60-62 X-Frame Rear Shock Relocate

[62ChevyStep]

Just finished the complete front end rebuild (upper/lower Arms, all Moog HD problem solver parts, 1 1/4 Swaybar etc.)

The rear still needs some adjustment, the rear shocks are laid back to far after the lowering, and are so stiff the ride is terrible! I will get some pics tonight of the rear setup and post them, hopefully someone here can come up with a better way to mount these shocks.

[62ChevyStep]

Alright here are the pic's (sorry I was late, been slammed at work lately)
as I said the rear shocks are "layed back" to far I think, could I just grind off the welds and move them ahead 2-3" 's? I am finishing the short fleet, but I dont think anything should get in the way.

[62ChevyStep]

Last two pic's

[SIR]

...nice work sounds like that will solve your problem ,(question) how close is your rear end to the frame looks like it's going to "bottom out" and you really don't to do that and if you need to "notch your frame" this would be the time to do it while you can still get around all of it..just a thought....looks good.

[62ChevyStep]

Thanks Sir! I will measure and find out, I used 5" drop springs, didnt think I needed unless it was 6" or more? Also I dont know anyone who makes a C-notch for a 60-62 with the X frame?

[thebox]

I have been wondering the same thing I have a 61 that I just dropped with 4" HD springs and 2" blocks and the ride is really stiff. If adjusting the shock angle is the answer hopefully someone knows where to get a shock mount kit.
Really like the work you have done, keep the pics coming.

[David Flores]

nice, what size wheels and tires are those?

[62ChevyStep]

Thnx Box! Ya I hope so too, these X-frames though stout, do call for some modifications not covered by the 63-66 year frames.

Good to see another person from SD on the board (I was born and raised there - La Mesa/Mt Helix, attended State, and left for the Air Force just after) Now retired and living/working in New Mexico.

[62ChevyStep]

Thnx, Boyd Coddington Smoothie II's 20x8.5, rear tires 275X45X20

[TINKERDUKE]

The more upright the shocks are, the stiffer the ride. You might think it feels stiff now but when the bed is put on it will be much softer.
Are you still running torsion bars? If so what swaybar did you use? Steve.

[63sbssbbw]

Looking good 62,like Tinker said ,maybe strap some weight on the back and see how she rides
I'm just getting started on a '61 lwb so i'm watching these '60-'62 threads,doesn't seem to be too much on them.
Keep up the good work(and pics,we love pics)
Thanks T

[ChiefRocka]

Originally Posted by TINKERDUKE

The more upright the shocks are, the stiffer the ride. You might think it feels stiff now but when the bed is put on it will be much softer.
Are you still running torsion bars? If so what swaybar did you use? Steve.

I was just going to say that....The shocks are more efficient (work better) when they are verticle.

They would be less efficient (damp'n less, softer) the way you have them.

I would drop the bed on it first, before you start cutting, and moving the mounts.

[62ChevyStep]

thnx guys for the input, ya Chief, I think waiting until the bed is ready and test fit, prior to any shock mount adjustments would be wise (measure/ponder multiple times, cut/grind and weld, once)

The truck will stay like this for a while (thus the rear lights and lic plate setup), I still have the Stainless rear gas tank to fit/mount, disk brake kit for the rear, a 21mm (Iroc Z28) rear swaybar to mount, and looks like a C-notch is in the near future. Might as well get all this done prior to the bed going on.

As for the front (Tinker) I am not running the stock suspension (torsion bars), I replaced it with a 86' C10 front end off a donor truck, with 2 1/2" drop spindles and 1" drop springs. the sway bar was off a mid eighties 3/4 ton, 1 1/4" bar, and has made an incrediblely HUGE difference since the complete finished frontend upgrade, drives and handles like a "slot" car, I can't wait to feel it once the rear sway bar is in, reminds me of the stadium drags/slalom races on the weekend at Jack Murphey stadium in SD. I use to race my lowered 65' bug there in the late 70's!