GMF Bolt on Rear Shock Relocate for 2nd/3rd Gen, back in production

It is very tempting. A co worker got the archive kit and with Brian getting this one ill have a compare session

 

Plates and tabs fresh off the CNC plasma tabel.
Tubes bent, ready for trimming and notching.

I'll be welding and shipping kits next week.

 

Welding day coming soon.

 

lol This kit in this pic looks a little more than the advertised hoop set up can you elaborate on what you're doing there cage wise - if there is a cage involved? I'm trying to get a solution for some 16s without breaking the bank and I'm liking how you have your hoops bolting to the bed - I'm guessing the other side / top side continues that? So interested!!

 

That install on my truck is a bit more than bolt-on for sure.

I basically made the same hoop I'm selling, but much shorter, and it bolts to the otherside of the bed, continuing the two frame attachments you can see in the picture. I'll see if I can find a picture of the other side, or go take one.

Eventually I need to tie the tops together to make a proper cage, but I also need to finish the expo-cage over the cab and tie that in too.

 

I don't think it's practical to install 16" shocks without going through the bed.

 

Totes agree. Gotta punch through that bed - just gotta find a way to do it! I've found some cages from some big companies out there but goddamn they're pricey. I wish someone made a weld it yourself bed cage like engage off road did way back when.

- o and what size shocks are you running with that set up? Do you make and sell that configuration as well?

 

Those are 2x14 with a RR.

I probably could make and sell it, but the it would really need to be a WIYS kit. There's a lot of fitting that went into making the 'feet' bolt up nicely to the bed, and some of that is going to be truck-specific based on the exact bed placement on the frame. And shipping would be a killer on anything that's not able to pack flat.

If you've got the ability to weld we can definitely put something together.

 

Fuckin awesome, man! I do indeed have the know how. I've got a little meeting with someone on the same subject tomorrow. If that's not lookin possible for some reason or another, I'll definitely be hitting you up!

 

Cool, let me know, and we can sketch something out and I'll bend it for you.

 

Ready for paint and shipping. They should go out this weekend, once the snow melts out of my paint booth.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLuxbOZFCbD/?igshid=1l4ki0a8nlhok

Not mine, but if anyone is looking for kings here's an easy button.

 

If they came with adjusters I would be the one grabbing those right now.

 

If you can get the part it's easy to install.

 

I just used two longer bolts to pull in the two halves, then replaced with the provided, shorter grade 8 bolts.

 

what's everyone's method in measuring exposed shaft with the shock still pressurized?

 

I haven't done the installation yet, but my ideas would be to use a jack to compress the shock and holding it static until fasteners are tightened down.

If that doesn't work, the next idea would be to use a thin ratcheting strap to compress the shock.

Other ideas or proven methods?

 

I measure the axle/frame distance, then measure from the shock tab holes to the bottom of the shock body, and adjust the tabs accordingly.

For final adjustment a jack under the shock (once it's bolted loosely to the tabs) works really well. So does a gentle tap from a dead-blow hammer.