Fabbing shock towers

[Greg@RME]

My 4Runner had some of those craptastic F-250 Ford shock towers on the front end from the previous owner. One of them broke off during the first outting with shocks on it, so I decided it was time to do something else.


I recently added a new die to my set, for the JD2 tube bender. I got a 1.25", 3.5 radius die, perfect for those smaller projects.-

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/7030/1001618medium4vm.jpg

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9029/1001619medium2ns.jpg


The old shock towers-

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/32/1001616medium9mn.jpg


I basically made a near 180* bend, then kicked out the bottom of the shock towers so the shocks would clear the fenderwell.-

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/1654/1001620medium0vd.jpg


I tacked some 1 5/8" onto the hoop, then welded it to the frame. For the upper shock tab, I cut up some 2"x2" square tube & drilled a couple holes. This attaches outside the hoop, at the very top. I moved the top shock mount up 1", since the old setup was limiting compression.-

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/1677/1001617medium4xz.jpg

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/6010/1001615medium2nv.jpg


A little bit of paint & it's ready to go!-

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/9905/1001623medium5uv.jpg


After getting them on, I've decided I need to add another support going from the top of the hoop, to the frame. Or... get crazy & make an over-engine shock tower brace. :D I'm not sure if it'll fit or not, but it would be cool!


I love the new 1.25" die, it's the perfect size. I plan on using it to build the front & rear bumpers and a set of tube doors for the Toyota. I think it's going to come in very handy. :cool:

[Steve]

Nice work Greg! :thumbsup:

[TubeWerx]

:thumbsup: bad ass dude!!! I like the difference the 1.25" tube makes....usually you see them in 1.5" or 1.75".....I dig the smaller look!! :D

[Ohana Fab]

Nice work! Man, I need to get a 1.25 die..........

[Brian1]

Looks good. Imade my rear shock hoops from 1.25". I think it is the perfect size for shock mounts.

[CGuava]

looks nice, but maybe could use a little gusset work. :thumbsup: BTW: Don't knock the ford towers...hehe, i used em'.

[Greg@RME]

looks nice, but maybe could use a little gusset work. :thumbsup: BTW: Don't knock the ford towers...hehe, i used em'.


I had those on my old ride, they're not that bad... I just needed to make them sound bad to justify the new die to the wife. :D ;)