Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

Hello all, I seem to remember something about using Dodge Dakota front shocks for a 2" drop 97 C1500 or Tahoe.

I tried searching for that thread and came up empty. I did find some shocks that mount up the same, but not sure about length.

Thanks for the help.
Steve

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

I have a 92 Dakota so I measured the shocks for you. They are about 13" long at installed height, which is about 2" less than my 2500LD which has the same shocks as the 1500.

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

Mine was lower than 2” up front n used stock shocks. Worked fine.

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

Thank you for that!

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

I was concerned that they may bottom out.

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

Why not just buy actual drop shocks that are valved for the shorter travel?

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

I agree, because the cost is about double and my budget is tight.

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

I don't remember it ever bottoming out. I had more of a problem with the rear, tho no really a problem, but I would hit the bumpstops on a good bump, even after trimming bout half off.

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

Yea, now that I think about it. A dropped spindle would use the factory shock. So would a dropped spring because the control arm still would bottom at the same spot, it would just get there faster. I don't know what a dropped control arm would need but those are usually 3".

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

I lowered mine with springs. I would agree with stock shocks with drop spindles.

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

I can understand the reasoning for using the shorter shock, the only thing I would worry about with that is it not having enough travel at full suspension droop.

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

On pretty much any vehicle you can completely remove the spring and the bump stop bumper. Jack the suspension up until it is bottomed metal to metal. A stock length shock will not be bottomed out in this position. Factory designed suspension this way.
As mentioned by some, ride on lowered vehicles that use shorter or "drop shocks" can be made even worse because now you have not only limited up travel with the shorter springs, down travel is now limited by the shock. Shock valving has to do with the type of shock not the length. The dampening of the shock is linear throughout the shock movement except on some specialized shocks like the internal bypass shock on the front of my 72.

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

Thanks for the info everyone!

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

It is not linear, otherwise shocks wouldn't have a high speed and low speed compression damping circuits [obviously only high end units do, but the principle is the same]. Shocks work by forcing fluid threw restrictions. The restrictions don't change size to accommodate fluid speed, therefor changing the valving in essence depending on the speed of motion put into it.

Re: Shocks for a 2" drop 97 Tahoe
 

Think you know I was referring the shock position, compressed 50% or 80%. It acts the same. High and low speed circuits in my shocks are in the same piston and adjusted with different diameter and thickness "flexible washers". How this stack reacts to pressure changes is the valving. The bypass in my front shocks closes up in the top end of travel. This makes the shock dampening harder at that point. The shock angle changing relative to suspension movement changes the dampening characteristics, to the vehicle as well. In my reply I was just trying to keep it simple for those that use standard or bolt on parts.