Shocks for 3/6 Drop

[Sixball]

I know it’s usually 4/6 drop, but I am installing a Belltech 6 inch C notch kit in the rear, then 3 inch coils in front. I put a big block motor in, so I might squeeze another 1/2 inch or more drop in front? While I’m doing all this I want to replace all 4 shocks. The Belltech C notch kit came with shock extenders, so do I use STOCK size shocks on the rear? With the front 3 inch drop coils, do I get drop shocks? 3 inch drop shocks? Thanks
Posted via Mobile Device

[Palf70Step]

That is what I would think, unless they have a shock re-locator for the fronts also. Hopefully those that have done more than me will also chime in for you.

[EVRLET]

These are the shocks I have with extenders. Belltech Street Performance. I had factory ones on there for a bit but didn’t care for the ride quality. These shocks improved it greatly.

[Sixball]

Thanks. Not having any luck on Amazon with those. I was hoping to get all 4 in one shot. I put a set of air shocks on a 95 extended cab that was lowerd 5 inches with no C nothch (not by me) Anyone else running air shocks on a 6 inch rear drop? Opinions?
Posted via Mobile Device

[EVRLET]

I bought the Belltech shocks from Summit Racing.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/b...et/model/c1500

My other truck, 2001 Silverado, has rear air shocks. This is a 9” drop. The ride is smooth as butter.

[Sixball]

Thanks again. So did you get the air shocks that were “stock” for your truck? Or shorter? Also I’m confused on these shock extenders? I would think with air shocks I wouldn’t need them (if I decide on air shocks). I just think with air shocks you can atleast fine tune the ride.
Posted via Mobile Device

[EVRLET]

1. No I did not get the stock size for my 2001 or 1997.

2. Don’t let extenders confuse you. Extenders accomplish two things: 1) establishes the correct angle; 2) allows you to use whatever shock was on the truck prior to the lowering if the kit didn’t come with shocks.

If the shocks that are on there now are good, use those and call it a day. But keep in mind that the ride quality won’t be as good as stock height. If they are bad, then you can either order stock replacements or find different ones. I personally wouldn’t use stock shocks on a lowered vehicle, but some do. Keep in mind that if you order stock shocks, you will be compressing the shock quite a bit to install them, thus reducing your shock stroke. If you want to buy something other than stock dimensions, keep reading.

3. There are three specifications to shocks that you want to pay close attention to: fully open length, compressed length, shock stroke.

For my blue 2001 Silverado pictured above, here are some numbers:

Factory shock
AC Delco 52085

Fully open length - 24.51”
Compressed length - 14.98”
Shock stroke - 9.53”

Air shock
Monroe MA727

Fully open length - 20.375”
Compressed length - 12.75”
Shock stroke - 7.625”


On my red 1997 Chevy Silverado, here are the specs for the factory shock and Belltech:

AC Delco 52041

Fully open length - 26.76”
Compressed length - 16.23”
Shock stroke - 10.53”

Belltech 2212IF

Fully open length - 22.5”
Compressed length - 14.0”
Shock stroke - 8.0”

Remember that by lowering the truck, you have shortened the distance between the two shock mounting points. Plus the rear end will have less vertical travel length due to the lowering, thus a smaller shock stroke is to be expected. Both of my trucks have shock extenders on them.

[Tom]

I've used almost every drop shock out there, deutsch tech is by far the best. You only need front drop shocks if you run extenders out back.

[Sixball]

Originally Posted by EVRLET

1. No I did not get the stock size for my 2001 or 1997.

2. Don’t let extenders confuse you. Extenders accomplish two things: 1) establishes the correct angle; 2) allows you to use whatever shock was on the truck prior to the lowering if the kit didn’t come with shocks.

If the shocks that are on there now are good, use those and call it a day. But keep in mind that the ride quality won’t be as good as stock height. If they are bad, then you can either order stock replacements or find different ones. I personally wouldn’t use stock shocks on a lowered vehicle, but some do. Keep in mind that if you order stock shocks, you will be compressing the shock quite a bit to install them, thus reducing your shock stroke. If you want to buy something other than stock dimensions, keep reading.

3. There are three specifications to shocks that you want to pay close attention to: fully open length, compressed length, shock stroke.

For my blue 2001 Silverado pictured above, here are some numbers:

Factory shock
AC Delco 52085

Fully open length - 24.51”
Compressed length - 14.98”
Shock stroke - 9.53”

Air shock
Monroe MA727

Fully open length - 20.375”
Compressed length - 12.75”
Shock stroke - 7.625”


On my red 1997 Chevy Silverado, here are the specs for the factory shock and Belltech:

AC Delco 52041

Fully open length - 26.76”
Compressed length - 16.23”
Shock stroke - 10.53”

Belltech 2212IF

Fully open length - 22.5”
Compressed length - 14.0”
Shock stroke - 8.0”

Remember that by lowering the truck, you have shortened the distance between the two shock mounting points. Plus the rear end will have less vertical travel length due to the lowering, thus a smaller shock stroke is to be expected. Both of my trucks have shock extenders on them.

Awesome info. I have found 2 inch shortter than stock air shocks. If I go with those AND use the extenders, do you think that would be a good idea?
Posted via Mobile Device

[EVRLET]

I think it’ll work. You can install the air shocks without extenders and see if you can actually air them up and see the shock lengthen. If you can’t see the shock move a decent amount then the angle is wrong.

Put on the shock extenders, air up the shocks, and observe movement.

To me, I would use whatever setup has the most movement. If they’re both the same amount, use whichever one you like.

[Sixball]

I went with Belltech 4inch front and 6 inch rear drop shocks. We’ll see what happens. I’ll play with the extenders when the shocks get here. Thanks for the info
Posted via Mobile Device