Rear Shock Mount Mod?

[ParadiseMJ]

I've been pondering the issue of our rear shock mounts being the low clearance spot on the whole truck.  Seems to me that it's a very vulnerable spot for rocks, logs, bodies etc..  Anyone else have this issue.  I have 3" leaf packs, I don't want to do an SOA.  Is there some modification that I've yet stumble on?

 

I'd really like to see some pics and hear ideas of what others have done...welded, bolt on, not too complicated, parts from other vehicles...whatever.

 

TIA

[87manche1]

Only thing I've heard is weld on shock mounts to the axle. You would have to run smaller shocks

[Garvin]

87manche1 hit the main issue spot on, it shortens the shock a good bit when using the factory frame mount.  I did SOA on the rear with the one ton axles and welded on shock mounts as low as I could on the axle that would keep the mount above the bottom of the tube, if that makes sense.  I also slightly raised and moved the mount on the frame due to moving the rear axle back ~5". 

[Pete M]

 

 

[Garvin]

While that is a way to get longer shock angles, I'd stay far away from angling the shocks that much.  That shocks create a good deal of stability and help fight body roll to a great degree and angling them that much reduces both drastically. 

[Pete M]

true.  my 88 doesn't really see roads anymore so it works for me.

[neohic]

true.  my 88 doesn't really see roads anymore so it works for me.

 

Does it see anything but the driveway, sidewalk, or in front of your house? :hmm: Just sayin'...

[Pete M]

I chose my words carefully. :D

[ParadiseMJ]

Like I said..."not too complicated".  I'm not likely going to do the extreme angle with the shock mount "bar".  I was wondering if another vehicles set-up would work with an SUA lift.  Apparently it's not as easy I thought it might be.  Damn geometry... :mad: ...and physics and all that math crap!!

[xjustinx]

Seems pretty easy to me. Shorter shocks + weld on shock mounts = no more low spot on axle. 

 

Could also use these in conjunction with the set up:

 

http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/product.aspx?id=982

[Pete M]

shorter shocks equals less travel so you'll need to find a sweet spot for you particular type of wheeling.

[GrizzzzBear]

I have an SOA conversion, Modified Lower Shock Mount Plates. The Plates are Between the Axle & Springs.

Really Stable Ride, Stock Shock size, Nice Range of Travel.

Looking forward to getting 5 leaf rear Springs, and Finishing the Front with a Long Arm Lift!!

[randomguy310]

shorter shock doesn't always mean less travel just depends how it is mounted..

[Garvin]

Moving the spring up from the factory position will net you a lot less up travel.  Unless you lengthen the bump stop, the shock won't last long from all the bottoming out.