Did some chart checking today looking to confirm the idea of the Rav4 shocks to replace the stock units. Would appear that there is a Monroe Sensatrac that is pretty near perfect but I don't know to what vehicle it belongs. I know it's not the Rav4 shock unless someone can confirm otherwise.

Anyways here the poop <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />.

Stock Sporty shock:

Extended length - 21.5"
Compressed length - 13"
Travel - 8.5"

Part #37132

Extended length - 23.875"
Compressed length - 14.25"
Tavel - 9.625"

Same top mount & same bottom mount but the bottom appears to be 3/8" wider so will prolly require some grinding or filing of the bolt sleeve.

This is one of the options I'm considering, the other is welding on some new mounts. The new shocks are $50 each at Part Source so kinda leaning that way.

What do you guys think? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

go to napa buy a pair of shocks for a 1985 toyota celica GTS
part # RR 94052

they are about $15 a piece! BUT the rav4 is pretty close to the sportage so the valving and pressure is going to be different.

BUT they will work. and the bottom width is a little wider, but it can be wedged in there I'm sure!

other than that, the measurements match what you posted to a T

OH and they are only a 1/2 shorter than the Rav4 shocks, so they should be fine with TJ springs


HOPE this helps ya!

by the way, your shocks are for a 1997 Ford F150 2wd REAR vin (w) so those would work too, but you can get the rav4 ones cheaper, and the celica ones the cheapest!

I KNOW the rav4 ones work great for sure, the other 2 to my knowledge have not been tried, but should work. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Jay!

Only reason I was questioning the Rav4 shocks is the fact I've only got 2.5" lift & don't want to risk having a coil fall out. If I remember right the Rav4 shock is closer to 3" longer & I was trying to find something closer to the 2-2.5" range to reduce the falling out coil risk.

Maybe what I'll do is reconfirm the dimensions of the Rav4 shock & compare again. What year Rav4 were those shocks coming from? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

If you are worried about the spring coming out at full flex, install a rebond strap. It will limit the movement of the axle, and stop the axle from over traveling!

1998 is just the year I say, as its kinda in the middle. so 1998 4x4 (if that even matters either). With the tj's in at full flex, my drivers side spring wasn't loose, but I don't think there was much tension left in the coil. You shouldn't really need to swap shocks for a 2" lift.

Think about it, we put in a 4" lift up front with the stock strut.

just a thought.

OR you could always tap a hole in the bottom spring plate, and put a piece of flat steel across the bottom coil, and with it bolted down, it would never go anywhere.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Did some more chart checking today. The Rav4 shock part # is 37199 from 97 up to 05.

Extended length is 2.75" longer than stock.

Compressed length is 1.375" longer.

Travel is 1.375 longer.

I'm pretty sure the spacers I got from Dennis are 2.5" so I'll be doing some 'travel' measurements to see how I can maximize the articulation without coils falling out. Ya think 1/4" will be enough for the coil to fall out?

If all else fails guess I could secure the coils like you suggested there Jay.

As for the other shock I mentioned earlier...it is indeed for the f150 so valving will likely be a bit harsh.

Later <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I don't know if a 1/4 would allow it to fall out, but I'd hate to say NO then hear you tell us a story of how your coil fell out on the trail!

when you get things together, jack up the frame so the rear suspension droops down, and see how far it can go down before it falls out, that should get you in the right neighborhood.

The shock is the only thing holding it back from popping out, so you need to be pretty close to the same measurement on the "extended" measurement. its getting late, so hopefully I am still making sense....... lol.

Goodnight! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

i am runnin the 97 f150 rear shocks on my rig. procomp es 1000's. they work really well.

Thanks for the input guys. Think I'm gunna give the Rav4 shocks a go. At first I was thinking they would be too long referring back to earlier posts indicating they were 3+" longer than stock. But since looking at the Monroe charts & seeing they are only about 2 3/4" longer I'm thinking they'll be fine. Since I put in new Sensatrac struts I wanna stick to the same for the shocks too. Once I get to actually changing them out I'll let ya know about the 'real' measurements.

Later <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />