Proper shock mounting?

[Grommit327]

So I had to buzz some rear lower shock mounts on my friends truck this weekend using the prefabbed mounts that put the mounting bolt parallel to the axle and it got me thinking. So my question is...is it better to have the mount parallel to the axle or perpendicular to the axle like a shock stud? The shocks were using the stock upper studs and were slightly angled out towards the springs. I would think that having the lower mounts parallel would put a greater stress on the bushings. Any thoughts???

 

[CrustyJeep]

Perpendicular is better (top and bottom). Depending on how much flex you have, it will probly just be harder on the bushings.

 

[84Toyota4x4]

Ive always thought perpendicular, which is why I didnt order any when I got my flip kits, they mount them the "wrong way" IMO.

Ill make some someday, I miss having shocks now that Im forced to drive the damn thing :booo:

~T.J.

EDIT: Now that I think about it, I guess it works fine either way, it just makes more sense to me to have the shock trying to pivot on the bolt when the axle flexes than trying to twist and compress a bushing and stuff when it flexes.

 

[CrustyJeep]

I use shoulder bolts:
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/N2DRVSH?SITYPE=1&SITEXT=shoulder+screw&KNC-T7L391316886

Get the right shoulder length and diameter for the shock bushing, weld the bolt head to your axle tube (make a bracket, don't weld directly to the axle), and it works great.

 

[84Toyota4x4]

My plan was to just cut some 2"x2" box tube down the center to make some C channel, then weld bolts to that. I actually ended up with a hardware kit for some shocks that my shop installed that didnt use that style hardware, so I now have the REAL shock bolts with the fatty washers and everything. Problem is Im lazy.

~T.J.

 

[CrustyJeep]

so I now have the REAL shock bolts with the fatty washers and everything. Problem is Im lazy.

Yep, shoulder bolts are almost identical. I just had trouble finding the real deal, and Coast to Coast in three blocks away

 

[Grommit327]

I use shoulder bolts:
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/N2DRVSH?SITYPE=1&SITEXT=shoulder+screw&KNC-T7L391316886

Get the right shoulder length and diameter for the shock bushing, weld the bolt head to your axle tube (make a bracket, don't weld directly to the axle), and it works great.

Thanks for the idea...combined with a piece of radiused channel that should work good. I might have to make a few of those up to have on hand

 

[CrustyJeep]

Thanks for the idea...combined with a piece of radiused channel that should work good. I might have to make a few of those up to have on hand

I also drill a 1/2" hole in the bracket and plug weld the bolt on from behind, as well as around the outside