shock length

[Ricky]

Hi everyone I have a question the haynes book says all 4 shocks are 13 inch open and 9 inch closed and when I looked at some of the photos some of the people on this forum have post of there shocks there are two the same and other two shorter shocks WHY ? If anyone can help please

[ozzy1]

Haven't noticed this myself,must be an illusion.All 4 shocks are definately the same although it is 13" with a 1" extension making them 14" from eye to eye.

[Ricky]

I just don't have a picture or I would show you what I mean but I seen few pics with two of the shocks shorter then the other I'm not sure if its maybe adjustment that makes it look smaller I'm not sure

[PorkChop]

Whose build threads were you looking at? The SSC/NTS MX5 changes spec a 12" open rear damper and 13" open on the front.

[Ricky]

That's a good point hey I really don't remember which one I saw but maybe I confused myself with that and saw the mx5 ones thanks guys for your help

[baz-r]

ford sierra based car (book) needs 13"-9" with 1" extension or 14"-9.5" unextended.
the original book (version1) had 13"-9" but there was topping out on the damper in potholes with ride hight set correctly iirc

[Ricky]

I'm building the sierra type so what shocks you think would be better

[Ricky]

is the 1 inch extension is the eye on the top that the bolt goes through ?

[voucht]

Ricky,
If you haven't read it yet, there should be some answers in the very good Alga's FAQ section.
There is a chapter "What is the recommended suspension setup?"
http://www.haynes.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=8123
Sylvain

[Ricky]

thanks for that but my main concern was the shock lengths if all four are the same cause im saw some pics of shocks and two looked shorter but pork chop said that i could of seen the mx5 ones so that confused me a bit cause the book says all for 13 inch open 9 inch closed just the spring rates diff

[baz-r]

the main diffrence is (for std sierra shocks) cost and availble makes realy

a 13"-9" is a std coilover size but with an 1" extended top eye is not so you have to pay more and the makes availble are only protec or gaz from a few suppliers

if you use a 14"-9.5" unit its the next std coilover size up it has the correct open length without been extended and you can buy almost any make of coilover spax,avo,gaz,protec and so on so if you want a higher quaity make or want a cheaper option of the extended makes and you can buy from anywhere

you want to use a 1" longer spring in the rears than the extended type and orignal size in the front to have the spring seats mid way with the ride hight set correctly with 14-9.5's
also you need to trim a slighty larger hole in the side pannel to clear the spring