front shocks don't line up

[BarryV]

Hi All,

I have a 1970 SWB with a 1972 front end (entire crossmember). The 1970 was drum, the 1972 is disc.

When mounting the front shocks, it looks like the geometry is wrong! With the shock mounted on the crossmember (lower mount point) it looks like the frame mount needs to be further back on the frame (upper mount point).

In order to get the shock on, I would have to bend the shock.


Any ideas?


BarryV

[swamp rat]

Compress the shock a little and install it....... Is it possible the lower arm is bent??

[Blown06]

Take the bottom bolt back out, install it at the top first then compress the shock and guide it into the bottom bracket as it extends. Maybe that will help?

[BarryV]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Compress the shock a little and install it....... Is it possible the lower arm is bent??

I don't think the lower arm is bent, because both sides are identical. Compressing is easy, but the amount of side force I would have to apply to get the shock onto the upper mount seems troubling.

The shock is literally pointing upwards at the wrong angle.


BarryV

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by Blown06

Take the bottom bolt back out, install it at the top first then compress the shock and guide it into the bottom bracket as it extends. Maybe that will help?

This is the only way the front shocks will install.

It's also a pain in the ass to get the bottom bolt in.

It looks wrong, but it's right...

Also, if you have problems getting the bottom bolt in, put the head in a good pair of vice grips (attach them so the vice grips are "long ways" with the length of the bolt). The the bolt installed through the first hole, then lift up and wiggle to get it through the 2nd slot. Saves a lot of frustration and cussing. My bolt wouldn't go though without this.

[rharp]

OP, I can take a picture of mine when I get home, if you want, so we can compare. I didn't have any trouble getting mine on at all, so I'm kind of curious what's going on. I have a 69 that I put a 72 crossmember on and did a 4" drop. I put the original length shocks back on it for a few days until the drop shocks came in. I swapped the drop shocks on it in less than 15 minutes and without removing the wheels/tires.

[BarryV]

Originally Posted by Blown06

Take the bottom bolt back out, install it at the top first then compress the shock and guide it into the bottom bracket as it extends. Maybe that will help?

Hi,

This is what I did first, but the lower mounting holes would not line up with the shock.


BarryV

[dfwright]

Originally Posted by Blown06

install it at the top first then compress the shock and guide it into the bottom bracket as it extends.

I have a stock 72, and this is what I had to do to get the front shocks in. It wasn't terribly bad, but I did have to use some persuasion.

[WIDESIDE72]

most shocks have a tie wire to keep them compressed until you need to install them. I always install the bottom bolt, then cut the wire and guide it on to the top stud. YOu have to be ready for it, as you only get one shot!