How to Measure For Custom Shocks

The most common question our tech department receives is, “Does QA1 make shocks for my (XYZ) vehicle?” The simplest answer is, “We probably do!”

In fact, QA1 shocks are likely riding around on just as many vehicles you won’t find in our catalog or website as the makes and models you do. Outside of a spindle-mounted strut, factory coil-over or an odd clevis-type mount, just about any shock with a stud, eyelet or T-bar mount can be upgraded to a QA1 shock.

Our stock mount shocks cover many applications, but there are even more we haven't measured just yet. Even our model-specific applications should be measured if you've changed (or plan to change) your vehicle’s ride height. 

How to Measure for The Correct Shock Length

Before taking measurements for custom shocks, it's very important to set ride heights your vehicle will use while going down the road. Whether it has leaf springs or coil springs, let the vehicle rest under its full weight at normal ride height. If you are only halfway through the build and want to size up your shocks, you can raise the car the air without the springs. Simply jack the wheel and tire up to where you want it and take your measurements.

Eyelet to Eyelet: At ride height, measure from the center of the top mounting bolt to the center of the lower mounting bolt.

Stud to T-Bar: At ride height, measure from the bottom of the washer below the stud to the center of the t-bar. 

T-Bar to Eyelet: At ride height, measure from the center of the t-bar to the center of the eyelet.

No Shocks: If you are in the middle of your build and don’t have shocks, you can measure between the shock mounting points to get an accurate measurement.

NOTE: There are also different sizes of eyelets and T-bar mounts. Measure both of those as well: the bolt size of the eyelet, and the overall width and bolt spacing of the T-bar needed.

What Do I Do With My Measurements?

You can use the tables below to find the right shock for your application based on the proper lengths and mounting styles. If you still need help selecting the right option, call our tech team for help. We may provide you with custom mount shocks, recommend stock mount shocks or suggest stock mount coil-overs that actually fit even though they're not listed for your vehicle -- it's all based on your measurements. If needed, we can provide springs as well (and help you calculate your spring rate), or even a full rear weld-in coil-over system.

Your shocks should have at least 2 inches of travel in compression and 2 inches of rebound travel. The amount of required shock travel will depend on your vehicle. Independent suspensions usually require less travel than solid axle suspension.

When to Choose QA1 Shocks

Whether you want to change the ride height using coil-overs or simply want to improve the ride quality, QA1 has a shock for you. QA1 shocks are smooth-operating hydraulic-filled shocks with no gas charge, which adds to the vehicle's spring rate. This means there is no gas charge to lose over time like standard replacement shocks. You can also mount QA1 shocks in any position and the shock won’t know the difference.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a ring at (952) 985-5675 or shoot us an email.