Missing rear shock

[bjr34bass]

I'm just realizing that I have no shock on the rear drivers side of my fairly new to me k5. I've done some research on here and looks like this is a common problem (the mount shearing off etc). My question is- is it damaging to the springs etc. to continue driving it this way, or is it just a matter of ride quality. I'm planning to go offroading this weekend. Wondering if that's a bad idea.

To fix it I may just bolt a new shock through the frame with some welded washers and a welded nut on the backside. Sounds like that is a decent solution?

 

[4xcrazy]

Ride quality, vehicle control, fix it be done with it.

I've run with a guy in Phoenix a couple of times, he didn't have shocks on his at all, was a funny bouncy ride going through the trails.

 

[bjr34bass]

Yeah, I'm suprised I didn't notice till now. I drove it home 3 hours after buying it and around town quite a bit. It rides like crap, but no bounce. Maybe the passenger side being intact covers that up.

 

[xsmokey11499x]

Yeah, I'm suprised I didn't notice till now. I drove it home 3 hours after buying it and around town quite a bit. It rides like crap, but no bounce. Maybe the passenger side being intact covers that up.

I also just broke the rear driverside shock mount.
.
Whats the best way to get the shock back on..

 

[K85 Octane]

Maybe stamped Ford shock towers. Or find a replacement and bolt it in there.

 

[82355]

It isn't hurting anything other than the ride. Fix it when you have time.

Martin