UMI LCA relocation bracket and shock mount
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Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
UMI LCA relocation bracket and shock mount
Hey all, question about UMI control arm relocation bracket affecting the lower shock mount. I recently installed them with koni’s, and since the brackets add thickness to the stock shock mount, it seems there isn’t enough thread on the bolt to properly torque the shock to the mount. I am using a washer behind the nut, but can only crank out 50 ft lbs, as its supposed to be 70 ft lbs if I'm not mistaken? Should I just ditch the washer and use only the nut? Or am I overreacting and just leave it alone…
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Car: '90 RS
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Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: UMI LCA relocation bracket and shock mount
The rear shocks have their own independent mounting brackets on the rear end. Shouldn't have anything to do with the control arm mounts. What am I missing?
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: UMI LCA relocation bracket and shock mount
When you use these brackets the shock bolt goes through that hole in the 90 degree tab on the lower left of the bracket. I didn't have an issue with the torque of the shock bolt and IMHO 50lbs should be fine. The thing I noticed is now my shock is pushed out slightly and no longer straight up and down. That tab kicks the bottom of the shock out towards the front and maybe that is why your bolt torque is off.
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Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: UMI LCA relocation bracket and shock mount
When you use these brackets the shock bolt goes through that hole in the 90 degree tab on the lower left of the bracket. I didn't have an issue with the torque of the shock bolt and IMHO 50lbs should be fine. The thing I noticed is now my shock is pushed out slightly and no longer straight up and down. That tab kicks the bottom of the shock out towards the front and maybe that is why your bolt torque is off.
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: UMI LCA relocation bracket and shock mount
I believe it is to keep the brackets from moving, kinda to lock them in place. The upper bolt becomes a pivot point. That bolt would attach to the fixed mount welded to the axle, no movement. If they just used the 2 bolts the brackets could move front to back slightly under power and braking. It would be more engineering but I wish that tab would come into the backside of the shock bracket. I really don't like the way my shock is no longer vertical.
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Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: UMI LCA relocation bracket and shock mount
I believe it is to keep the brackets from moving, kinda to lock them in place. The upper bolt becomes a pivot point. That bolt would attach to the fixed mount welded to the axle, no movement. If they just used the 2 bolts the brackets could move front to back slightly under power and braking. It would be more engineering but I wish that tab would come into the backside of the shock bracket. I really don't like the way my shock is no longer vertical.
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Car: 1987 Formula (original owner)
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Axle/Gears: 9-bolt/3.45
Re: UMI LCA relocation bracket and shock mount
This design is for bolt-on brackets, to help secure them to the axle. Weld-on brackets don't have the shock mount feature.
It's probably common sense, but a "trick" to installing these is to leave all of the nuts and bolts loose until everything is connected. Otherwise, the shock bolt might not get completely through both the bracket and the axle. Get the shock bolt all the way through and tightened-up, then tighten your way up the bracket.
UMI designed the top hole in the bracket slightly larger than the other holes. It's meant to account for lousy tolerances and allow some wiggle room to get everything lined-up and bolted together easier. It doesn't look like it would help much, if at all, but it was the difference between UMI brackets fitting for me and Founders brackets not fitting.
It's probably common sense, but a "trick" to installing these is to leave all of the nuts and bolts loose until everything is connected. Otherwise, the shock bolt might not get completely through both the bracket and the axle. Get the shock bolt all the way through and tightened-up, then tighten your way up the bracket.
UMI designed the top hole in the bracket slightly larger than the other holes. It's meant to account for lousy tolerances and allow some wiggle room to get everything lined-up and bolted together easier. It doesn't look like it would help much, if at all, but it was the difference between UMI brackets fitting for me and Founders brackets not fitting.
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Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: UMI LCA relocation bracket and shock mount
This design is for bolt-on brackets, to help secure them to the axle. Weld-on brackets don't have the shock mount feature.
It's probably common sense, but a "trick" to installing these is to leave all of the nuts and bolts loose until everything is connected. Otherwise, the shock bolt might not get completely through both the bracket and the axle. Get the shock bolt all the way through and tightened-up, then tighten your way up the bracket.
UMI designed the top hole in the bracket slightly larger than the other holes. It's meant to account for lousy tolerances and allow some wiggle room to get everything lined-up and bolted together easier. It doesn't look like it would help much, if at all, but it was the difference between UMI brackets fitting for me and Founders brackets not fitting.
It's probably common sense, but a "trick" to installing these is to leave all of the nuts and bolts loose until everything is connected. Otherwise, the shock bolt might not get completely through both the bracket and the axle. Get the shock bolt all the way through and tightened-up, then tighten your way up the bracket.
UMI designed the top hole in the bracket slightly larger than the other holes. It's meant to account for lousy tolerances and allow some wiggle room to get everything lined-up and bolted together easier. It doesn't look like it would help much, if at all, but it was the difference between UMI brackets fitting for me and Founders brackets not fitting.
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