2WD Lowered - Shock Mount Relocation Needed?

[z71se]

I have a 4/6 drop - standard stuff. Spindles, springs, and drop shocks. I'm rebuilding all my suspension and wonder if I should fabricate some shock relocation mounts. I really don't like the flimsy 2-bolt brackets that bolt to the top (flat part) of the frame. I want something much stronger that bolts both to the top of the frame, and the sides. No one makes a bolt-on kit like this, although they do make them for the 67-72 guys. Anyone done something like that this that can post or text me pictures?

[N2TRUX]

RideTech makes them. I have installed several sets

[bluex]

You shouldn't need it. I have stock replacement KYB shocks on my truck and it sits the a-arms 1/4" off the ground when aired out. I had a setup like you have pictured and it was constantly tearing up the washers that go over the bushings. It also wasn't allowing it to go all the way down. It rides a littler better now with the stock setup.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by bluex

You shouldn't need it. I have stock replacement KYB shocks on my truck and it sits the a-arms 1/4" off the ground when aired out. I had a setup like you have pictured and it was constantly tearing up the washers that go over the bushings. It also wasn't allowing it to go all the way down. It rides a littler better now with the stock setup.

Not saying you're wrong, but I feel it depends on how much travel (the shocks installed) require. I had to raise the upper shock mount on my 74 to yield the best compression/extension dimensions for the shocks I used.

Not all front shocks for 73-87's have the exact same dimensions. Add in different drop variations (how much spindle drop; how much spring drop) plus each individuals ride quality preference & the statement "you shouldn't need it" is probably a little broad.

[N2TRUX]

Scoti is being politically correct bluex. I feel that shock extenders should be part of any front suspension drop that includes short springs. If you reduce the shock travel by 1,2, or 3 inches a shorter shock will not offer a better ride. No matter what combo of fluid, gas, or valving a shock uses for damping, it needs travel to be effective. The shorter the travel, the less effective it is.

After trying several shorter or "drop" shocks I discovered that would not improve travel.
Now, I "always" add upper shock mounts in front with longer shocks.

[StorminNorman]

If you're not cutting down the bump stops why wouldn't stock length shocks work fine ?

[Tom]

My 78 uses 2" springs up from with stock shocks. If I lowered it more i would finally get drop shocks but I wouldn't even think about moving the mount for the shock, oem one works just fine.

[bluex]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Scoti is being politically correct bluex. I feel that shock extenders should be part of any front suspension drop that includes short springs. If you reduce the shock travel by 1,2, or 3 inches a shorter shock will not offer a better ride. No matter what combo of fluid, gas, or valving a shock uses for damping, it needs travel to be effective. The shorter the travel, the less effective it is.

After trying several shorter or "drop" shocks I discovered that would not improve travel.
Now, I "always" add upper shock mounts in front with longer shocks.

I tried to add those brackets that go on the top of the frame. No way they would have worked with a stock length shock for me. I would have gotten about 1" of up travel over my ride height. Stock location and stock replacement style ones worked best for me an give 11" of travel. I couldn't get that with the stud style shocks and I personally felt they were too soft as well.

Everyone has their own preferences. I'd suggest to everyone, break out a tape measure an look up the specs of the shock you want to run and see if it will work before spending money on a relocation bracket.

[bdiamond]

Heres ones I made for mine
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...&theater&ifg=1

They have a tab on top of the frame and a backer plate inside the frame. 6" travel AFCO shocks.

[blazer2007]

do you have other pic,I don,t use facebook

[bdiamond]

Originally Posted by z71se

Anyone done something like that this that can post or text me pictures?

Can someone post the pictures in the Facebook link I posted? If not, what is a good hosting site? I used to use photobucket...