Question about shocks and installing lift kit

[EthanTj04]

I recently bought a 4in Currie lift and I want to buy some Rancho rs5000x shocks to pair with it but I wasn't sure what size to get. I was reading up on forums and learned you should cycle your suspension to find the exact shock length you need. So I was wondering, should I install the lift without shocks, cycle the suspension (without shocks), take measurements and then buy shocks? I wasn't sure if could cycle my suspension without shocks and get the right measurements.

I apologize if this is a stupid question, this is my first time doing all this and I want to be 100% sure.

Thank you

 

[williambmac]

Welcome aboard. I'm sure other will chime in, but I think you may want to measure as opposed to buying what rancho specifies for your lift.
I had a set of Rancho MT7000 shocks and I ordered them according to their chart. They ended up being too long.

 

[chimmike]

I'm in the midst of the very same install, likely very same kit.
I did the front this way:
install LCA's and UCAs, remove factory springs and shocks, remove track bar.
-Cycle axle fully up on each side and measure compressed length shock bolt centerpoint to shock bolt centerpoint.
-Measure full droop on each side, same way.
-Install springs, wheels/tires to full front weight, measure shock bolt centerpoint to centerpoint.
This info is what I used to size shocks. Will do the same thing on the rear.