Coil Over Conversion Installed

[04blackout]

That sounds like the way to go. I mean you arent baja racing the thing so as long as you keep and eye on it I think it will be fine. If ridetech uses it then it shouldnt be a problem.

Ridetech is a very reputable company and alot of people swear by their products... I cant see them using a factory mount that is known to be a weak point. Now, I know things can wear out and break over time, but im thinking they have done plenty of r&d on this mount if they attach their airbag shock to it

And the tabs on my djm lower look to be 1/4 and welded on there pretty good. To me, they look beefier than the pro comp adapters that will be supporting the top

 

[YukonXL04]

Sounds to me like you have it figured out. Time to bite the bullet. 1/4" isnt that thick. I would think 3/8" to 1/2" would give more peace of mind.

 

[04blackout]

Just when I start feeling good about something I get second guessed

=|

 

[YukonXL04]

Well it would be extremely easy to weld an extra piece of steel there to brace it a bit

 

[Atomic]

I know a guy that makes a 3/8" steel bracket that fits perfectly right there if you want to weld it on...

 

[04blackout]

I know a guy that makes a 3/8" steel bracket that fits perfectly right there if you want to weld it on...

LoL but it wont fit on the djm arms

 

[digitalfiend]

LoL but it wont fit on the djm arms

Dude, swap out those djm arms for the stockers and make the swap easier. I bet you could get a quick turnaround selling the djm arms on here.

 

[Atomic]

I was talking about the upper reinforcement bracket that fits in the shock pocket.

 

[YukonXL04]

I was talking about the upper reinforcement bracket that fits in the shock pocket.

We were talking about the lower mount on the DJM arms.

 

[M Hankel]

I still say it would easier to cut off the lower shock mount off the DJM arms and fab up a new lower shock mount from 3/8 or 1/2 mild steel, as opposed to trying to brace the stock one. Plus the arms are powdercoated so you will have to grind off all the existing powdercoat to get any kind of decent *********** with the welds.

Mike

 

[04blackout]

Dude, swap out those djm arms for the stockers and make the swap easier. I bet you could get a quick turnaround selling the djm arms on here.

Really just trying to avoid dismantling the whole front end again if I can help it. Even if I had to weld on the djm's it would be easier than replacing the arms

 

[Atomic]

Do the swap at the same time that way you can just remove the Tbars completely. After that its just the two bolts on the frame and the lower ball joint.

 

[Tahoewhat]

Mike... All I have to say is way to go!

Thanks man.

Makes perfect sense, and thats a great description of my driving style too

Your on par with me then. lol

Just when I start feeling good about something I get second guessed
=|

Stop second guessing and do it. Weld on some brackets or something. Or better yet, post a picture b/c honestly i have no idea what the LCA's look like. I dont mind it in my thread might help others out.

I know a guy that makes a 3/8" steel bracket that fits perfectly right there if you want to weld it on...

ha ha... I might have an idea of someone as well. lol

I still say it would easier to cut off the lower shock mount off the DJM arms and fab up a new lower shock mount from 3/8 or 1/2 mild steel, as opposed to trying to brace the stock one. Plus the arms are powdercoated so you will have to grind off all the existing powdercoat to get any kind of decent *********** with the welds.

Mike

I still agree with Mike on the LCA's though. From what i can remember on those, i personally would not feel comfortable doing this w/ them on. I would weld some sort of reinforcement on them. I think i have a link saved where a guy did that. Cut the bracket off or welded another plate on it. It was using coil overs as well, but not sure if it was a truck 2500 or suv lca.

As you said, don't really want to do it over and over again, which i agree. Do it right the first time is my motto. If its possible to do.

What is your setup?

But post a picture up if possible of yours or something similiar.

And just a FYI, the 2nd post in this thread i am making my reviews and mileage marks for everyone.

 

[NORCAL SS]

your old set up in front you had spindles/keys?

 

[04blackout]

Ok once again, im looking at the procomp adapters for the upper and they are no bigger than the shock tabs on my djm arms. So why would the lowers need to be 1/2" steel if the uppers arent that big? Maybe im missing something but they both support the same weight right?

Im just trying to explore options for guys with aftermarket lca's

 

[YukonXL04]

Pics?

 

[M Hankel]

Ok once again, im looking at the procomp adapters for the upper and they are no bigger than the shock tabs on my djm arms. So why would the lowers need to be 1/2" steel if the uppers arent that big? Maybe im missing something but they both support the same weight right?

Im just trying to explore options for guys with aftermarket lca's

For me its about the lateral forces being applied. For the upper mount, all the force looks to be straight in-line with the shock body. If you look at the lower mount and how the shock is tilted at an angle compared to the lower mount, there are lateral forces being applied to it. To me it looks like a 1200 pound per square inch spring would fold that DJM shock mount right over toward the spindle. I could be wrong but I tend to error on the safe side when it comes to this kind of thing.

I could draft up a simple design for a new lower mount and try posting it up here. Would be very easy to fabricate.

Mike

---------- Post added at 12:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 PM ----------

OK here is VERY quick draft of how I would do mine. This is looking from the front of the vehicle and again, very quick draft but I think you get the idea. I was drawing from memory of what a DJM arm looks like.

Mike

 

[NORCAL SS]

ive already done 04chases truck years ago helped him set it up. All you need to do is weld a l bracket on both sides of the djm shock mount and drill ahole thru and there are no issues with the djm a arms.

---------- Post added at 12:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:54 PM ----------

Tahoewhat was your truck spindles/keys before you went with this set up?

 

[04blackout]

For me its about the lateral forces being applied. For the upper mount, all the force looks to be straight in-line with the shock body. If you look at the lower mount and how the shock is tilted at an angle compared to the lower mount, there are lateral forces being applied to it. To me it looks like a 1200 pound per square inch spring would fold that DJM shock mount right over toward the spindle. I could be wrong but I tend to error on the safe side when it comes to this kind of thing.

this is the answer i was looking for. thanks mike, that makes alot of sense now that you put it that way. i never considered the lateral force acting on the mounts, thats why i couldnt understand it

nice picture too, that gives me a pretty good idea of what im shooting for here. im determined to make this work one way or another

 

[Tahoewhat]

your old set up in front you had spindles/keys?

Yes, Mc Gaughy's drop spindles & 3/4 keys. Drop spindles still in, only took out keys and torsion bars.