help with opposed shock relocating on 69

[tranz am]

I recently did a c notch and a flip kit on my 69 gmc. I bought the shock relocating kit but have yet to install it.
I did some research about the benefits of placing shocks opposed to each other (one in front and one behind the axle). I would like to run this set up but I dont know the geometry involved to do this without causing suspension travel issues.
anyone done this conversion who could lend me hand?

[tranz am]

bump it anyone?

[70c10]

Stock angle is about 15 degrees I think. I have no clue about opposing shock angles though.

[tranz am]

The problem Im having is dew to the shape of the frame. Unlike 73 + trucks that have a level frame above the axle, 67-72 have a downward tilt towards the back of the truck. my truck is lowered with a leaf spring flip kit so my axle is already very close to the frame as it is, and my shock relocating kit only works with the stock configuration.
According to Herb Adams Chassis Engining book, the use of opposed shocks has a tremendous effect against wheel hop and squat. This eliminates the use of bulky traction control devices such as traction bars.

Im very surprised that more people on this board haven't done this fix. I will have to fabricate something up myself I guess. I just figured some guys have done this already and was hoping for some insight before I get at it.

[tinlid]

Put the right one in front of the axle and the left one on the rear of the axle.
That way some additional control is applied to the axle wrap that can be a problem with parallel leafs.
Lots of factory setups are designed that way. Angle no more than 15-18 degrees.

[ChevLoRay]

The '88-98's are set up just like he said. Be sure you get the angles "right" so you have some travel or it's gonna ride just like the rock that Chevy says these trucks are.

On my '96 GMC short step, I recently installed BellTech shock relocators. They mount to the top of the frame and to the original upper shock mount. Here's those mounts:

I don't know whether you are running leaf or coil springs. These are designed for the leaf spring trucks but may be adaptable to a coil spring chassis with "some" fabrication skills. The tab with two holes in it goes on top of the frame. The square hole is where the shock fits and the other end mounts to the stock (leaf spring 88-98) upper shock mount, like I said above. They are not shown as they would be oriented on the chassis. In my case, we welded the tab to the top of the chassis, instead of drilling two holes and bolting it in place. The reason? We would have had to completely remove the bed. When we did mine, we unbolted the bed, and raised it up and placed 2x4's between the bed and chassis. We cleaned off the rails where the welds were made and the result is a really nice riding truck. It had already been given a 2/4 drop back in '01.

[tranz am]

you wouldnt happen to be able to grab me a picture installed would you? that would be great. Im trying to wrap the welding up on my c notches and tow hitch and if I have the bed off I should take advantage of it and do the upper mounts.

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

The '88-98's are set up just like he said. Be sure you get the angles "right" so you have some travel or it's gonna ride just like the rock that Chevy says these trucks are.

On my '96 GMC short step, I recently installed BellTech shock relocators. They mount to the top of the frame and to the original upper shock mount. Here's those mounts:

I don't know whether you are running leaf or coil springs. These are designed for the leaf spring trucks but may be adaptable to a coil spring chassis with "some" fabrication skills. The tab with two holes in it goes on top of the frame. The square hole is where the shock fits and the other end mounts to the stock (leaf spring 88-98) upper shock mount, like I said above. They are not shown as they would be oriented on the chassis. In my case, we welded the tab to the top of the chassis, instead of drilling two holes and bolting it in place. The reason? We would have had to completely remove the bed. When we did mine, we unbolted the bed, and raised it up and placed 2x4's between the bed and chassis. We cleaned off the rails where the welds were made and the result is a really nice riding truck. It had already been given a 2/4 drop back in '01.

[Longhorn Man]

Im very surprised that more people on this board haven't done this fix. I will have to fabricate something up myself I guess. I just figured some guys have done this already and was hoping for some insight before I get at it.

Most of these trucks don't have wheel hop issues since they have the trailing arm suspention.

[tranz am]

makes sense.
looks like a gotta whip out the old grinder and torch and get covered in metal!

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Most of these trucks don't have wheel hop issues since they have the trailing arm suspention.