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So I’m looking at upgrading my air shocks to some shock waves and I found these for a really good deal. But they are only 3.6” stroke. Instead of the 4.1. Would they still work or should I get the longer ones. 53 merc with MII and a 351w.
Just so we're clear, Shockwave air springs are not a replacement for air shocks. They are a spring and shock all in one, like a coilover spring, just with an airbag instead of a steel coil spring. Their application is somewhat specialized so you may want to study up on exactly what the guy has so you can make an informed decision on if they will work for you. If you plan on converting to air suspension and a 4 link rear, this could work, if all the other parameters are the spec you'd need. And like Dave said, you'd want proper suspension mounts for them, not shock studs.
I’m already on air. This would be an upgrade to the unknown shock wave style of air shock I already have. But I built my system going off 14.5” fully extended and 10.5 compressed, these are slightly shorter at 13 extended and 10 compressed. I’d have to do some cutting and welding to make them work. But not sure if they would be the right choice. Will they still give me the wheel travel and ride height I have now? The shock that I’m looking at are the middle ones 3.6” stroke.
Travel is only one component you need to look at. What about spring rate? Rebound and Jounce valving? What are they supposed to fit? Is it close enough to your application that you wouldn't mind the compromise if it's not right on? Just a few things to think about. We certainly don't have enough information to make a decision for you. A call to Ride Tech with part numbers may give you better information to consider. That's my 2c, fwiw.
It looks like your answer is right there under Recommended Applications - Independent front or rear, NOT Recommended for solid axle...not enough travel, too much load capacity.
My bad, I guess I was hung up when you said you wanted to upgrade your air shocks, and I kept thinking old school air shocks that jacked up the back of the car/truck.
The Mustang II coilover kits they sell have about 3.375 stroke shocks with them. But if you are going to try to go real low you may need more travel. I would suggest jacking up chassis and remove shocks and lower chassis to the lowest point and then raise it and measure what travel you need. My coilovers are the 4.1 stroke but that's what I needed to get the wheel travel I wanted.
I like the stance I have currently when air’s out and at ride height. So I’ll have to do some measuring and see if the shorter length of shock and shorter stroke will work. I have a feeling I’ll need the slightly longer ones.
Ok. So I went and did some measuring. These shockwaves that I’m looking at are a bit shorter. So if I was to move my top mounting hole down 1” it works. I do lose some travel though. I took measurements from my running board to see where it ends up. And this is what I have.
With the current air bag set up I have these are what I got for measurements
and just so we know when I’m air out the rear of the running board is
so with the current set up and long shock I have almost 8” of travel at the running board. And if I get these smaller shocks it cuts me down to 5”.
is 5” enough. Or should I save up and get the longer shocks. I can buy these new for $500 Canadian and to order new ones I’d be looking at $1500 at least by the time they got here.
Looks to me that you would be fine. Might be a bit rougher, hard to tell. I'd go for it for the price. Worst case you don't like it, then sell them again.
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