Mounting shocks tomorrow... newbie advice?

[kelseydum]

I am finally getting back to working on my truck and am going to try to get both rear and front shocks mounted tomorrow. I've got the extra shackles that came with my spring shackles that have the extra bolt hole for the front shocks and was wanting to fab something like what DMW56 (http://killbillet.com/showthread.php?t=8984&highlight=shock+mounts) or Abomb (http://ratrodsrule.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2567&highlight=shock+mounts&page=3) have.

I think I have the front figured out, but do the rear shocks need to be set at a specific angle or will they pretty much work like I have the straps mocked up? I think I'm going to weld a bolt, reinforced with washers on both sides, through the rear cross member. Any other advice for a new guy when mounting shocks?

 

[Bonehead]

The location looks okay for the rear. Even from the factory, shocks are usually straight up and down or tilted inward a little at the top. Chevy trucks used to have one in front of the axle, and one behind, both tilted slightly towards the axle and in at the tops. Usually in line with the movement of the axle.

 

[Gastrick]

The location and position that you have chosen will be fine KD. Just reiterating what Bonehead said.

 

[Willowbilly3]

I would remove the springs (deflate bags) and move the suspension through it's whole arc of travel to make sure the shocks don't bind.

 

[kelseydum]

Here we go. I got the shocks mounted and bags aired up.

Front shock brackets made.

 

[Bonehead]

You may need a gusset on the plates at the rear down to the crossmember, should be easy to do. The pins generally run the other way, but it may be fine too. Just wears the rubber out.

 

[kelseydum]

Thanks Bonehead. Yeah, I was getting to that. I'm going to make some for the front mounts too.

 

[DA34GUY]

Not being real critical, but maybe I am.
I think I'd do a better job on those welds,
Don't look like ya got much penetration

 

[kelseydum]

Here are some pics of the front and gussets on the rear... and a pic of the welds up close. I know the frame is really rusty but I grind the metal until it's smooth and clean... trust me. My father in law would not be letting me do the welding if he didn't think they were strong... his grand baby will be riding in it. I know they aren't the prettiest in the world, but they are strong.

Give me some feedback on the front. There was not much room and I really had to squeeze and figure out a way for the shocks to fit because of my grill shell. I was not keen on the spacer, but I braced it really well. If there is somewhere else I should reinforce them let me know.

 

[Bonehead]

If the outside pieces would have gone to the top, it probably would have been all you needed. And a little cleaner. But it looks okay.
Rear gussets are great.

 

[kelseydum]

I added some more bracing with the headlight mounts. I have one more strap to add on each side, but they aren't going anywhere now. I'm going to add some rod webbing to dress up the mounts some too. My father in law was going to use these headlights but decided to go with some bigger ones... so he donated them to my project. I don't really know what this means, but he said the actual lights/bulbs are halogen Jag3 lights or something like that. I guess that means there good.?