Shocking 14BFF Questions

[BGKYK5]

Classic mammoth BGKYK5 post:

Has anybody used Kert's clamp-on lower shock mounts for the 14BFF? The reason I am asking is that I just found out my axle housing is toast. The only replacement I have been able to find is from a 2WD 3/4T Sub. The shock mounts hang way down compared to my 4WD axle. Pics:

My 4WD



Possible Donor 2WD



Sorry they are both crappy pics, but you get the idea.

Clamp-on (and weld-on) lower 14BFF shock mounts are here: http://diy4x.com/suspension.htm

I would much rather use the clamp on since I don't have a welder, but the $100 price difference would buy a fair amount of welding I imagine, and the weld on mounts are much cleaner.

The potential problem I see is that the stock shock mounting bolts are parallel with the axle while both Kert's are perpendicular. it a problem (binding, wear, etc) to run the ends of the shock at different orientations? The upper mounts are still stock (parallel with axle), but I plan to inboard them some day (perpendicular). I assume perpendicular is better for articulation. Also If I add new mounts, it will space the shock further from the axle, can the bushings compensate If I keep my top mount?

If you are interested here is the problem with my current 14BFF: http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217825

 

[cybrfire]

Clamp-on (and weld-on) lower 14BFF shock mounts are here: http://diy4x.com/suspension.htm


The potential problem I see is that the stock shock mounting bolts are parallel with the axle while both Kert's are perpendicular. it a problem (binding, wear, etc) to run the ends of the shock at different orientations? The upper mounts are still stock (parallel with axle), but I plan to inboard them some day (perpendicular). I assume perpendicular is better for articulation.

I can make them so the shock eye is either direction. I have only listed them the one way though. PM for details.

$100 will definitely fund the welding of some simpler ones. Leave ya money for beer!

 

[BGKYK5]

Should I go perpendicular in anticipation of eventually going inboard at the top, or should I go parallel for now to match the current top, and switch later when I inboard (2x money and effort)?

 

[Big Blzn]

I can make them so the shock eye is either direction. I have only listed them the one way though. PM for details.

$100 will definitely fund the welding of some simpler ones. Leave ya money for beer!

I've been on the fence about these because I wasn't sure if I wanted the ones on your website because I'm wanting them parallel to the axle. Def post a pic on your website, if you had the pic up I would have bought them months ago. Looks like I need to call and place another order.

 

[NorCalKid]

I put in a 2wd 14 bolt and had this same problem. I just ran a sawzall parralel to the bottom of the axle tube then repositioned the part I cut so it was in the middle of the axle tube off then welded it back on. Of course you dont have a welder but this way all you would need to pay for was the welding. I will look and see if I have pictures

here is what I got sorry it is not so good but my truck is 200 miles away

 

[johnnychimpo]

Grind the 2wd brackets off. Cut them down with a cut off wheel on a grinder & drive somewhere to have them welded back on.

 

[BGKYK5]

I will probably go the weld-on route if I get that axle. Thanks for the ideas guys.

Now should I weld on a parallel or perpendicular lower mount?

 

[NorCalKid]

Depends if you think you will eventually inboard