Rear Shock Relocation Questions

[Lumpskie]

I did a quick search and couldn't find specs on this.

Right now, I'm running Bilstein 5125s in the rear of my rig (8.5" and 9") but I'd like to have more droop. At the same time, I don't want to limit my up travel, so I'm looking at doing a shock relocation.

To any of you guys that have done it, what length shocks are you using, and how did you fab up the shock mounts? I was thinking about going with 12" travel shocks, are there any issues associated with the extra droop that I should be aware of?

If you guys have any pics of your setup, I'd appreciate that as well.

[Lumpskie]

Looks like I wasn't looking in the right section. I found some stuff in the Fabrication section. That being said, if anyone has an opinion on the right/wrong way to do it, I'd love to hear about their experiences.

[Mikeybb]

Shock tech. I learned a thing or two, might help ya.
http://www.4x4review.com/Features/Te...7/Default.aspx

[Lumpskie]

Thanks Mikey. There was some good info in there.

[Mikeybb]

No problem.

[ike]

a big limiter is that longer travel shocks have longer bodies, so to fit them you may need to go through the bed.

[Lumpskie]

Yeah Ike,

I've been looking at that. I, personally, don't like leaning the shocks too far inboard like I've seen done a number of times. So, I'm looking at slightly increasing the forward and back tilt while raising the mount points as high as possible. The passenger side looks like there is a lot of room, but the driver's side looks a little tight.

Have you seen anyone do that kind of mount on the top while retaining the stock mounts on the bottom? I'm aiming for a 12" shock... Do you think it's possible?

I'm really looking for someone with experiences to share, so feel free to chime in!

[DopuS]

Prolly got your shocks figured out a while ago but bilstein offers their 7100 shock in a short body with remote reservoir. These seem to allow for long travel without having to go into the bed.

Edit: Just saw that you did just that!

[Wainiha]

Jesse at TLT layed is back and attatched them to a new cross member. Don't have a link off hand.

Edit: old thread duh x2

[Lumpskie]

Originally Posted by DopuS

Prolly got your shocks figured out a while ago but bilstein offers their 7100 shock in a short body with remote reservoir. These seem to allow for long travel without having to go into the bed.

Edit: Just saw that your did just that!

Yes sir! On my truck they worked out perfect. Under full compression they have about a half inch left and they reach almost full extension as well!

[Wainiha]

How did you mount those 7100s? What lift on the Alcans?

[SafetyDang]

Originally Posted by Wainiha

How did you mount those 7100s? What lift on the Alcans?

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/...roductid=30194

This should help.

[Lumpskie]

I just put the the shocks into the stock locations. I've flexed the truck out and they don't run out of travel in either direction. I've got a custom set of Alcans (8 pack) that are sprung for stock +200lbs of load.

Here are some pictures:

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=188671

[Lumpskie]

Also, like Hytenor mentions in the other thread, extended bump stops are a good safety against over compressing your shocks.

Here are a couple more pics to try to show the range of travel. Keep in mind these are the shorter '96 taco rear leaf springs. (a bit less travel than newer setups)

[TacoDell]

Originally Posted by Lumpskie

Right now, I'm running Bilstein 5125s in the rear of my rig (8.5" and 9")

what 5125 ? mine are 8." and 8.5"

thought 10" short body shocks could be fitted ?
still may need to heighten the bumps for those.
shock brackets must be welded directly to the axle tubing.
wanting more travel then those could offer ?!

would require a cross member, shocks layed / \ or rearward,
lowers welded to the axle tubes

^ that or thru the bed

[SADGOAT]

Originally Posted by Lumpskie

Yeah Ike,

I've been looking at that. I, personally, don't like leaning the shocks too far inboard like I've seen done a number of times. So, I'm looking at slightly increasing the forward and back tilt while raising the mount points as high as possible. The passenger side looks like there is a lot of room, but the driver's side looks a little tight.

Have you seen anyone do that kind of mount on the top while retaining the stock mounts on the bottom? I'm aiming for a 12" shock... Do you think it's possible?

I'm really looking for someone with experiences to share, so feel free to chime in!

IMO, if you are relocating shock mounts you should strongly consider a u bolt flip as well. The hardest part of flipping ubolts is the shock mounts. Don't know what type of wheeling you do, but the stock shock mount under the axle deal can easily get fubr.

[Lumpskie]

Originally Posted by TacoDell

what 5125 ? mine are 8." and 8.5"

Hey Dell:

That's an old quote. I'm running 12" 7100 short bodies in the stock locations. You can see my clearance in the link I left above. I've run them for a while now with no problems both here in Colorado and out in Moab. Good Stuff.