Custom Rear Upper Shock Mounts & OME 890
|August 17, 2011|
Well, I got another side project done yesterday. Custom rear upper shock mounts!
Because, as you all know, the stocks ones are just awful.
The shocks I have (Bilstein 5125 extended travel) have an eye mount on the top, while the stock mount is meant for a stud. Therefor I needed an adapter. The adapter I had was causing a bit of clunking over bumps and such, so I had to think of a way to keep my shocks while getting rid of the stupid idiot adapter.
I got the idea for the project from fellow member Scoobydann:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/84942-scoobydanns-against-grain-build.html
Here is what Scoobydann did. The difference is I have the eye-eye shocks with an adapter, so my mount will be much different.
Here is the adapter I have that came with the shocks from toytec lifts:
After thinking it over and drawing up plans, I decided how I was going to do it..
I went over to my friend Steven's house, he is a good friend on mine and is quite good with a welder. He is the one that welded on the panhard drop also!
First, I had to measure how high I needed to mount the shock. Yes, these measurements were taken with the axle & suspension at ride height.
Then I cut the bolts off the old adapter:
Tacked on the mount, to check fitment first. We also mounted the shock and cycled the articulation to check for proper alignment and fitment, but I did not take pics of that part.
After having to break off one side and re-check it, we were ready to weld. I know, not professional work, but it is more than strong enough.
Then some paint after it cooled:
All done:
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Also, while I was in Denver last weekend, I stopped by the Toytec customer day. They were having a big discount on parts so I picked up a set of 890 rear coils.
I know what you are thinking, ANOTHER SET OF REAR COILS
??? Yup.
Here's why:
1) my first set, the OME 891's, were way too stiff. They are meant for extra loads, which I don't carry.
2) Moved up to LC80 8 wraps. While these rode great, I didn't like the 4-4.5" of lift I got from them.
3) I wanted to get right at 3" of lift with a firm but forgiving ride quality. Enter the OME 890.
I noticed that one coil was marked with "A" while the other was "B". I bet one was meant for the driver's side.
Putting them next to each other, you can see that the coil marked "A" is about 1/2" higher than the other:
That means that the "A" coil is for the driver's side as that side has much more weight. (fuel tank, battery, driver)
I will update with profile shots later, but I assure you, it is as level as level can get now!
EDIT: Measurements.
Measurements are taken from
center of hub to fender on the
driver's side:
Before: with LC80 8 wrap.
Front: 22 1/4"
Rear: 24 3/4"
After: with OME 890.
Front:22 1/2"
Rear:23 1/4"
Side shot with OME 890:
arty:
