Do new shocks increase overall height?

[JohnCamden]

Just got Van last October.
1991 Westy
Rear shocks look old.
Lots of creaking and squeaking back there.
Want to replace the rear shocks but worried I won’t be able to get van in garage.
Not much clearance now.
Looking to know what you guys have experienced with changes in overall height when changing out shocks.
Thanks
_________________
1991 Westfalia GL

[MarkWard]

A gas charge shock adds about 75 pounds of spring rate. So you might get a slight increase over a stock type hydraulic shock. I don’t think it will affect your clearance much even with a gas shock.
_________________
☮️

[VicVan]

Are they leaking?

The creaking and squeaking is possibly due to bushings, not necessarily the shock absorber itself.
How do the Rear Trailing Arm bushings look?
_________________
'90 Little Blue Truck, 2WD auto, FAS GenV 2.0 NA (AVH)

[Wildthings]

Gas shocks will raise your height slightly. Nothing that a few cinder blocks won't take care of though.

[Crooked Designer]

After new springs (go westy 0 lift), shocks (konis), and a few shims in the back to level, my skylight rides at 6'11.5"

I had the skylight open once and almost ripped it off backing into the garage. Bent the struts on the opening mechanism and had to replace them. It's that tight of a fit in a 7' garage door, but it fits with all new suspension.

I have 215/65 R15 tires.
_________________
'85 Westy full camper, Subaru 2.5L, 5 speed SubiGears + 5speedbus shifter kit

[MarkWard]

The springs set the ride height. The shocks are there to follow the springs and dampen spring isolation. Gas charged shocks by their design are trying to expand to their full extension. The weight of the van more than covers this extra tension. It is measurable, so gas charge shocks could have a minimal increase in ride height.

Where you need to pay attention is if you replace springs with different heights and or spring rates. Taller tires or spring spacers.
_________________
☮️