[dsraven]

remove suspension snubbers

air it out so the suspension is at absolute rock bottom metal on metal

get a measurement from the center point of each shock mount and record it. do all 4 because things could be a little different since a jig was probably not used during assembly and the distances could be out a little from side to side

air it up so it is at absolute max height of the suspension

get another measurement from the same points as last time and record them.

these two tests are a great time to turn the wheels lock to lock to check for suspension and tire clearances to such things as oil pan and engine mounts, exhaust, inner fender clearances, tire to fender and frame clearance when full turn, tie rods to frame clearance under full drop, etc


lower it to ride height and assemble all the parts removed previously

assemble the measurements taken and these will give you the full extension and full retraction specs of the shocks needed at each corner. take the shortest and longest specs and then go to the chart and see if you can find shocks to fit the bill. a longer full extension and a shorter full retraction is recommended rather than the other way around, just to cover any discrepancies. you also need to know the mounting style for each end. try to pick something readily available and not on the verge of possibly becoming obsolete.