Limit Straps: How to Determine the Correct Limit Strap Length

One of the most overlooked parts of suspension setup is limit straps. A lot of people spend big money on:

• shocks
• coilovers
• bypasses
• suspension links

but then accidentally damage those same shocks because the suspension is overextending. That’s exactly what limit straps are designed to prevent. In this Wide Open Design tech video, Adam breaks down how to properly measure and calculate the correct limit strap length for your rig so your suspension stays in its safe operating range.

Measuring Limit Strap Length

The first step is making sure your mounting tabs are positioned correctly. The tabs should pull:

• straight
• in-line with each other
• without side-loading the strap

Once the suspension is fully drooped out, measure:

• center of upper bolt hole
• to center of lower bolt hole

In the video example, the measurement came out to: 18.5” eye-to-eye. That measurement is NOT the strap size you order.

The 1-for-12 Rule

One of the most important parts of setting up limit straps is accounting for strap stretch. The rule Wide Open Design uses is: For every 12 inches of strap length, expect roughly 1 inch of stretch. Using the example in the video:

18.5” mounting distance
× 0.083 stretch factor
= roughly 1.5” of stretch

That means:
18.5” eye-to-eye measurement
minus 1.5” stretch
= 17” limit strap needed

This allows the strap to properly tension under load while keeping the shock from overextending.

Protecting Shock Travel

In the video example, the suspension uses a 14” shock. By correctly sizing the strap, the suspension safely limits travel to around:
13–13.5” instead of fully yanking the shock apart at maximum extension. That small amount of safety margin dramatically improves:

• shock longevity
• reliability
• suspension consistency

especially in:

• rock crawlers
• Ultra4 cars
• race bouncers
• trail rigs

where suspension sees repeated hard droop cycles.

Final Thoughts

Limit straps are one of the cheapest insurance policies you can install on an off-road suspension system. A properly measured and installed limit strap helps:

• protect expensive shocks
• maintain safe suspension travel
• improve reliability
• prevent overextension damage

The biggest takeaway: measure eye-to-eye, account for strap stretch, and size the strap correctly the first time. That small amount of math can save a very expensive suspension setup later.