There really can be some big differences.
Only if you make mods to the basic "kit" they supply...or are you saying that they throw whatever crap they feel like in a box and call it a "kit"? I already know they're not capable of making a u bolt eliminator that actually fits.
Are you suggesting that TnT can send out one length shock and have it work for both of our configurations?
Ummmm....yes, based on their basic kit (you know, the one that includes bump stops, springs, brake hoses, arms, etc). How is it their fault that you decided to make a change from their kit? Bump stop extensions for the front come in the kit. Using a bump stop bigger or smaller than that is
your choice, and it would therefore make sense to measure and order custom shocks to go with your custom application.
If they ever did try to do that, there would be guys in here non stop complaining about how they sent the wrong shocks and now they have to send them back...
Huh, Clayton doesn't seem to suffer from this problem, or Rusty's, or Rockkrawler, or Full Traction, etc...there's at least a basic shock size reccomendation given for a given basic kit
that hasn't been otherwise customized and modified by the customer. I guess that's the difference between doing R&D, installing the stuff you build and sell, and actually wheeling it vs. just cobbling together a bunch of stuff and calling it a "kit".
If you're going through all the work of putting in something like this, then why half-ass it when it comes to something simple like shocks?
How is trying to flex an unfinished project so I can measure for "correct shock length" an easy thing? I don't have a fork lift, or an RTI ramp. I am trying to finish the whole rest of the project too. "Half-assing" is sending out a complete "kit" and saying "we know how long the brake hoses need to be, and we know what bump stop extension size you need, but shock length is beyond us". "Half-assing it" is sending me u-bolt eliminators cut to fit a Ford 8.8 tube for a D44 install, and expecting me to fill 3/8" gap with weld.
YES shorter shock! You dont want to bottom it out consistantly.
If I set the bump stops, then measure for a shock that fits within that said suspension movement range, why would I need to change shock length if I added weight to the rear? That's like saying if I drive around with some bags of cement in the back of my rig, I need to change my shocks so they won't bottom out, because I changed my ride height by a couple if inches due to the increased weight. Or that you need to swap out the front shocks for different length ones in front when you add a bumper and winch.Nope, that's incorrect. The bump stops are going to be the limit for up-travel. Ride height alone does not decide shock length needed. If I change ride height, and change bump stop height, then my shock length needs to change as well. Yup, I understand that.
As for a called out location. They might have a general idea to give ya but even then, to get them at the exactly same angles on the tube and same exact location on the tube, well I would almost say is a long shot..
Nope, it's not rocket science. There should be a reccomended distance from the u-bolt eliminators to weld the shock mounts on. The angle of the welded on mount on the axle tube needs to be parallel with the top shock mount at ride height. Yup, I
could weld the mounts to the axle in a different location from what TNT reccomends, thereby changing the angle of the shock and the needed length...
but then I would be running a custom application, and it would make sense to get a custom length shock, and it would be my choice and responsibilitly to do that.
I will tell you I have never, and will never, just run the shock that someone tells me is for "my" lift and rig. Take the 30 min and do it right, or just go get that Rusty's kit you mentioned. They know it all and will get you the Perfect shock always for your rig
OK, I'm open to suggestions...how do I get this rig "flexed out" and measured up for shocks in 30 minutes?
I never said Rusty's "knows it all". There's no "perfect" anything in this sport...
it's all a giant pile of compromises the minute we start modifying stuff! Why is expecting a company that builds a suspension kit to also offer shocks for that same basic kit such a bad thing? I should have a choice..."I'm ordering your full 6" kit and I'm going to install it and run it exactly the way you designed it to be, so I would like a set of shocks to work with that kit", or "I'm going to use parts of your kit, but I'm going to customize it to my liking and exact needs, I don't want/need the standard shocks you offer with it...I'll measure and order shocks to fit my exact needs. Thanks." Is that so hard to understand?
Please, don't assume I'm some noob who just started doing this stuff, or that I'm some "mall cruiser" who doesn't wheel. I do this for a living. I understand. I "get it". When I build a custom suspension, I measure for and install custom shocks. When I modify a kit for a
customized application, I measure for and install custom length shocks. Got it. When I install a "kit" using all the supplied components as per the "kit" manufacturer's instructions, I would hope they actually have an idea how it will all fit together, based on that original baseline "kit".
It's OK to have the opinion that you want to measure for shocks yourself, so you can get that "perfect fit". It's also OK for me to have the opinion that maybe a "kit" manufacturer would have some kind of clue what to use on their "kit" if I don't mess with it, and just install it the way they designed it to be installed. Apples and oranges in my eyes.
Eh, maybe I just like to argue
It's all good:yelclap: