Rear shock length difference & why it matters

I have been looking around for shocks & came across how 1st gens have a longer rear shock on the passenger side. Obviously there is a reason (someone posted it is to do with the parking brake) & an adjustment was made. So in my searching I found that most? all? brands except KYB do have rear L/R specific. Why is KYB the exception? Or is there potential, no matter how slight, for some fallout from having rear shocks of equal height installed? Again, obviously there's a reason this L/R dif was put n place to start with & is still the norm.

Edit - Hey, I kind'a got right to the point

 

Shocks like the Monroe work with the stock leaf pack, which will be limited in their extended and collapsed lengths.

You're not getting Monroe's to tear it up on the trails.

With that being said, its a budget shock that'd be cheaper to make if they were both mirrored.

The more expensive the shock, the more specific role it has to play.

 

Not sure I follow. It sounds like you are stating that the more expensive shocks would be more likely to be L/R specific?

 

More like, the more expensive shocks such as Bilstein, Fox, King, etc. have the role of damping road conditions in a harsher environment IE offroad.

Collapsed and extended travel lengths become an important factor here as well as damping and since the shock mounts are at different lengths, the shocks are made for said application.

 

So why would Toyota put L/R specific shocks with standard springs, as on my truck. They are still sold this way as well. Also, I realize you were just using them as an example, but this is all that came up when searching my truck on the Monroe site.

OESpectrum Light Truck Shock Absorber 37114 Recommended OE Application -Specific Replacement
MONROE SHOCKS & STRUTS: Premium Product Rear Left 1 VIEW
DETAILS
OESpectrum Light Truck Shock Absorber 37113 Recommended OE Application -Specific Replacement
MONROE SHOCKS & STRUTS: Premium Product Rear Right 1 VIEW
DETAILS
Monro-Matic Plus Shock 32295 Rear Left 1
DETAILS
Monro-Matic Plus Shock 32294 Rear Right 1

If stock leaf springs are limited in their extended & collapsed lengths, why wouldn't a shock that is too long put unnecessary added strain, maybe in a different way than you are referring to, on it as well?

 

It would be interesting to know if Toyota sells two different shocks for the left and right rear on the 1st gen.

 

Yes. They do.
Part Number: 4853109100
Part Number: 4854109030

 

Now I want to measure the distance between top and bottom shock mounts and compare left and right sides to see if the distance is different.
Thanks for getting to the point @Kristi with a K and adding to my Sunday to do list

 

Ahhh... so it is a thing. You would think that the aftermarket would mirror this. I wonder how much difference there is.

 

& I have had KYB's on mine. I just put on new springs & am noticing a pinch of space in between the leaves on the driver's side. I am going to switch out to L/R specific & see if it makes a dif.

 

I think about an inch.

 

That sounds like a lot. I hope you get it sorted out!

 

There's almost an inch difference.

King, Fox, Bilstein and a few more do.

Aftermarket shocks that publicly share their extended and collapsed lengths will show a difference of almost an inch between driver and passenger; you see that now as you measured the difference.

I just think its not all that talked about until someone orders shocks that aren't generic throw aways.

After all, these trucks are damn near 20 years old.

 

I guessed at that. OE looks like it could be 1/2 compressed? I am just doing quick looksees & of course, the toyota parts sites give up next to no specifics on the parts. Just that you need them & they are the only one who has 'em, or rather, they are going to make sure you can't double check specs before going elsewhere.

 

Just installed 5100s on the rear today. Longer shock goes on the passenger side. Yes the mounting distance is different on each side.

 

Really what's important is that you install the shock on its respective side.

In the event that you do offroad, and in the event that your shocks collapse or extend to their max length, you'll be happy you put them in the correct spot.

 

Our shocks arnt straight up and down

Theyre mounted on an angle

If one shocks angle is steeper the one whose angle is steeper will be shorter

 

Right. My question though is, since the one that is at a steeper angle is supposed to be shorter, what happens if it is actually the same length as the other side?

 

The one whose shock should be shorter will droop more if theyre both long

Or

The one whose shock should be longer would droop less if theyre both short

Basically nothing

 

'zactly what I am thinking. & why I wanna switch out mine ASAP. Mine were installed before I was a DIYer. Think I might go have a talk with the mechanic who installed them. He didn't do anything wrong per se. But I should have been given the facts & the options.