What Point Should I Relocate Rear Shocks!?

I have been trying to do as much googling as possible to figure out the answer to my question, but maybe I am missing an important key word or something..

For my own use, I am looking for more information on the limits of the factory rear shock location, and at what point do people opt for a rear shock relocation.

To be clear, I understand the basics and benefits of relocating the rear shock, but I can not seem to find information on the following questions.


-Would majority of the public benefit from doing a shackle flip and adding the largest, functional shock available in the stock location?

-Or would majority of the people really benefit of going the extra mile and relocating the rear shock?

-I have read people say the factory shock location has it's limitations, is that in shock length? or actual articulation ability?

-May be different for everyone, but what is the longest, functional shock someone can fit in the stock location? 9-10"?

-Is there a said 'point' when shock relocation must be done?

Thanks!

 

Which kit are you looking at? BAMF? relocating them like this / \ under the bed?

 

Hey @TjAlmeida,

I don't often give any advice, but I too have been looking at the shackle flip, along with a all-around upgrade of suspension. At this time, I have decided not to go with a shackle flip or shock relocation. I would advise you to check out this link and discussion to perhaps gain a better understanding of whats involved.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2005-2016-archive-garage-premium-shackle-flip-lift-kit.403630/

To be clear, I am no expert. From what I surmise, this shackle flip will provide a mild lift of 1 to 1.5 inches. If you are installing larger wheels/tires, then you will need a lift, and /or fender modifications for them to fit in the wheel well. You can also get that left from changing your rear leaf springs.

This shackle kit will also allow more articulation in the rear suspension - I'm not sure exactly how much wheel travel you get with stock rear leaf springs. You will need extended rear shocks to take advantage of the wheel travel, otherwise you could damage your shocks. A lot of people were talking about King 2.0 12" shocks.

In my opinion, even if someone installed a long travel kit on the front end, it's not at all necessary for the rear end, and vice versa. That said, logic would dictate that you would not be taking advantage of the trucks full potential.

To answer your question directly, I don't believe there is a point at which you have to go with a relocation. But you may well decide that you don't have enough wheel travel and droop in the rear end to meet your needs for rock climbing/crawling. To be devils advocate - How often do you end up with one rear wheel in the air?

Happy Wheelin!

 

Seems like the simplest option is the DIY BAMF. So most likely that direction. But along with relocating, at what point is the stock location limited to? Is it that it can only handle a shock so big? Or are there actual flaws in the design that prevent full use of the maximum shock it can handle?

Maybe I will rephrase my question just a bit.

-Would majority of the public benefit from doing a shackle flip and adding the largest, functional shock available in the stock location?

-Or would majority of the people really benefit of going the extra mile and relocating the rear shock?

-I have read people say the factory shock location has it's limitations, is that in shock length? or actual articulation ability?

-May be different for everyone, but what is the longest, functional shock someone can fit in the stock location? 9-10"?

Thanks!

 

Hey @TjAlmeida -

I'm not 100% sure, but I was under the impression that the King 2.0 smoothies at 12" travel will fit. They are just under 20" compressed.

This is only my opinion, but I think most wheelers will get the most bang for the buck out of just a shackle flip and extended shocks. It really depends on your needs for the type of off-roading you do. I am mostly in rolling tundra with thick heavy mud, and crossing some ditches/ravines. No rock climbing - at least not yet!

I too have read factory shock location has its limits, and there is also the Spring Under Axle (SUA) for even more rear axle articulation and travel. I do not know if that is because of shock length, or if the shock binds with the axle at some point. I have to defer to the experts on here.

Good luck with the upgrades and the continuous search for knowledge! I hope you will post your findings here to help the rest of us!
Cheers!

 

I agree, shackle flip and longer shocks in the factory location is enough for the average user, at least for me that is.

Regardless, I think the information to my questions above from someone experienced would be very helpful to a lot of people, including myself!

 

The shackle flip is to gain flex and droop. My assumption would be that if you keep the stock mounting location, when the rear is flexed, since the longer shock would be compressed so much already, any additional compression would cause the shock to blow.

The relocation is to allow maximum droop and compression of the shock without destroying it.

 

Gotcha, if I understand you correctly, bump stops and limit straps if needed will prevent over extending and over collapsing the shock. There must be a limit of shock length the stock location can handle though. Maybe, but can not see everyone who flips their shackles also relocates their shocks!

Thanks for the reply!

 

I haven't done the flip yet, but I do have Billstein B110s mounted in the stock location. I need roughly 4" of bump stop extension to keep from bottoming them out. The relocation might resolve this, but I'm using air bags as bump extensions right now.

 

I had the incorrect 12" shock in the stock location for about 2 weeks until I could make it to my buddy's to do the BAMF shock relocation and there was an inch to maybe an inch and a half of shaft showing on the shock..if I wheeled it, I would have blown the shock immediately just getting to the trails.

My .02, relocate the shock and get the correct shocks. Do it once, do it right.