Upper rear shock mount location?

[adlore1018]

Anybody have a general measurement for the rear upper shock mount. Trying to clean up the PO mess on my 66. I read somewhere 12" in front of rear axle center? Is this correct.

 

[mpboxer]

I can measure for you tonight if no one else responds.

 

[DirtDonk]

Are you wanting to keep it stock like that adlore? Or would this be a good time to change to the later-'66 through '77 mount that is to the rear of the axle and utilizes an eye bushing shock end, rather than the stem style?

Just checking. Nothing wrong with the stock early '66 style really. Just a little harder to find proper shocks for sometimes, when modifying the suspension.

Paul

 

[mpboxer]

16" from the center of the shock mount to approximately the center of the axle tube. 15 1/2" from center of the shock mount to center of the bumpstop plate attached to frame.

Paul is right, you will have more options if you move the mount to the rear, but Paul and I were able to figure out a good replacement for a 3.5" lift. Between the two of us we can probably round up the part number for you.

Nick, from Nick's Trix has a stock '66 on his website with a Bilstein replacement as well. I believe that build is called Route 66 if I remember correctly. I contacted him about it before and he said to use the same as the front #24-065283.

Mike

 

[adlore1018]

Well I bought the premium lift from WH with the bilsteins. It has the eye bolt pattern. So I should mount them to the rear? Does it make for a better ride? If so would the measurements be the same. Thanks guys



Wildhorses
premium 2.5 Suspension System 3 w/Bilstein Shocks
Item #: 0103BL2.5N
http://shop.broncograveyard.com/mobile/Rear-Shock-Mount-1967-77-Right/productinfo/13270/
jBG rear shock mounts

 

[DirtDonk]

You'll need the correct upper mount of course (http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Rear_Double_Shock_Mounts), but in theory it does not matter if in front or back. Ford changed it to the back, but I'm not sure why. It would not have necessarily been for a change in fuel or vapor line routing, as most of that was added later in mid-'70 or so.
Did it for some reason though, and it does seem to work well. Up to you.
Might just use the excuse that your lower mount is already mounted where it is, and mount the upper in the correct orientation to match.
Is the lower mount still intact?

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

I think that's the first time I've seen an assembled shot of your rig mp. All that new stuff sure looks purty!

Been driving it yet?

Paul

 

[mpboxer]

I contemplated relocating mine to the rear as well, but didn't want to drop the gas tank to weld the mount to the inside frame rails. Also, I thought I read in a thread somewhere that the lower rear shock mount on the tube interfered with some rear disc calipers if I ever decided to go that route. Don't know if that's true though. I haven't driven any other broncos, but mine drives very nice and it's 100% street use. Anything is a difference from what it had previously thought. I don't think you can go wrong with either way.

 

[mpboxer]

I think that's the first time I've seen an assembled shot of your rig mp. All that new stuff sure looks purty!

Been driving it yet?

Paul

Thanks Paul! I cleaned up and KBS'd (similar to POR 15) everything I could while the suspension was off. I have been driving it regularly. I have driven many lifted vehicles and it drives very nice. I'm happy that I went 3.5". My family and I get ice cream in it just about every week or so. My girls love it! Here's a couple more pics and one of them "helping".

 

[dave67fd]

Well I bought the premium lift from WH with the bilsteins. It has the eye bolt pattern. So I should mount them to the rear? Does it make for a better ride? If so would the measurements be the same. Thanks guys



Wildhorses
premium 2.5 Suspension System 3 w/Bilstein Shocks
Item #: 0103BL2.5N
http://shop.broncograveyard.com/mobile/Rear-Shock-Mount-1967-77-Right/productinfo/13270/
jBG rear shock mounts

Although I buy alot of my parts from JBG, opt for Duffs shock mounts. The JBG's are not a quality mount (uppers) and don't fit well. The Duff's are much stronger, better welds and fit great. I can't comment on the WH's as I have no experience with them but looks like they at least have the solid shaft.

 

[Steve83]

 

[mpboxer]

That diagram is pretty slick Steve!