front shock relocation

I installed a dana 30 last weekend and when I was test fitting the tie rod I noticed that it hit the shock at just before full steering lock. So it looks like I need to relocate the front shocks. I already have a pair of ford shock towers. Im not sure if it would be better to mount the shocks just behind the axle or on top.

 

If you mount the shock behind you can fit a longer shock so you don't run out of travel.

 

True, but front or back of the axle will also depend on the brakes if running discs. With the setup on my B, the calipers hit the rear shock at full lock so it cost me some turning radius. Something to consider while engineering this.

 

That's some pretty good information guy's, I've been considering doing this also to fit a wider radiator for my ls 6 conversation

 

What shocks are you running?
I run Heckathorn shocks with my dana 30, I made my own spring plates.
The new plates still use the front mounted location, my shocks have never touched my knuckles or anything else.

 

Im running 2.5" procomp springs and 8" travel procomp shocks. I also have a large diameter tie rod, a stock size rod would probably clear. Right now I have 7 1/2" between the axle and bump stops at full droop so the shock shouldn't run out of travel. How much would the springs droop once broken in?

 

Downward travel is not the issue. The shocks should top out at full droop. You don't want them to limit upward travel though. That will damage the shocks.

 

With the D-30 in there that's 1.5 inches wider than stock per side.........that Same D-30 came with the "Big Brake" large single piston Disc Brake package direct from the factory........On the same later CJ's with the D-30 they moved the shock mount (see Picture) behind the axle to make room up front for the sway bar.............Both early and late CJ frame's through the late 80's had 28" C/C frame widths up front!
You should be fine with a stock length shock like you mentioned above mounted behind the axle.........I have used the M-9523 (8.87" travel) shock with a 3" lift mounted in the conventional stock location using the top mount shown and mounting the bottom off of either the U-bolt spring plate or mount welded directly to the axle tube...........No reason to use the Ford truck high mounts with a 2.5" lift and that short shock. The only unknown would be if your tire is 12.50" wide and your using a deep offset wheel that pushes your tire way inboard. You can also weld a bottom shock mount on the rear side of the front axle to get it up a little out of the rubble.

 

i'm having the same issue after my swap. i'm using conn-ferr skid plates and welded bolts on the front of the skid for the shock mount so i could keep in stock location. it only hits the driver shock at full right turn on level ground. the jeep is using all stock steering parts from a '78 except for at the bellcrank where it is using a '71 rod end that is supposed to be at the knuckle. if the skid plate was 1/2" longer where the stud is welded on it would be fine.

 

I just completed the same relocation with Ford towers. I installed mine on Top and worked out great. I made new lower shock mounts that attach to the diff housing. Just do a search on Google for Jeep CJ shock mounts and there are pics & links.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

 

I encountered the same problem with a larger diameter tie rod, D30, and Con-Ferr U-bolt skids. I unscrewed the lower mounting stud on the skids and welded it 1/2" further to the rear and it eliminated the clearance issue that I had. Will it work for you, I can't say but its something worth taking a look at 8)

 

i might turn my shocks like yours so i can get more clearance