Shock Mount through the Bed?

[mr_blasto]

Anyone done it? Put this idea at the end of my other thread, but figured this might get more looks. The notion is to use f*rd shock towers in the rear to mount the shock between the tire and the leaf spring while keeping it pretty close to vertical. I will have to cut through the bed to do this, but may even be able to tie the top of the shock towers together when I take care of the cage this summer.

Has anyone seriously thought about doing this? Any problems you came across or foresee? I have always read that the closer the shock is to the tire, the better, and the more vertical the shock is, the better. This would seem like a pretty good solution for both. What other solutions have you come up with for rear shock mounts with leaf springs? I can't see myself inboarding them.

Also, anyone have a good resource or personal reference for figuring out where I want to mount the shock in it's travel range? I suppose I can measure the distance from the spring pack the the bump stop, then give it another inch or so worth of compression (so the bump stop can compress a bit), then have the rest of the travel be downward. Any reason to do it a different way?

 

[fishinnutt]

Those Ford shock towers seem to put a real fierce beat down on our Chevy frames with the leverage they have against the bolts. If I were going to put shocks through the bed (and I am) I would build some shock towers and a tower to tower brace. Design it so it isn't trying to destroy your frame.

 

[mr_blasto]

Yeah, I was thinking of tying the the towers together with a brace. Do you think that would be sufficient, or would it be needed to box the section of the frame that the towers bolt to? If you care to share any more details of your plans, I would love to read about it, but I understand if you prefer not to. Thanks for your input.

 

[fishinnutt]

Here is a pic of what I am talking about for the most part.... My particular approach will be slightly different than the example in the picture, but that is the general idea.