front Shock sizing help

[mr4454]

can anyone tell me if I can use a shock that has a little less compressed hight? if I'm reading it right?
Here is what rancho says for my front suspension

• Compressed Length: 13.680
  • Extended Length: 20.830 Travel Length: 7.150
  • 
    
  • I found the below shocks on CL which were never used can I used them?
  • compressed length 15.140 and extended length 23.75 travel of 8.610
  • they both have the same mounting code L1
  • Thanks

 

[skysurfer]

What's the distance between the mounts at rest? If it's close to the 20.8 extended length and you primarily drive on paved roads you could probably get away with using the longer ones. If the mounts are more like 17" apart at rest or you do much off-road driving I wouldn't bother with the ones from CL.

 

[mr4454]

I'm on vacation so I can't measure, I just happened to find the shocks where I am. Will, I just not have enough downward travel? or really rough ride with the CL ones? The reason I'm so tempted the price is good.

 

[skysurfer]

I'd be concerned with compression travel. If you can't measure before purchase you should pass on the deal.

 

[77 K20]

So I'm guessing that if Rancho said a 13.68" collapsed shock length shock is the right one for your lift you must have a 2" lift then?

Those Craigslist shocks would fit something with a 4" lift. You would have a very good possibility of hitting a bump and bottoming out the shock itself. Not only would this ride rough when it happened the shock won't put up with it for very long.

 

[mr4454]

Thanks, I passed on the deal. Better to spend few extra bucks now then to spend a lot more fixing a problem. I really appreciate your advice