Help installing TCI Shock Crossmember

[Jemo]

I'm trying to find the holes for the brackets that mount the shock crossmember but am not quite understanding the instructions.

The instructions say to measure back 18-3/8" from the center of the front eye of the leaf spring. Use this mark to locate the front of the frame bracket...

First, do you measure a straight line of 18-3/8" or follow the contour of the frame? Second, I have the old shocks still installed. If I put them in their natural position and put on the crossmember, the piece is more like 28" behind the front eye of the leaf spring.

Is this typo throwing me off or am I doing something wrong?

Jeff

[NickP]

I'm trying to find the holes for the brackets that mount the shock crossmember but am not quite understanding the instructions.

The instructions say to measure back 18-3/8" from the center of the front eye of the leaf spring. Use this mark to locate the front of the frame bracket...

First, do you measure a straight line of 18-3/8" or follow the contour of the frame? Second, I have the old shocks still installed. If I put them in their natural position and put on the crossmember, the piece is more like 28" behind the front eye of the leaf spring.

Is this typo throwing me off or am I doing something wrong?

Jeff

This Shock Bar?

http://www.totalcostinvolved.com/assets/product/5557chevyrear.jpg

[Rick_L]

If you're using your stock lower shock mounts, the shocks need to stand straight up when viewed from the side. That should help you place the bar, regardless of dimensions and instructions.

[Jemo]

Thanks. I talked to Nick today and we found a couple things to mention:

1. It's possible they sent me the kit for the seamless frame. The holes for bolting the brackets to the frame are almost at the edge of the frame rail. (see pic 1)

2. The shock bar is 3/4" above the frame rail. I don't know how much extra room I have above the body in this area.

3. The tabs on the bar are not perpendicular to the shock. The bar has to be turned for this to happen but then the bracket will not work. I have the same bar in Nick's pic above.

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1152/4407107/9319904/350715940.jpg

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1152/4407107/9319904/350715937.jpg

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1152/4407107/9319904/350715933.jpg

[Jemo]

So my best bet might be to cut the brackets up a little and weld them to the frame. I'm going to wait until Monday to call CPP before I do that though. It's a bolt-in kit. It should bolt in. :)

[Rick_L]

I would definitely want to turn the bar so that the tabs are perpendicular to the shock. And if the width is not right, you might as well cut it up, make it fit, and weld rather than bolt.

I think the difference in width between a 2 piece and 1 piece frame in that area is 3/4". Some of the manufacturers of these bars make them a bit short so that you don't have to jack the frame rails apart to install. But that does mean you'll have to pull them together with bolts or a strap.

You should have more than 3/4" clearance from the frame to the body in this area. I think it's well over 1".

[chevender]

In the old days we used to weld a piece of angle iron from one frame rail to the other and weld an old set of front engine mounts on for shock mounts. Never had a problem. I'd send that one back and make your own.JMO
Rick

[chevender]

You know what, after looking at the pics again try taking the mounting bracketts from under the frame rail and put them on topof the frame.
Rick

[acardon]

Jeff, it looks like the shock bar should be flipped end for end, so the bar is in front of the shocks. Would this change the angle of the shock mount tabs and also provide the 18 3/8" deminsion in the instructions? The brackets would then be mounted where the frame angles up, and give more vertical room for the bracket and bar.