Bell Tech upper shock mount 88-98

[ChevLoRay]

Anybody got any experience with this component? My truck is lowered 4-inches in back and I don't think I'm getting the right action from my shocks. This may be the answer to my questions, but I'm looking for any feedback I can get on the issue.

Thanks.

[N2TRUX]

Do you have shock extenders? They should have come with the kit. You def need more travel and the extenders should give you what you need.

[pissonNOS]

^ thats what i installed with mine and have no problems

[ChevLoRay]

Are those the Bell Tech components? I just got off of the phone with them and I know I'll have to get mine from Summit.

My truck has a DJM lowering system on it, from '02. I spoke with DJM last year and they didn't offer any shock relocator, saying they weren't needed. They sure made a difference on my '69, so logic says I needed them on the '96. Thanx for the feedback.

Still two weeks away from shipping, according to Summit. They're paid for....I just gotta wait. (edited 9-30-08)

[ChevLoRay]

Got the upper shock mount relocators on Thursday. They do not look anything at all like the picture above.

First thing on the instructions: Remove the bed.

So, Monday, we're gonna pull the bed off of it and start on the installation. Currently, the shocks on it are (seem to be) at a 45-degree angle, and that's just not what they should be at. I can tell that these mounts will change the position of the upper end of the shock by relocating it approximately 2 to 3-inches closer to the axle. That should help, huh?

I'll add pictures, after I get one of the parts, the befores and the afters.

[ChevLoRay]

Got it done! Had to deviate slightly....

We took the bed loose from the chassis, then raised it up enough to get a 2x4 between the bed and the frame. Then, we removed the wheels. After that, we cleaned the chassis, once we knew exactly where the brackets would be located. One end attaches to the original shock mounting, either forward (right side) or behind (left side) the axle, beneath the bed.

After bolting the bracket (shock mount relocator) to the original shock mount, the other end, which is designed to rest on top of the frame, was positioned and clamped with a 6-inch C-clamp. With the frame and the bracket cleaned of any paint, the bracket was welded to the top of frame. Doing this meant we didn't have to remove the bed from the chassis.

Once the brackets were in place, the shocks were re-installed to the new mountings. With the bed back in place and secure, the wheels were reinstalled. A road test revealed a ride quality that I had not enjoyed since the DJM 2/4 drop was installed in 2002. The angle of the shock placement, before installing the new shock mount relocators, was in excess of 45-degrees. They just couldn't dampen anything and the ride was "like a rock". Afterwards, the shock angle is as GM designed it to be, and the shocks can work like they are supposed to work.

I'm happy.