Rear shock plates for Koni shocks

[andyf]

I found out the hard way that Koni shocks use a 5/8 mounting stud rather than the correct Mopar size. Evidently the Koni engineers aren't capable of reading blueprints and I guess they refuse to correct their error. Anyway, rather than trying to get them to correct their mistake I just decided to build some custom rear shock plates that would use a 5/8 mounting bolt. While I was at it I turned the shock mount 90 degrees so I could use a double shear bracket. I also added a tie down loop to the shock plate and then welded a cup for the jack stand in the bottom of the mount. Here is what the plates look like after powder coating. I'll get them installed sometime this winter.

 

[Kern Dog]

Looks great.
Forgive my ignorance but how do you get metal that thick to bend? Anytime I have made brackets I either have to use prebent square pipe then I have to cut and weld. Do you have a super stout metal brake?

 

[kiwigtx]

I had Koni's on my GTX ...just went to a specialist shock shop and had them re-bushed to suit. Also had a readout of the shock performance done at the same time.

 

[andyf]

Looks great.
Forgive my ignorance but how do you get metal that thick to bend? Anytime I have made brackets I either have to use prebent square pipe then I have to cut and weld. Do you have a super stout metal brake?

I have a small DiAcro press brake in my shop. I can bend 1/4 inch steel plate as long as it isn't very wide. These shock plates are only a few inches wide so it isn't a problem but I can't make really big parts.