OE Shock Relocators - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SCOTI · 08-24-2009, 09:39 PM

Lot's of times when guys drop their 67-72 coil spring trucks they opt for relocating the mounting points of the shocks to gain precious travel back. Since you must remove the original shock brackets, with just a little effort, drill, angle grinder w/a cutting/grinding disc, & a press or vise, you can modify your originals.

Uppers first: You want to relocate the hole higher & slightly over vs. OE....

SCOTI · 08-24-2009, 09:43 PM

Mark the bracket vertically @ the C/L of the OE hole using a square. Scribe a horizontal line again 1.5" higher vs. the C/L of the OE hole. Scribe another line .750" over on the new horizontal line.....

SCOTI · 08-24-2009, 09:50 PM

Drill the 'new' higher shock bolt hole. I prefer a drill press to keep things square. Since many guys don't have one, I did these w/a typical 1/2" hand drill.

I drill a smaller pilot hole on each side. Then drill thru one side w/a .500" bit & use the pilot hole on the opposite side to help keep the drill bit as square as possible. Deburr the edges when done.

Then, I made a template of the outside circumference of the shock bushing. I used that to dictate where I needed to trim off the excess material that will hit the shock body @ the now higher mounting location. Once I have the 'corner' marked. I use a larger diameter washer to scribe a hard line for where to cut.

Cut the extra material off & finish grind the bracket. These took about 1hr to do both brackets.

SCOTI · 08-24-2009, 09:56 PM

Lowers next: The lowers can be tweaked using a torch & BFH, a BF-vise, or a press. The press is the quickest & time was a factor for me so it's what I used for this set.

Remove the brackets from their original locations. You'll flip the drivers upside down & over to the pass side; the pass to the drivers. When you do this, there's about a 5/16" lip that will prevent the bracket from sitting flush.

I install the flipped bracket & mark the area the lip will contact w/a Sharpie. The lip beyond this point will need to be flattened by your method of choice.

SCOTI · 08-24-2009, 10:02 PM

I just keep pressing the lip flat a little @ a time until it's just that..... FLAT! Once your done, they simply bolt back up. If you don't flatten them far enough, you can grind a little off the truck arm for clearance but don't take off too much.

I do not recommend cutting the lip off. I feel it can cause a stress crack that could potentially shear @ some point should your shock ever bottom out (which lowered trucks do occassionally).

The rears took about 20mins start to finish on the press. A little longer if you add in the time spent marking them for the correct areas to clearance.

SCOTI · 08-24-2009, 10:03 PM

Net gain?

3" of shock travel for about 1-1.5hrs of effort. Cost... zero.

72BlckButy · 08-24-2009, 10:05 PM

Awesome FAQ SCOTI!!!!!

I hear Krue's thread in the distance....

Painter D · 08-24-2009, 10:17 PM

Nice job SCOTI.

shifty · 08-24-2009, 10:42 PM

I am having a problem trying to picture where this goes, and on what model/year truck.

72BlckButy · 08-24-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shifty

I am having a problem trying to picture where this goes, and on what model/year truck.

The items look just like my '69 pieces, so my guess would be the 67-72 models, but... I'm not that familiar with the 73-87.

The triangle pieces will mount on the bottom side of the bed, and the lower mounts will be installed between the trailing arms and the u-bolts.

SCOTI · 08-24-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

The items look just like my '69 pieces, so my guess would be the 67-72 models, but... I'm not that familiar with the 73-87.

The triangle pieces will mount on the bottom side of the bed, and the lower mounts will be installed between the trailing arms and the u-bolts.

Correct.

I was doing this from multiple places & knew some editing would be required. It officially indicates for 67-72 coil suspensions now.

6x-66's have a slightly different lower bracket. I prefer 67-72 lowers for that reason.

72BlckButy · 08-24-2009, 11:32 PM

SCOTI, would the modified lower 67-72 brackets work on a 63-66 (IIRC) trailing arm?

SCOTI · 08-24-2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

SCOTI, would the modified lower 67-72 brackets work on a 63-66 (IIRC) trailing arm?

Yes. That's what I was trying to say above (apparently I can think it much better than I can type it

). The 67-72 brackets are easy to modify & what I would use on a 6x-66 as well.

Another option for the 6x-66's (or the 67-72's for that matter) is to make a spacer that slips between the bottom of the truck arm & the shock bracket. This method would work ok if there's no lowering block. Since I normally make a lowering block too, the spacer (vs. flattening method) makes the scrub-line issue that much worse.

lofly'a · 08-25-2009, 10:54 PM

thanks for the info, this is timely as i am at this stage now. i had close to the same thoughts as you on the top, but i was going to fab up new lowers......was, but not now, thanks again Scoti

**N2TRUX** · 08-25-2009, 10:59 PM

Nice work Scoti...

smashingchuck · 08-25-2009, 11:49 PM

Sweet.

BTCHN 1963 · 08-27-2009, 05:24 PM

Can you take a picture of the brackets installed? Nice work!

epashhans · 04-12-2010, 01:43 PM

SCOTI, thanks for the great write up. I already bought lowering shocks for my rear 5 inch drop, so will this full process still work/be necessary? I can certainly see the new angles being a problem even with lowering shocks, but I am unsure on overall height. Any suggestions? I plan on measuring my max shock length tonight...

SCOTI · 04-12-2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epashhans

SCOTI, thanks for the great write up. I already bought lowering shocks for my rear 5 inch drop, so will this full process still work/be necessary? I can certainly see the new angles being a problem even with lowering shocks, but I am unsure on overall height. Any suggestions? I plan on measuring my max shock length tonight...

Lowering shocks come in different heights. It's best to measure the distance from the upper to lower mounts (un-modifed, in the stock location) @ ride height. Then, if the math warrants a change, modify as needed to get the best amount of travel (maybe only one end needs modifying vs. both whan using drop shocks).

oldblue1968chevy · 12-27-2010, 06:07 PM

Awesome scotti!! I LOVE this 'save money' and DIY projects I can do!! I just snagged the upper/lower shock hangers from my parts truck but lost track of which is L/R? Does it matter????

**N2TRUX** · 12-27-2010, 11:18 PM

Copied to FAQ located here- LINK

SCOTI · 12-28-2010, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

Awesome scotti!! I LOVE this 'save money' and DIY projects I can do!! I just snagged the upper/lower shock hangers from my parts truck but lost track of which is L/R? Does it matter????

The uppers (in OE configuration) center the shock mount between each end of the bracket so they're universal.

The lowers are side specific. But, it's easy to determine L & R because in the OE configuration the lower shock eye is above the bottom edge of the truck arm. The relocation mod in turn flips the brackets from side to side & shifts the lower shock eye so it's below the bottom edge of the arm.

oldblue1968chevy · 12-29-2010, 06:32 PM

I made my uppers today..

Only thing I thought the upper shock brackets were the same (front/back)..SOO

My L/R brackets are diff. for the tops...So when I get around to grinding the rivits out and have to make one to match one of my 2 I currently have

Does it matter (I hope this makes sense I'll take pix if it doesnt)

SCOTI · 12-29-2010, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

I made my uppers today..

Only thing I thought the upper shock brackets were the same (front/back)..SOO

My L/R brackets are diff. for the tops...So when I get around to grinding the rivits out and have to make one to match one of my 2 I currently have

Does it matter (I hope this makes sense I'll take pix if it doesnt)

Get a pic if possible....

oldblue1968chevy · 12-29-2010, 07:06 PM

Ok will post pic in about 15 minutes.

08-24-2009, 09:39 PM	#1
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	OE Shock Relocators Lot's of times when guys drop their 67-72 coil spring trucks they opt for relocating the mounting points of the shocks to gain precious travel back. Since you must remove the original shock brackets, with just a little effort, drill, angle grinder w/a cutting/grinding disc, & a press or vise, you can modify your originals. Uppers first: You want to relocate the hole higher & slightly over vs. OE.... Attached Images __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 08-24-2009 at 11:22 PM.

08-24-2009, 09:43 PM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: OE Shock Relocators Mark the bracket vertically @ the C/L of the OE hole using a square. Scribe a horizontal line again 1.5" higher vs. the C/L of the OE hole. Scribe another line .750" over on the new horizontal line..... Attached Images __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

08-24-2009, 09:50 PM	#3
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: OE Shock Relocators Drill the 'new' higher shock bolt hole. I prefer a drill press to keep things square. Since many guys don't have one, I did these w/a typical 1/2" hand drill. I drill a smaller pilot hole on each side. Then drill thru one side w/a .500" bit & use the pilot hole on the opposite side to help keep the drill bit as square as possible. Deburr the edges when done. Then, I made a template of the outside circumference of the shock bushing. I used that to dictate where I needed to trim off the excess material that will hit the shock body @ the now higher mounting location. Once I have the 'corner' marked. I use a larger diameter washer to scribe a hard line for where to cut. Cut the extra material off & finish grind the bracket. These took about 1hr to do both brackets. Attached Images __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 08-24-2009 at 11:24 PM.

08-24-2009, 09:56 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: OE Shock Relocators Lowers next: The lowers can be tweaked using a torch & BFH, a BF-vise, or a press. The press is the quickest & time was a factor for me so it's what I used for this set. Remove the brackets from their original locations. You'll flip the drivers upside down & over to the pass side; the pass to the drivers. When you do this, there's about a 5/16" lip that will prevent the bracket from sitting flush. I install the flipped bracket & mark the area the lip will contact w/a Sharpie. The lip beyond this point will need to be flattened by your method of choice. Attached Images __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 08-24-2009 at 11:15 PM.

08-24-2009, 10:02 PM	#5
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: OE Shock Relocators I just keep pressing the lip flat a little @ a time until it's just that..... FLAT! Once your done, they simply bolt back up. If you don't flatten them far enough, you can grind a little off the truck arm for clearance but don't take off too much. I do not recommend cutting the lip off. I feel it can cause a stress crack that could potentially shear @ some point should your shock ever bottom out (which lowered trucks do occassionally). The rears took about 20mins start to finish on the press. A little longer if you add in the time spent marking them for the correct areas to clearance. Attached Images __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 08-24-2009 at 11:17 PM.

08-24-2009, 10:03 PM	#6
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: OE Shock Relocators Net gain? 3" of shock travel for about 1-1.5hrs of effort. Cost... zero. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

08-24-2009, 10:05 PM	#7
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: OE Shock Relocators Awesome FAQ SCOTI!!!!! I hear Krue's thread in the distance.... __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

08-24-2009, 10:17 PM	#8
Painter D Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW (Forney) Posts: 1,529	Re: OE Shock Relocators Nice job SCOTI. __________________ '58 SWB Fleetside...Front & Rear Porterbuilt Dropmember, 6.0 LS /4L60E. Accuair E-level, 20 Billet Specialties (Vintecs) '63 Buick Riviera ... AccuAir E-level, 20" Billet Specialties (Vintecs) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=528853&page=5

08-24-2009, 10:42 PM	#9
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: OE Shock Relocators I am having a problem trying to picture where this goes, and on what model/year truck. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

08-24-2009, 11:32 PM	#12
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: OE Shock Relocators SCOTI, would the modified lower 67-72 brackets work on a 63-66 (IIRC) trailing arm? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

08-25-2009, 10:54 PM	#14
lofly'a Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Alexandria, LA 71301 Posts: 1,451	Re: OE Shock Relocators thanks for the info, this is timely as i am at this stage now. i had close to the same thoughts as you on the top, but i was going to fab up new lowers......was, but not now, thanks again Scoti __________________ -02 avalanche (daily driver) -66 gto ragtop 389/400 (garage queen, hand-me-down from dad) -72 Tribute Trans Am (6.0LS/T56 6-speed) in progress -2003 YUKON (Wife's) -71 gmc swb fleet (current project, gonna shave everything, bags, stuff w/ 20's, gen III powertrain) -48 3100 SWB - 12/31/23 LONG TERM Project

08-25-2009, 10:59 PM	#15
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: OE Shock Relocators Nice work Scoti... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

08-25-2009, 11:49 PM	#16
smashingchuck It'd be alot cooler if you did Join Date: May 2003 Location: Three Rivers, MI Posts: 2,345	Re: OE Shock Relocators Sweet. __________________ 78 Build Thread 4Runner Build

08-27-2009, 05:24 PM	#17
BTCHN 1963 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: mount angel, oregon Posts: 42	Re: OE Shock Relocators Can you take a picture of the brackets installed? Nice work!

04-12-2010, 01:43 PM	#18
epashhans Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MT Posts: 319	Re: OE Shock Relocators SCOTI, thanks for the great write up. I already bought lowering shocks for my rear 5 inch drop, so will this full process still work/be necessary? I can certainly see the new angles being a problem even with lowering shocks, but I am unsure on overall height. Any suggestions? I plan on measuring my max shock length tonight... __________________ '67 C-10 Shorty - 454, 5spd, and speed holes!



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12-27-2010, 06:07 PM	#20
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: OE Shock Relocators Awesome scotti!! I LOVE this 'save money' and DIY projects I can do!! I just snagged the upper/lower shock hangers from my parts truck but lost track of which is L/R? Does it matter???? __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

12-27-2010, 11:18 PM	#21
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: OE Shock Relocators Copied to FAQ located here- LINK __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

12-29-2010, 06:32 PM	#23
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: OE Shock Relocators I made my uppers today.. Only thing I thought the upper shock brackets were the same (front/back)..SOO My L/R brackets are diff. for the tops...So when I get around to grinding the rivits out and have to make one to match one of my 2 I currently have Does it matter (I hope this makes sense I'll take pix if it doesnt) __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

12-29-2010, 07:06 PM	#25
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: OE Shock Relocators Ok will post pic in about 15 minutes. __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

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