Shock Mount Does Not Fit Tight?

[Christopher K.]

Took off my trailing arms and sent them out to rebuild. I was able to salvage my shock mounts, but they were tight and rust welded to the support. Used the shock mount removal tool, and they look great. All the splines are present and the flat side is perfect.

Problem is they DO NOT fit tightly into the bearing support anymore. They just slip in. There is minimal movement however, because the flat side fits well in the rear of the support.

I have a feeling that the rebuilder opened up the hole on the supports(both) while cleaning and removing rust. A very experienced and popular rebuilder.

These are my original 1973 bearing supports and shock mounts. I've read that original gm heavy duty mounts or aftermarket shock mounts will fit tighter. But I'd like to have the correct part.

I don't think my originals are safe to use with their fit. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Chris

[Timothy B.]

Re: Shock Mount Does Not Fit Tight?

Christopher,

I bet after you tighten them and adjust so the shaft is straight with the shock they will be fine. If there is up/down play where the go through the support then that's another issue..

[Christopher K.]

Re: Shock Mount Does Not Fit Tight?

Thanks Tim,

I had been reading in a couple places that it is critical to have that spline end grab tight. Or there can be too much movement in that shock mount from the up and down of the shock?

Chris

[Christopher K.]

Re: Shock Mount Does Not Fit Tight?

I just had someone tell me to put some JB Weld on the knurled end before assembly.

Anyone have any other opinions?

Thanks, Chris

[Joe L.]

Re: Shock Mount Does Not Fit Tight?

I just had someone tell me to put some JB Weld on the knurled end before assembly.

Anyone have any other opinions?

Thanks, Chris

Chris-----


If they are talking about applying JB Weld to the worn knurled area AND LETTING IT FULLY CURE/HARDEN PRIOR TO INSTALLATION, that MIGHT be of some benefit. I doubt it, but it MIGHT work and I don't see how it could hurt anything.

If they are talking about applying the JB Weld, immediately installing the shaft, and, thus, letting the JB Weld bond the shaft to the support, FORGET IT. I would NEVER do that. EVER.

[Bob I.]

Re: Shock Mount Does Not Fit Tight?

Chris,
I'm currently experiencing the same problem. I'm searching for date coded supports and shock mounts. My supports were worn badly, to the point that I was able to turn the shock mount in the support. I hope to find quality original parts.

Bob

[Timothy B.]

Re: Shock Mount Does Not Fit Tight?

Chris,

I think after you torque the bolt it will be fine, I think my 63 moves a little bit if the car is jacked up. If the bearing support is completely ate up where the knurled shock mount grabs then I would leave it for when you do wheel bearings then restore the flat area.

These bearings supports are dated so it's best to try and keep the original. JB weld is good epoxy but not in this situation, make sure you put some neverseize on the support and strut when assembling so in the future it's a snap if you go back for any reason..

If you have a real loose situation that's another story..

[Christopher K.]

Re: Shock Mount Does Not Fit Tight?

Joe, Bob and Tim,

I think I'm going to set the proper ride height, put the shock on, and torque it correctly. There is very little movement in the support prior to tighting. What bothered me was the way it just slid in.

Thanks for all the help guys,
Chris