Broken drivers side shock mount/shackle plate

saline · 05-25-2009, 05:17 PM

I ended up hearing a strange noise while in the canyonlands area yesterday and noticed that my drivers side lower shock mount had snapped off. I know they are a crappy design but does anyone know if SMB has re-designed them? I imagine I will have to plunk down some $$ and have SMB send me a new one and then have it gusseted.

scatter · 05-25-2009, 05:24 PM

I never broke one saline, but when I modified mine for the Bilstein shocks, I did add a gusset. Me thinks it needs it. Lots of stress in that area. I would think you can just weld up the broken one and add the gusset. Otherwise you'll end up paying SMB for a new bracket. You are a bit out of warrenty. Should be able to get it done at most any front end or muffler shop on the road.

deminimis · 05-26-2009, 09:34 AM

Pic of the carnage please

saline · 05-26-2009, 01:28 PM

I get a pic out soon. Looks the same as the Badgers carnage. My wife has the van in Moab still, while I am at work. What gives?

**BroncoHauler** · 05-26-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saline

I get a pic out soon. Looks the same as the Badgers carnage. My wife has the van in Moab still, while I am at work. What gives?

Are you sure she wasn't out there with a hacksaw, so she'd have to stay in Moab?

Herb

saline · 05-26-2009, 05:22 PM

No kidding! I spoke with Heber today with SMB. Very nice guy to work with. I ended up having to pay for the new & improved shock mount since I am the second owner. Oh well, I just hope the new one is a better design.

saline · 06-03-2009, 10:32 AM

Got the part from SMB and installed it in about 15 minutes. The new plate has small gusset on the underside to transmit the load a bit. We'll see. As requested here are the carnage shots:
Top

Bottom

Greg In Austin · 06-03-2009, 10:36 AM

Are those saw marks I see ??

deminimis · 06-03-2009, 10:42 AM

Thanks for the pics!! I need to go back and add a gusset!!! When I extended mine and made beefier shock mounts, I never thought to strengthen the corner on the driver's side plate (the pass side has a gusset/mount that should suffice).

I'd better fire up the welder. Again, thanks for the post!!

saline · 06-03-2009, 10:43 AM

She claims to know nothing about sabotage of said shock mount.