ford shock towers

[88chevyk5silverado]

Has anyone put ford shock towers on a 88 k5? Is this something that my local 4×4 shop would know about? Any pics

 

[BoondocK5]

Many of us have done it, what axles are you running?

 

[K85 Octane]

it's not a simple bolt on, so much "shops" as they like to call themselves, won't do it.

Also, what does the axle have to do with anything? Seriously, not being an azz, I don't know.

 

[88chevyk5silverado]

As of now I have 10 bolt feont an rear. Gonna go with 14 bolt rear an dana 60 front when I lift it

 

[Avery4jc]

You talking about on the front or rear? Also there's two different types of ford towers. I run the newer cast style on the front and the older stamped style in the rear...
Drill holes, bolt towers on, done.

Stamped rears...

Cast fronts...

 

[88chevyk5silverado]

I'm talking bout front an rear. What yr ford towers u have on that bada## blazer of yours?

 

[K85 Octane]

my towers came off a 4x4 (they all do) and I think early 90s. There are other ones that look similar, but there is only one hole in the top and it's laying horizontal. Make sure you get the ones with two holes standing vertical.

junkyard

 

[mr250twostroke]

I wouldn't use the bolt and go method, some re-inforcement goes along ways...

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

The fronts will involve cutting out some of the inner fenderwell if you still have them, I would go with the stamped style.

As for the rear, you'd have to cut a hole in the floor to fit them. Most people inboard shocks in the rear (i.e. make the shocks angle in and use an aftermarket piece of tubing to mount them inside of the frame rails).

 

[BGKYK5]

I wouldn't use the bolt and go method, some re-inforcement goes along ways...

x2. Here is how I did it.

 

[poptart]

are the cast towers still readily available? haven't been able to find a place selling them online, and the closest ford dealer is 40 minutes away

 

[K85 Octane]

probably
most of us just rob a f**d at the junkyard

 

[sloth]

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=searchCatalogOEM&siteid=214072

cast part number is:
F81Z-18183-AA

WFO has the stamped ones:
http://www.wfoconcepts.com/pr/Ford-Shock-Towers/3165/3458/3730

 

[BGKYK5]

Stamped towers are available at any Ford dealer too, PN E5TZ-18183-A.

 

[munepit]

Ok guys, I'm thinking of going to the junk yard and grabbing some towers. Are they bolted on these fords? So, they are kind of easy to take off at the junk yard? The cast ones look stronger but they are single sheer. The way I drive this beast, I don't know if I should go that route. I made some time today( with the wife) so I need to get these. Are the stamped ones strong enough for me? Thanks guys!

 

[Desert Rat]

The stamped ones are on the Super Duty and should be beefy enough. One thing I found with my stamped ones I went with up front was that the shock post is slightly angled. This put more stress on the shock bushing as it did not sit perfectly straight. I never had any problems with it and the bushings held out fine but they will probably need replacing sooner than if the bolt sat level in the shock bushing. I had planned on swapping in poly bushings if the rubber ones ever cracked, which they hadn't yet.

 

[munepit]

I went to the junk yard, and found a good pair. I couldn't get them off though. The bolts would not break loose. Demmit!! Its a beefy mount. On the bottom it was reinforced. It was on a 2wd dwr. I am going back soon.

 

[ryoken]

I like that style better...

can't wait to get to towers....

 

[tRustyK5]

I mocked up several options for my front shocks, considered the Ford towers, and finally said to myself i may as well build something better, more reinforced and that puts my shocks exactly where I want them.

I did this:

Rene

 

[munepit]

Ya, that is sweet! I just don't have the time for that. I need something easy and fast. How much do you want for that? Ship it to me! What's your paypal?

Is it normal for the fords to be reinforced on the bottom? I am going back today with bigger tools.