I'm wondering what the difference between shock extended/compressed lengths have to do with the load their holding. Basically I'm looking to replace mine but they offer 3 different shocks for the f600/700 trucks. The 3 numbers I got are 66629,66861,and 66863 for shocks. And my manual list 18045 shock. They are all different sizes;
66629-extended length:32" compressed length:18.5"
66861-extended length:28.7" compressed length:17.3"
66863- extended length:30.75" compressed length:18"
18045-extended length:24" compressed length:14.8".
if anyone can explain the differance I'd appreciate it alot. It's for a bucket truck with a rack over the cab and front end, so the front end has a bit more weight sitting on it then most f600/700 trucks.
Thanks,
mike

 

Well shocks don't support load or increase payload. Buy based on length.

 

Hmmm. So your saying if I take both of my front shocks off my truck it wont sit lower without shocks and just sitting on leaf springs? Cuz my front passenger is sitting lower then driver side and I just removed the shock and it's bad, (not extending). So I'm thinking its gotta be the shock allowing it to lean on that side.

 

Shocks are there to dampen impacts and spring oscillation. There is no load carrying function. Of course coil-overs and air shocks hold weight, but that's on other vehicles.

If your shocks are so bad that they are frozen, the may be holding enough weight to make it seem like the truck is leaning.

When you take the other one off, it should sit level. If not, start looking for broken leaves in the spring pack.

 

so the shocks are just there to keep truck from galloping like a horse when hitting bumps? And I actually just bought new spring packs cuz the old one did have a cracked leaf on the passenger side. But i just installed the new passenger side spring assembly( no shock yet) and it still seems like its squatting more then driver side and that is still the old assembly and the shock installed. That's why I'm wondering if the shocks are causing this. Could the driver side shock be stuck in the extended position? And you mentioned coil-overs and air shocks holding weight/ loads, do they make them to fit f600/700's?
thanks,
mike

 

If the shock is frozen it's possibly the problem. Coil overs and air shocks are car and light truck items.

 

Ok so back to getting the right measurement for the specific truck application. How do I go about taking the correct measurement for my new shock absorbers I'm wanting to get for it? Measure mounting distances with truck weight on leaf springs or without weight. Or without weight and the tires off the ground(axle pulling downward on leaf springs giving more arch)?
Thanks,
mike