I need to install the rear mount brackets on my nine inch. I am dropped a bit and desire max shock travel. My current intent is to reinstall the lower mounts from the nine inch. Anyone have a good method for the upper mounts? I have a pair of new upper studs and double eyed shocks. The stock crossmember just looks like a bad angle to me. All I can think of is a piece of heavy angle or U-channel across the frame which would be similiar to stock setup. Or maybe a green treated 4x4 is the way to go the way this truck is devouring my checkbook!

Thanks
'fenders

 

Hi 'fenders

I was looking at my rear suspension when I had the boards out of the bed. I have a bad upper shock mount stud that I cut off, and the hole where it mounts is whacked out. I'm expecting to use the other hole to reinstall a new shock stud. You're right, the angle doesn't even look right.

I was considering what it would take to install staggered shocks; one shock in front of the axle, the other behind. The idea is to try to eliminate wheel hop (from my wicked 233). I was wondering if I used two right hand side lower shock mounts and added another cross-member like the one that the shocks are currently mounted to. Looking at it seems like if I cut the rivets off of a donor frame and took the shock mount cross member and mounted it in the right place, that would work. Or if I could find a source for U channel of the right size.

I was also wonder what it would take to 'bracket' the upper shock mount eye. Seems like just using a stud is pretty weak.

And, I don't think original size shocks are gonna cut it on a lowered truck. I'd be looking at shorter shocks.

Keep on trucking,

 

Paul

I believe the donor crossmember would be the way to go but there are no donors handy so the U channel is probably my best bet. I am using double eye shocks. I don't think strength will be an issue with proper geometry and a bit of reinforcement where the stud bolts on. (Tack a washer on there maybe)

Regarding your wheel hop issues with a 223 engine. You better lay off the nitrous. Well, you need to lay off something anyway.

Regards
'fenders