Shock Relocation kits

[Normspeed]

OK, I see the light. My 53 could still use some more aggressive front shock absorber action, and the upper shock mount relocation kit is high on my list. Not looking for dropped spindles or any other mods.

Anyone who makes these relocation kits, or has installed a set, I'd sure like to hear your opinions, including best price, best construction, ease of installation, and what replacement shocks were needed. You can PM or email me if you'd rather.

I'll be dealing with a local welding shop for the install, I don't have the facilities.

[builtfercomfort]

Check out this thread:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=215548

I bought a set of the brackets from Charlie (olddaddy here) for $50 which it turned out I could not use on my 39 - they are perfect for a 53 and I'll sell them for $40 (PM me if you are interested). They are just two plasma-cut thick pieces of good steel, cut into the correct shape for welding on to a frame - see the pictures in that HAMB thread and you will see about what they look like.

--Thanks, Tom

[jd52cranbrook]

got mine from Plydo

[PatS....]

Best mod you can make to these old Mopars...you will really like the difference.

[Normspeed]

The HAMB thread had some good info. Looks like he had to modify bioth the upper and lower mounts. Is that usually required withe the kits from Plydo and Charlie Akers? Do the kits come with locating templates, shock absorber model recommendations, stuff like that?

[hoofchaz]

I just saw that Speedway has a shock mount bracket that might work for our cars. Can you "clock" the ends on a shock so that one is east/west, and the other north/south?

CHAZ

[falconvan]

I made my own using 1/4 plate steel. 67-72 Chevy truck front shocks fit great. It's the best ride improving mod you can make. Send me an e-mail to festusheartsonfire@yahoo.com and I'll send you some pics.

[55 Fargo]

Okay, exactly what could I expect for a ride and handling difference, this sounds like a good mod to be making...................Fred

[Olddaddy]

The ones I make are 3/8", I would not use 1/4". Other kits require welding tabs onto the lower arms, mine to not. The lower eye of the shock mounts on the original lower shock mount. You have to space the shock out away from the centerline of the upright, just to get clearance for travel. You can do this with washers or a 1/2" long piece of tube. I do not supply these, only the two arms.

The shocks specified with my kit include the upper mounting stud which bolts through the arm. There is no template, but the instructions are complete enough that anyone should be able to make it work. I'll walk you through it if you get stuck. As stated by others, I charge $50 including shipping to lower 48 addresses. The biggest difference is that after installing the arms you have actual suspension dampening, instead of just riding on the coil springs as with the original suspension. My car rides better now, no floating sensation in a curve or turn. It's not rocket science, but along with disc brakes your car will be amazingly better at modern highway speeds. Charlie.

[jd52cranbrook]

I dont recall welding tabs for the lower mount on my plydo, only the top. but it has been awhile, and I also have the disc brake set up.