Buying shocks shouldn’t be a guessing game. Whether you're lifting, lowering, or just replacing a worn-out set, getting the right shocks by length is the key to making sure your suspension actually works.

Too short? Your shocks bottom out before your suspension does—bad for handling, worse for your spine.
Too long? You risk overextending your suspension components and turning your ride into a floppy mess.

So, how do you measure and choose the right shocks by length? Let’s break it down.

Why Shock Length Matters

Shocks aren’t just there to smooth out the ride—they keep your truck, SUV, or car stable and responsive. Get the wrong length, and you’ll run into problems like:

  • Limited suspension travel – If the shock is too short, it won’t allow full suspension movement.

  • Binding and breakage – A shock that’s too long can overextend and damage suspension components.

  • Poor ride quality – The wrong length means improper damping, leading to excessive bouncing or a stiff, jarring ride.

How to Measure Shocks by Length

Before you buy new shocks, you need to measure your setup properly. Monroe provides three main measurements to consider:

1. Extended Length

This is the maximum length of the shock when it’s fully extended. Important if you’ve got a lifted truck or extra suspension travel.

2. Compressed Length

This is how short the shock gets when fully compressed. If this number is too high, your suspension will bottom out too soon.

3. Travel Length

The difference between extended and compressed length—aka how much movement your shock allows. More travel = better performance for off-road and heavy loads.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’ve changed your suspension setup (lifted, lowered, swapped axles), don’t assume stock-length shocks will work. Measure the distance between your shock mounts at full extension and full compression before buying.

Using Monroe’s Shock Measurement Guide

Monroe provides detailed shock length measurements for a wide range of vehicles here. Their guide helps match shocks to your setup by:

✅ Listing extended and compressed lengths for each part number.
✅ Showing compatible mounting styles (eye-to-eye, stud-to-eye, loop-to-loop, etc.).
✅ Helping you find aftermarket options for modified suspensions.

Example: How to Find the Right Shocks

Let’s say you’ve got a Ford F-250 with a 2-inch lift. You can’t just grab stock replacement shocks—they’ll be too short. Instead, use Monroe’s guide to find shocks that:

✔ Have a longer extended length to accommodate the lift.
✔ Maintain proper compressed length so you don’t bottom out.
✔ Match your mounting style to bolt in without modifications.

Best Brands for Custom Shock Lengths

Once you’ve got your shock measurements, it’s time to pick a brand that fits. Some of the best options for custom shock sizes include:

  • Monroe – Great for stock replacements and light-duty upgrades.

  • Bilstein – Best for off-road, lifted trucks, and towing applications.

  • Fox – High-performance monotube shocks for rugged conditions.

  • Eibach – Excellent for adjustable ride height and performance suspensions.

  • Gabriel – Budget-friendly options with solid durability.

The Bottom Line

If you’re modifying your suspension—or just want the right fit—choosing shocks by length is the smartest way to go. Monroe’s measurement guide makes it easy to find the perfect fit for your ride, whether you’re replacing stock shocks, lifting your truck, or fine-tuning an off-road beast.

Need the right shocks for your build? Check out Monroe’s shock measurement guide at Shockwarehouse.com and get your suspension dialed in the right way—because nobody likes a truck that rides like a jackhammer.