Custom Shocks? How To Measure Your Shocks Correctly!
Posted by Rob C on Dec 17th 2024
“Does QA1 Make Shocks for My Vehicle?” – The Most Common Question Answered
The short answer? We probably do!
QA1 shocks are on countless vehicles—far beyond what you’ll find in our catalog or website. Unless your setup includes a spindle-mounted strut, factory coil-over, or unique clevis-style mount, most shocks with a stud, eyelet, or T-bar mount can be upgraded to a QA1 shock.
Even though our stock mount shocks cover a wide range of vehicles, there are still many applications we haven’t measured yet. If you’ve changed (or plan to change) your vehicle’s ride height, it’s always a good idea to measure for the perfect fit.
How to Measure for the Correct Shock Length
Before taking measurements, ensure your vehicle is set to its normal ride height—this is crucial. Whether it’s equipped with leaf springs or coil springs, let the vehicle rest at its full weight as it would on the road. If you’re mid-build, you can jack the wheel and tire to your desired ride height and measure from there.
Measurement Methods
- Eyelet to Eyelet: Measure from the center of the top mounting bolt to the center of the lower mounting bolt.
- Stud to T-Bar: Measure from the bottom of the washer beneath the stud to the center of the T-bar.
- T-Bar to Eyelet: Measure from the center of the T-bar to the center of the eyelet.
- No Shocks Installed? Measure directly between the shock mounting points.
Important: Don’t forget to measure the mount sizes, too!
- Eyelet: Measure the bolt size.
- T-Bar: Measure the overall width and bolt spacing.
What Do I Do With My Measurements?
Use the measurement tables below to match the correct QA1 shock based on mounting style and lengths. Still not sure? Give us a call!
Our tech team can help you:
- Select custom mount shocks, stock mount shocks, or even stock mount coil-overs that fit perfectly (even if they aren’t listed for your vehicle).
- Provide the correct springs and calculate your spring rate.
- Suggest full rear weld-in coil-over systems for your setup.
Key Tip: Ensure your shocks have at least 2 inches of compression travel and 2 inches of rebound travel. Independent suspensions typically require less travel than solid axle suspensions, so double-check for your specific application.
Ready to upgrade? Measure, match, and enjoy a smoother ride with QA1!