slightly lowered SWB - shock help

[vince311]

Rookie question...so bare with me.

My 82 SWB seems to be lowered a bit....but I'm not really sure of a couple things. 1) how it was lowered and 2) how much it was lowered.

Much like other posts, I'm looking to replace shocks....and want to know what I have before ordering. I have coil springs in front, leaf springs in back. All four shocks look to be fairly well worn and the ride is pretty rough. Based on the chart in the   mag...to me, it looks like its lowered 2" front and rear.

I can post pics if needed, just let me know what specifically needs to be identified or measured.

[Captkaos]

Post a side shot of the truck.

[VileZambonie]

If it's lowered only 2" you can run stock shocks.

[vince311]

If it's lowered only 2" you can run stock shocks.

both front and rear?

[VileZambonie]

yeah

[eventhorizon66]

For the front, lower springs will affect installed shock length, but not lowering spindles.

[vince311]

For the front, lower springs will affect installed shock length, but not lowering spindles.

this is what some of other posts seem to indicate. From what I gather, 2" front drop may benefit from drop shocks...but 2" rear drop can still use regular shocks.

Anyone have issues with the Monroe Sensatrac shocks? good/bad?

[ms4972]

Measure the distance between the shock mounts at ride hieght and you will take all of the guesswork out of choosing the correct shocks.

[vince311]

here's a pic of the side. the front fender is measuring 31" and the rear is 32"

[VileZambonie]

It doesn't even look lowered. what size tires do you have? You can run stock shocks.

[vince311]

It doesn't even look lowered. what size tires do you have? You can run stock shocks.

235/60/15

[Captkaos]

Your truck isn't lowered.

This is my 87R10 completely stock:

[vince311]

interesting. ok then...that helps. for some reason it just feels a bit lower than other 2wd trucks i've been in. that and the ride is so rough, i just figured it had been lowered a couple inches. thanks guys for setting me straight.

[eventhorizon66]

It may not be lowered but it sure looks clean.  Nice truck.

I've heard over and over that the reason these trucks ride so rough relative to other trucks is inadequate shocks.  The actual reason is the high unsprung to sprung weight ratio.  The more the moving suspension components, brakes, wheels, and tires weigh relative to everything else (body, frame, drivetrain), the worse the ride quality will become.  This is why a big block truck almost always rides nicer than a small block, even with slightly stiffer springs.  A high quality shock that can better control the unsprung weight would conceivably improve ride quality.

[Captkaos]

The Short wheelbase trucks rides rougher also.