So during my abridged Lake Powell trip, my rear shock kind of ripped off the mount:
The operating theory is that my shocks are/were too long. Once cracked the mount may have stressed and propagated the weld crack. Or it may have ripped all at once. This is what I have/had:
- Rancho RS999048 shock.
Compressed length: 16.750"
Extended length: 26.750"
Travel: 10.000"
This is what the Page mechanic suggested:
- Rancho RS999044 shock.
Compressed length: 15.750"
Extended length: 24.750"
Travel: 9.000"
Here are the actual measurements (shocks removed):
Resting Rear (Eye to Post): 20 ½"
Bumpstop Clearance: 4 ¼"
Stretched Rear (E to P): 23"+
SR Bumpstop: 7.5"
Compressed Rear (E to P): 16 3/8"
CR Bumpstop: 3/4 - 5/16" remaining clearance
So... in a simple twist I'm already bottoming out on the old rear shock. The fronts were definitely the limiting factor on compression. My take is the wrong shocks were installed and instead of fixing it they let me drive away, figuring it would never actually be used. I've since ditched that shop for other reasons...
For the rear I am looking for an F350 front shock with 4" of lift- the Rancho RS999044, however I don't want Rancho's again as I felt like they needed a setting above 9...
For the front I need to determine if I should go ahead and replace the too-long shocks or live with it for the time being.
For the record: 2005 6.0L SMB4x4 w/ Deavers 34" Nitto AT (305/70/17)