Upper front shock mount fix?

[C&C Chevy]

I notice the other day that my front end was bouncing around alot more then usual. I pulled the wheel and was just going to look for anything strange. The upper mounting hole in the frame appears to be hollowed out and the bolt holding it in place was loose. Not sure how big the mounting hole should be but mine looks bigger then it should be! Anyone else have this problem and how did you fix it? Anyone have pics of the proper mounting bolt with washers and nut? I think Pepboys just threw some larger washers when I had them replace the shocks awhile back.

[87 STEPPER]

If pepboys fuked it up then make them fix it go back there with your receipt and talk to the Mgr. and make them take care of it!

Then never go back there for service again!

[KShortell]

The jam nut on the back to the shock mount has probably come loose. The threads are an interference fit. I had a problem with the fronts coming loose on mine when I converted over to the Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks-- they use a larger diamter "post". I didn't have an impact wrench at the time. I do now. I've tightened 'em up a couple of times by hand and only once (for good!) with the impact wrench. The driver's side is double-nutted now as well to keep it from loosening up. I nipped it in the bud each time, so I don't have any damage to the frame holes.

I have heard of loose mounts cracking the frame and tearing out the holes, though. Washers may work as a fix in your case, but you'll need a jam nut and you'll also need to tighten with an impact wrench.

Good luck!
Kevin

[C&C Chevy]

Does anyone have the actual diameter for the mounting hole in the frame so I can check if the hole is worn out any.

[Captkaos]

It should be just big enough to get the stud through the frame.

[Prerunner1982]

Robert, from personal experience dont go to Pep Boys.. and i had the same problem with mine coming loose. It sounded like a tie rod but was just the shock stud popping around in the hole in the frame.

[C&C Chevy]

Originally posted by Prerunner1982
Robert, from personal experience dont go to Pep Boys.. and i had the same problem with mine coming loose. It sounded like a tie rod but was just the shock stud popping around in the hole in the frame.

Trust me, lesson learned!

Originally posted by Captkaos
It should be just big enough to get the stud through the frame.

Should've known that. Thanks.

A guy at work has a welder and he thinks we could just weld the bolt to the frame and make it perminent.

[C&C Chevy]

Any new ideas for fixing the elongated hole in my frame? I'm close to getting the truck lowered and will need it fixed!

[twoodson]

Damn, what a coincedence. I have an '87 SWB 350 TBI as well and the shock on the passenger did the same thing. My mechanic told me that he had to grind the area were the hole was a little bit, get two heavy duty washers (that he lucked up and found that were the perfect size) and welded one on each side. He thought that the stud would be permanently mounted to the frame which he said would not be a problem but the stud was able to slide out if I am not mistaken and this solved everything. I have 2.5" Western Chassis drop spindles, 1" Bell Tech drop coils, Doestch Tech shocks, and the black Polyurethane control arm bushings. He fixed the shock hole some time ago and I have not had anymore problems. Hope this helps out..good Luck...

[chevyjr73]

i have an 86 that the exact same problem happened to it. the hole wallowed out so big you couldnt keep the shock from bouncing around. i took a round bushing that is back to the original size the hole supposed to be and welded it into the wallowed out hole. this is probably the only good fix. i can send pics of the job if you would like

[zardiw]

Yeah, weld washers to both sides. Welding the bolt in there is NOT a good idea..........z