Problem installing shock absorbers!

[BaggedC10]

I am using brand-new factory style hardware from LMC Truck for the upper shock mounts. The problem is that the head of the bolt is enlarging the bushing---When I torque the nut from the inside of frame rail. I also placed two lock washers on both sides and it still slipped through. Should I purchase a flat washer that is larger than the bushing and place it between the bushing/head of the bolt? That way, it would apply pressure to the entire bushing, and the bolt would not be able to slip through. Thanks for any suggestions.

[bigblock73]

Yes, you should use a large washer to prevent damaging the bushing and properly seat the shock...they SHOULD have came with the shocks when you purchased them.

-Jeff

[BaggedC10]

Thanks, that's what I thought. When I bought the truck, it used a large bolt with a built-in nut that went inside of the frame rail---Which stopped the end with threads from passing through the frame rail anymore. Hard to explain but I'm sure you have seen one. Anyways, LMC only showed a bolt, lock washer, and nut. Thanks again!

[bigblock73]

I am confused, you have TWO problems here...the bushing getting mangled AND the stud that the shock goes around in not staying in place??

-Jeff

[ElGracho]

Each time I have bought shocks for my 80's GM trucks (front or rear) they have come with the studs that go through the frame and all the required hardware. If you have some nice shocks but not all the hardware, I would go to Autozone and pick up some $10 cheapies to get the hardware rather than ordering it from LMC. Probably less money anyhow.

[BaggedC10]

Originally posted by bigblock73
I am confused, you have TWO problems here...the bushing getting mangled AND the stud that the shock goes around in not staying in place??

-Jeff

Only one problem. I was describing the kind of bolt that was on there before. I already purchased the hardware from LMC Truck and I'm sure everything will bolt-in place after I purchase two large washers. It has shock extenders on the lower mounts, so I shouldn't have any problems down there.

[BaggedC10]

Originally posted by ElGracho
Each time I have bought shocks for my 80's GM trucks (front or rear) they have come with the studs that go through the frame and all the required hardware. If you have some nice shocks but not all the hardware, I would go to Autozone and pick up some $10 cheapies to get the hardware rather than ordering it from LMC. Probably less money anyhow.

Yep, you know what I'm talking about then. I'm using Doetsch Tech shock absorbers f/r and the truck is lowered 7" in the rear. Like I said one post above, the washers should work. Thanks guys!

[BaggedC10]

Well, the washers did not work. When I torque the nut down, the bushing literally wraps around the lip of the washer and the bushings flatten-out badly. Not in a typical way though. What should I do?

[ElGracho]

Do you have a digital camera that you could take a pic so we can see what you are talking about? From what you last wrote sounds like the washers are too small.

[BaggedC10]

Originally posted by ElGracho
Do you have a digital camera that you could take a pic so we can see what you are talking about? From what you last wrote sounds like the washers are too small.

Nope, I don't have a digital camera. Actually, the washers are larger than the bushings and I can't use one size up because they would hit the shock absorber body. I even tried the original hardware (The bolt/stud type) and that did not work for some reason. I couldn't secure it anymore even using an air gun. It's always the little things that drive you crazy!

[ElGracho]

Ok, here is the setup I have, does this look sorta like what you are talking about? Of course, I didn't draw the nuts or lockwashers that would be on both ends of this thing.

The washer on the inside is really part of the whole stud assembly and the washer on the outside has a small enough hole that it can only be pushed up to the shoulder on the stud.

[BaggedC10]

That is the setup I had before. Now, I'm using a bolt, lock washer, nut, and two washers on both sides of the bushing. On another forum, a member recommended I torque it down less. I torqued the upper mount to 60 lb-lt of torque. How much would you recommend, anyone?

[BaggedC10]

TTT