Modified Cage Hoops for a single shock, stock radius arms

[DonsBolt]

Yo Guys/Gals

I finally got around to modifing and installing my cage shock hoops, so I could put my Bilstiens on right side up. I had some shock towers that made me mount them upside down.

I didn't like the single mount on the cage shocks, and that they are made to run dual shocks. I am sure they would be great if you run the Cage radius Arms, but for stock arms, the shocks have to mount at a weird angle.

I bought 4 shock tabs, cut off the Cage mounting tab, and met up with Pete (Fatboy) and went over to his friend brians place, who did the welding for me.

All in all everything went well, though for some reason the drivers side hoop was off a little, and couldn't drill a hole for the rear bolt on the spring perch. So we just but plug welded that hole.

I didn't think it would really matter what way the shock was mounted, but I do notice the difference in how the truck handles now that the shock is right side up. It doesn't seem to wander as much, feels firmer, and is more predictable when you hit bumps.

Here are a few pics, I stil have to sand the hoops and do a better job painting them. I just had to get some paint on them so they won't rust, and make them one color.

Thanks pete
I owe you and brian big time

 

[fatboy]

They look sweat too! I really like the set up of these. Don had the F250 tower type shock mounts and these are soooooooooooo much nicer.

 

[bigmuddy]

Don, which Bilstiens did you go with?

Ben

 

[DonsBolt]

The ones I am running now(and for the past year or so) are the 5125's but I have a set of 7100's going on soon

With the 5125's mounted the right way, they work awesome.

upside down, not so awesome, LOL

 

[fatboy]

SO Don, you did notice a difference on your ride home with the shocks flipped?

 

[DonsBolt]

while not the hugest difference, it does ride better. A little more stable, less wandering, and a little more predictable. It still leans around corners, but not as much, and seems not to pull as much, or for the nose to rise up as much, when you get on the gas, but still does it some.

I also found the crap in my carb, stuck in the rear needle and seat. Removed one of the rear bowl screws, drained it out, restarted it, and drained it again. the 2nd time the crap came out.

 

[DonsBolt]

Well Now I really notice a difference in how it rides;D













Finally got the 7100's on

Got to tweek the hose on the pass side like I have on the drivers side, but ran out of light, and don't want to do it, till I can go somewhere with nitrogen

 

[fatboy]

Looking good Don!

 

[DonsBolt]

Got to drive around with the Bilsteins 7100's today and while they may not be perfect for everyone, to me they are flat out awesome.

They are firmer than the 5125's. With less body roll, and if you hammer it from a stop light the front end doesn't raise up as much. You do feel things more with these shocks, so for some people they might be just a little to firm.

The 5125's were a huge improvement over the Cage shocks. They give you a Firmer, but still a comfortable ride, and they did reduce the body lean over the Cage shocks, So The Bilstein 5125's just might be the best riding/handling shock, for a afordable price out there.

So for 80% of broncos out there, I think I would still have to recomend the 5125's, but if you want the untimate shock, with some adjustability, the 7100's rock.

Though they aint cheep

 

[fatboy]

if you hammer it from a stop light

No Don, not you...;D