Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

I have seen numerous statements that "I got a 2" lift when I replaced my X shocks with Y"

How is this possible... is a shock not just a damper and height is related to the stiffness of the spring? I could see a shock lowering lift by shortening travel, but not how it can lift suspension? Or have I answered my own question here?

You are correct - a shock does not dictate the normal ride height.
Some shocks do however include a coil spring wrapped around the shock, which will give the extra lift.

See the difference:

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My limited knoledge about anything(except maths) says to me....
The shocks absorb the punishment from the surface, BUT its job is also to press the tyre down on to the ground. 4E is correct in what he is saying, the way I see it is that "longer" shocks makes for a greater distance between the car and tyre as well, together with being "stiffer" shocks it provides for less downforce that would compress the shock inwards less, which theoretically should push the car upwards....Am I right in saying it so flippen confusing.???

'Tokkelos,

No, a shock absorber's only function is to dampen the up-down movement of the sprung components (those that can move up or down).

Springs hold it up, shocks dampen the rate of movement.

It is like a stone falling in a bucket of liquid.

The liquid can be 'thin' such as water, and in this case it will fall fast. This is a 'soft' damper.

The liquid can be 'thick' such as golden syrup, and in this case it will fall slowly. This is a 'stiff' damper.

In both cases the stone will eventually fall to the bottom.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_absorber
Hi Guys check this link maybe it will give better understanding of shocks.
Regards