I'm installing a Bob Drake rear shock sway bar in my '39 Tudor. The upper crossmember, where the shock mounts, does not seem vertical so the mounting bolt is not parallel to the lower mount. How far off from parallel is allowable? I am trying to grind the mount for a better fit. See picture for how the upper shock sits. Or is this OK? There is some room between the rubber and the eyelet. I didn't have to force the shock on. It doesn't seem to be binding. It just doesn't look right.
It isn't horrid but...even if you taper that shim you are working on the nut inside the cross member wont set flush unless you do the same in there. You have a nicely detailed undercar going on there, I respect that. I wouldn't be happy with that upper mount. I would; 1. remove that bolt 2. drill out the cross member 3. weld in a steel spacer parallel to that lower mount 4. paint that shock black or grey 5. re-mount the shock and toast your handy work with a glass of the brown stuff.
Long T: Good job. If possible, please post photos showing how the shock and upper mount fit when viewed when looking at the rear of the cross member to which it is mounted. I request this so that I might be able to relocate the top mount for my 40 Ford's rear shock. Right now it's at an extreme angle. Thanks.
Is your bolt just going into one side of the cross member, I always run it through both sides so it is supported like a stud with a spacer in-between.
My upper mounts from Chassis Engineering were also going to be at an angle like that if bolted on as intended to be. I welded it on level then welded in the gap in at the top. They must not think it’s an issue but I wasn’t liking it on mine either.
The performance of the shock was likely not compromised, but that mount would have ate at your subconscious the rest of your life. Glad you fixed it. -Abone.
Top bolt and mount is made to fit thru only one side of member. BUT, that's not concern. What i would like to do is move the top mount outboard so as to reduce the angle. That's why I requested a photo.
Not the best pic. Drake has the top mount basically through the place in the crossmember where the exhaust pipe goes, that little cutout. Not a problem with me as I intend to exit the exhaust under the back of the running board.
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