past the spring so it’s much easier. May have to wrap a layer or two of masking tape to make them fit snugly in the holes.
