I have a 1974 Bronco. The rear upper shock mounts have a curve to them. Is that normal, or should they point straight out from the frame?

[jeffshatt]

Have a 1974 Bronco.doing a frame off resto. the rear upper shock mounts have a curve to them is that normal or is it 50 years of bending. should they stick stright out from the frame..thanks

 

[Yeller]

in my experience, normal. the shocks do not mount perfectly vertical either.

 

[DirtDonk]

Agree, Jeff. Normal.
But just to be sure, why not post a picture of them up here. That way someone might be able to see if it’s the normal curve, or if they are in fact bent.
Wouldn’t be the first time one got bent, although they often break under that amount of pressure.
They were made pretty stout from the factory and don’t suffer the same fate as many of their counterparts from back in the day. But they can still rust out and can potentially bend.
Typically the threaded end snaps off. But, a few have bent as well.
Besides, we love pictures! Always like to see what someone’s working on.

 

[toddz69]

They should have a upward bend to them as they come out from the frame. The shocks don't sit at a 90 deg. angle to the ground.

Todd Z.

 

[SteveL]

Could be peyronies disease.

 

[DirtDonk]

Ha ha! Good one. Too much salt in its diet and stress (sudden landing off of tall rock) gave it some character.
For a shock mount it’s better than shrinkage.

 

[Steve83]

... the rear upper shock mounts have a curve to them...

It should roughly match the tilt in the lowers, which should be slightly outboard of the uppers.

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