69 Camaro custom shock height

[HawkX66]

My 69 sits a little higher than most 69s. I like it that way and I want to use regular shocks, not air shocks. I've been looking around, but I'm having trouble finding something that will fit or finding a way to search for certain heights.
It currently sits right at 19 3/4" shock length at rest. I figured about 12"-13" compressed and, what, 23" extended?
Any suggestions on how I can track down a shock? I don't want to use extenders either.

Thanks.

Currently no shocks installed in the rear. Yes, I tightened the shackles etc. with it on the ground.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q573/SgtHawkUSMC/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Assembly/IMG_20151024_182700.jpg (http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/SgtHawkUSMC/media/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Assembly/IMG_20151024_182700.jpg.html)

[ban617]

Does it have aftermarket springs on it ? You don't want to kill the shackle bolts it will bind up the rear suspension...

[HawkX66]

No, stock style 5 leaf springs, shackles etc. The springs were replaced, but everything else is original. I'm sure the springs were arched more than factory though.
What are you thinking is going to bind up? The springs have been on it since ~1983. Not many miles, but they always worked fine. I just want to run gas shocks instead of air.

[ban617]

The shackles & bushings will bind up if they are to tight .. Stock style bushings ? With no shocks on it you should be able to push down the rear easily ..

[HawkX66]

It's easy to bounce right now. Its only a couple inches over stock, so I don't think its at a binding point.

[ban617]

You may have use shock extensions with a gas shock just to get the travel you need ..Cause otherwise with a stock length shock it maybe topped out ....I don't know where you would find a longer stock type shock there's not many places that have books with lengths anymore ... Maybe a Napa would have a Monroe book with lengths ?

[HawkX66]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ban617</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> You may have use shock extensions with a gas shock just to get the travel you need ..Cause otherwise with a stock length shock it maybe topped out ....I don't know where you would find a longer stock type shock there's not many places that have books with lengths anymore ... Maybe a Napa would have a Monroe book with lengths ?</div></div>
Seems like the Napa around here has gone the way of Autozone. &quot;Let's go to the computer.&quot; &quot;Is that SS396 a V8 or a V6?&quot; lol... I might give one of the bigger shock companies a call and see what their thoughts are. Here's a couple of pics of how the shackles currently sit. My guess is the springs might even be slightly longer than stock specs to make up for the higher arch. Just a guess though. The first pic looks like the spring is scuffing the frame rail, but that was just from the install.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q573/SgtHawkUSMC/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20160405_071444.jpg (http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/SgtHawkUSMC/media/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20160405_071444.jpg.html)

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q573/SgtHawkUSMC/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20160405_071430.jpg (http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/SgtHawkUSMC/media/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20160405_071430.jpg.html)

[Zman1969]

I would install stock or gas pressure shocks why would you think you would need extended one?

[HawkX66]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Zman1969</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would install stock or gas pressure shocks why would you think you would need extended one? </div></div>
Shocks generally have a specific travel range. One to three inches can make a big difference. For instance, a factory spec Monroe shock has a compressed length of 11.625&quot; and an extended length of 19.375&quot;. That wouldn't come close for me. KYB is 12.01 &amp; 20.28. Getting closer, but still not long enough. My at rest shock length is 19 3/4&quot;, so I'm thinking at least another 3&quot;-5&quot; is needed for extended length. So 22 3/4&quot; to 24 3/4&quot; extended length.

[HawkX66]

I think I might have found the answer at this site:

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/how-to-measure-shocks.cfm

It has all the shock specs for all Monroe and KYB shocks. I should be able to cross reference off that I'd imagine once I find the right spec for my car. Same as what ban617 said basically. Thanks.

From the site also. I thought it might be kind of handy for someone else:

&quot;How to Measure a Vehicle for Shocks

Measuring your vehicle for shocks is a last resort if none of the other ways of finding a proper replacement shocks is available. To find the correct measurement for a shock absorber, you will need to measure from the center of a loop style mount and from the closest point on the mount for a stud type shock (since the shock is measured from the base of the stud, not the tip). To get the collapsed length measurement for your vehicle, you will need to compress your suspension fully. To do this, you can drive up a ramp with one side of the vehicle until the suspension is fully compressed or put a jack under one wheel to compress it *THIS CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD ONLY BE DONE BY A COMPETANT, EXPERIENCED MECHANIC WITH A FULL ARRAY OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT. IF YOU ARE UNSURE IN ANY WAY ABOUT HOW TO PROPERLY JACK AND SECURE A VEHICLE, BRING IT TO A MECHANIC.* When looking for a shock, subtract half an inch from the compressed length to allow for bump stop compression.

To get the extended length of your suspension, you will need to jack and secure your vehicle and allow the suspension to drop. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel is off the ground, then lower it so the tire is just on the ground. Take a measurement with the suspension at this point. If your vehicle currently has shocks on it, you will need to remove them before measuring, as the shock could limit the suspension travel.

Once you have determined the correct size for your shocks, find one that is as close as possible to your measurements using one of the guides at the bottom of this page. Keep in mind that you may not find a shock that fits your vehicle exactly and that, if available, more travel (a shorter collapsed length and longer extended length) is preferable.

If you are looking for a replacement shock for a unique vehicle, be aware that it is very important to match the mounting points exactly between your vehicle and the shock absorber. A shock that does not fit correctly could have a reduced life or cause improper and dangerous handling characteristics.&quot;

[ban617]

That's why I said you might use the shock extenders so the shocks not topped out , if you can't get the length you want ...

[HawkX66]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ban617</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's why I said you might use the shock extenders so the shocks not topped out , if you can't get the length you want ...</div></div>
I was able to do some cross checking and found a set that will work for now. I just feel like the extenders are a band aid. I'm not in a hurry and I knew there were some shocks out there with specs close enough. We'll see how these work out. Thanks for the input.

[ban617]

No problem glad to be of some assistance, I know you could get an Afco shock in the length you want but they billet alum &amp; not stock / oem looking ...