Front End Shock Absorber Questions

[jlandry@domain.elided (John A. Landry)]

Hello gang,

This weekend I discovered where the mysterious "clunk" is coming from on my
1976 Traveler!

While doing some unrelated work under the right front wheel well, I noticed
the upper shock mounting nut didn't quite look tight enough.  When I
snugged it down, I noticed that the lower shock bolt wasn't tight either.
I tried to tighten it next, and wasn't able to much.  I think the bolt is
in some way damaged and needs replacing.

After tightening this shock somewhat and then driving again, the clunk
became worse than ever.  I suspect the less that tight lower shock bolt is
moving up and down under certain conditions causing the sound.  The sound
is then transmitted through the frame and into the floor of the cab, which
is where I hear it.

Obviously I need to fix this.  The cheapest thing would be to replace the
shock bushings and the defective mounting bolt.  The shocks are ancient and
probably could stand replacement also, so I thought now might be a good
time to take of that too.

In calling a local 4x4 shop to inquire about a couple of Rancho RS5000
shocks for the front, they asked me how much lift I have.  I have the stock
lift at the moment and told them this, but I also added I intend to install
a 4" lift in the near future.  They explained that if I bought shocks to
fit a 4" lift, they would not fit my stock vehicle height now and vice
versa.

I guess I don't completely understand this... I know it's probably not the
best match of shock absorber to suspension height to install a shock
designed to fit a 4" lift on a stock height suspension, but what happens
then if you have a 4" lift and compress the suspension?  How is the shock
going to know the difference of being on a lower stock height suspension
verses a compressed suspension on a 4" lift?  If the shock is going to
bottom out that easy, it seems like it would really limit your suspension
travel.  Is the 4x4 shop correct, or can I get away with installing the
RS5000 meant for a 4" lift?

On a related note, can anyone by chance tell me what the size and length of
the front end lower shock bolt is on a 76 Scout II?  It may be listed in
the IH Parts Manual if someone has it handy.

Thanks a million,

John
------------------------------------------------------------------------
jlandry@domain.elided             |
Conservative Libertarian        |  Scout(R) the America others pass by
Life Member of the NRA          | in the Scout Traveler escape-machine.
WA Arms Collectors              |
Commercial Helicopter - Inst.   | 1976 Scout Traveler, V345A, 727, 3.54
http://www.halcyon.com/jlandry/ |