Shocks keep stripping?

[71C10Guy]

I've had two pairs of shocks on my 71 c10 and both pairs strip out. More specifically the bolt that holds the bottoms of the shock first gets deformed on the threads, then bends, and eventually breaks through. I have put probably 10 bolts in each rear shock and they always end up breaking. This last time I was driving from Houston to Austin and both shocks came off the rear and started dragging and throwing sparks.

This only happens on the rear and it is always the bottom bolt that strips. Any clue as to why? Could the swing arm be bent or shifted where it is pinching the shock or shifting sideways while the suspension travels?
Thanks,
Mark.

[71C10Guy]

So I guess no one has had this issue? Nothing I can do, or not even any suggestions of where to start looking?

[a.c.ward]

if possible, pics would help better explain what is happening, I personally have never seen this happen, we beat on our trucks pretty hard, auto cross, drag race and haul heavy loads, and never seen this happen. We use grade 8 bolts on just about every fastener we can, except where specific hard ware is required.

again, pics help

[Low Elco]

Well, your shocks are too long. Most manufacturers have charts online where you can use your eye to eye distance at rest as the middle of your travel and then go up/down from there. I like Doetsch tech.

More importantly, you're in the wrong forum for this. This is projects and builds. you want to be here, in the general 67-72 forum,

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/forumdisplay.php?f=3

or here, in the suspension forum:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...splay.php?f=25

Big board, lotsa places. You'll get a lot more traction in the right place. Good luck.

[71C10Guy]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Well, your shocks are too long. Most manufacturers have charts online where you can use your eye to eye distance at rest as the middle of your travel and then go up/down from there. I like Doetsch tech.

More importantly, you're in the wrong forum for this. This is projects and builds. you want to be here, in the general 67-72 forum,

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/forumdisplay.php?f=3

or here, in the suspension forum:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...splay.php?f=25

Big board, lotsa places. You'll get a lot more traction in the right place. Good luck.

Ah, thank you for your advise and the forum tip. That makes sense, the shocks being too long. My dad had been getting my shocks so I will let him know or do my own shopping this time. Thank you again.