CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dznucks · 05-13-2010, 05:09 PM

I am just now getting around to installing my the upper shock brackets for the front shocks, from CPP.
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...k/6372FSRB.htm

I cannot get mine to fit on the upper stud and flush on the frame. It looks like the angle the part was bent at is 5-10 degrees off.

has anyone else had this problem?

Cameras charging.......

dznucks · 05-13-2010, 06:43 PM

You can see the angle is off.

In one picture the bracket is flush against the frame, you can see how off the angle is to the stud. In the other picture i tightened down the nut on the shock. i can get the largest screw driver i have underneath it.

Sure, i can drill some holes and tighten it down. But that is going to put a huge moment on the stud, which is what the bracket is there to help support. defeats the purpose.

87chevy.com · 05-13-2010, 07:20 PM

could you simply put it in a vice and tweak it just enough... surely you can. quite possible that the angle the accounted for was on their truck possibly...
clint

dznucks · 05-13-2010, 07:29 PM

Yeah i just thought of that about the time the dinner bell rang. i had to slap the new shocks in before i take it too the alignment shop tomorrow.

But why should i have to put a $30 powder coated part in a vise to make it work?

stealthy '69 · 05-13-2010, 09:20 PM

Is there a slight chance the mounting point for the shock stud is tweeked? Does the other side fit the same? I'm working on mine really slow and I have one side on and it fit ok.

weekendracer728 · 05-14-2010, 10:12 AM

Ask jeff from cpp on here...

8mpg · 05-14-2010, 11:46 AM

I would put it on the shock and loosely put the nut on, then suck down the bracket with the nuts/bolts that go into the frame. Im going to bet the powdercoat will stretch enough.

custom70 · 05-14-2010, 12:32 PM

I am curious too, what about the other side? Is it the same way or different?

dznucks · 05-14-2010, 01:03 PM

the drivers side is about the same, or worse.

I thought about the stud being tweaked, but since they both fit about the same I am not convinced that is the problem.

As i mentioned before i could snug the shock bolt down and drill the holes, then force the bracket to sit flush against the frame with the bolts. But that will introduce a moment, or bending load, on the stud. This will preload the stud/frame joint. When I air out and really load the stud with the shocks, I will have combined loading on the stud and frame. This will cause the frame to crack, which is what these brackets are made to prevent.

I was hoping Jeff would chime in.

Can anyone that has a bracket laying around measure the angle that the brackets are bent too? Mine are bent to 130 degrees.

dznucks · 05-14-2010, 01:30 PM

I just measured the angle from the frame to the face of the shock eyelet. its 134-135 degrees on both sides.

8mpg · 05-14-2010, 02:08 PM

Probably just going to have to bend it. I would think that the bracket would bend before putting a ton of load on the bolt.

If you put it in a vice to open up the angle, just use a rag and pad it to keep the vice from making it ugly.

5* isnt going to take much squeeze

dznucks · 05-14-2010, 02:19 PM

Thats what i plan on doing. I was just wandering if anyone else had this issue.

my67chevytruck · 05-14-2010, 03:18 PM

i would loosen the inner shock stud bolt on the frame. I would then mount the shock bracket, line it up where it needs to be, drill, and mount it, then tighten the shock stud bolt back down. I am guessing the stud and/or the frame mounting area has been tweaked over the years.

PBFAB.COM · 05-14-2010, 03:40 PM

I would give CPP a call and talk to Jeff about the bracket. I am sure he will send you out another set.

mclairmo · 05-14-2010, 07:02 PM

Glad I saw this, I was planning on buying those but maybe now I will not. Torqueing that all down when it is at the wrong angle could cause more harm than good. I would bend the bracket first to get it at the correct angle or have CPP send you a replacement set to see if the replacements fit better. Talk to Jeff, he will take care of you.

87chevy.com · 05-14-2010, 08:38 PM

If anything I would just make my own... its a simple non complicated brace/bracket and then you wouldnt even have to worry about messing up a powder coated part..
just my thoughts on the subject... sending the part back to cpp to get a replacment.. i would imagine these are being produced on a professional level, which meaning a machine is bending the brackets and not a human.... so chances of getting a replacement set at a different angle is very unlikely... i dont work there but thats what i would guess.
clint

dznucks · 05-14-2010, 09:36 PM

Its an easy enough fix to open the angle up to 135deg in a vise......if the bracket bends properly.

I am just curious if any one else has had issues with these.
The problem is symetrical, so I doubt a stud is tweaked, but i am not ruling that out.

jwalk · 05-16-2010, 04:16 AM

I just installed these brackets Saturday. They fit well with no problems. I just bolted them to the shock stud, drilled my holes and bolted them up. Easy.

texastrendz · 05-16-2010, 03:09 PM

i think 87 chevy is right. they are probably made in a press brake a thousand at a time. i doubt they are ging to be diffrent. maybe worth it to call them and have them ship you out a new set, i would expect the same part in the mail.

dznucks · 05-16-2010, 06:30 PM

Quote:

i would expect the same part in the mail.

I figure they would be the same part. I am more than likely going to put them in a vise and open them up to 135deg.

*CPPJEFF* · 05-20-2010, 04:39 PM

How about i send you a free set and if it fixes the problem you know it was the brackets and if it doesnt we will know its your truck.... Sound fair?

dv8customs · 05-20-2010, 05:22 PM

Those brackets are probably made with more precision than the truck frame was. The misalignment doesn't look to be much in your photos. I would not be concerned with the stress that bracket may put on the bolt.

mclairmo · 05-20-2010, 05:26 PM

I understand dznucks' concern. You spend good money on what is supposed to be a precision part made by one of the best manufacturers out there and it appears to be wrong. That would burn my buns, too. Luckily, Jeff is on here ready to help out whenever possible. Jeff is the reason why I finally placed an order with CPP. My first shipment of parts looks good so far.

*CPPJEFF* · 05-20-2010, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclairmo

I understand dznucks' concern. You spend good money on what is supposed to be a precision part made by one of the best manufacturers out there and it appears to be wrong. That would burn my buns, too. Luckily, Jeff is on here ready to help out whenever possible. Jeff is the reason why I finally placed an order with CPP. My first shipment of parts looks good so far.

Guys seriously i could not agree more, i work in this industry but imagine if i went to Best Buy and bought a bolt on display stand and then i had to bust out the drill and sawzall to assemble it? Seriously people just want what they pay for, and i just want to make you guys happy and not to mention i have really became good friends with alot of you guys and yes i represent CPP but i would never not help anyone or lead them in the wrong direction, all this stuff is easy for me, as i have been doing it so long. I have been on this board for 90 days and i bet i have fixed a 1000 peoples problems and i have enjoyed them all. Just ask me if you guys need anything and if its reasonable we can always work things out.

dznucks · 05-20-2010, 07:38 PM

Let's do this.....

Before Jeff sends me another pair.....Can some one, with an stock, original condition frame like mine, measure the angle between their frame and the face of the shock hoop?

I used a dry-wall angle finder to mimic the angle, then used a protractor to measure that angle of the dry-wall angle finder. Look at the first pic...that angle.

I dont claim to know how perfect my frame is. Both sides measure 135 deg.
I'd like to know if my frame is off, or if its right.

05-13-2010, 05:09 PM	#1
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? I am just now getting around to installing my the upper shock brackets for the front shocks, from CPP. http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...k/6372FSRB.htm I cannot get mine to fit on the upper stud and flush on the frame. It looks like the angle the part was bent at is 5-10 degrees off. has anyone else had this problem? Cameras charging.......

05-13-2010, 06:43 PM	#2
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? You can see the angle is off. In one picture the bracket is flush against the frame, you can see how off the angle is to the stud. In the other picture i tightened down the nut on the shock. i can get the largest screw driver i have underneath it. Sure, i can drill some holes and tighten it down. But that is going to put a huge moment on the stud, which is what the bracket is there to help support. defeats the purpose. Attached Images

05-13-2010, 07:20 PM	#3
87chevy.com BMW & ASE Master Certified Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,255	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? could you simply put it in a vice and tweak it just enough... surely you can. quite possible that the angle the accounted for was on their truck possibly... clint __________________ 1987 Silverado - L83 5.3 w/ 6L80e ,A/C,P/W,P/L,TILT, HID projectors, Wilwood C-10 Pro Spindles w/ 2018 silverado front brakes & C-5 Corvette Rear Disc Brakes 1999 BMW 528i - 5.7 LS1 w/ 4l60e, Ford 8.8 IRS w31 spline posi & FX-r projector retrofit New project: 2006 BMW x5 6cyl AWD to L83 6l80e 4wd to 2WD / RWD A poor man buy's it twice finally got my domain name back, 87chevy.com.... site rework in progress

05-13-2010, 07:29 PM	#4
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? Yeah i just thought of that about the time the dinner bell rang. i had to slap the new shocks in before i take it too the alignment shop tomorrow. But why should i have to put a $30 powder coated part in a vise to make it work?

05-14-2010, 10:12 AM	#6
weekendracer728 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New Prague, MN Posts: 103	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? Ask jeff from cpp on here...

05-14-2010, 11:46 AM	#7
8mpg Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 389	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? I would put it on the shock and loosely put the nut on, then suck down the bracket with the nuts/bolts that go into the frame. Im going to bet the powdercoat will stretch enough.

05-14-2010, 12:32 PM	#8
custom70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Gastonia,NC Posts: 137	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? I am curious too, what about the other side? Is it the same way or different? __________________ Tim

05-14-2010, 01:03 PM	#9
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? the drivers side is about the same, or worse. I thought about the stud being tweaked, but since they both fit about the same I am not convinced that is the problem. As i mentioned before i could snug the shock bolt down and drill the holes, then force the bracket to sit flush against the frame with the bolts. But that will introduce a moment, or bending load, on the stud. This will preload the stud/frame joint. When I air out and really load the stud with the shocks, I will have combined loading on the stud and frame. This will cause the frame to crack, which is what these brackets are made to prevent. I was hoping Jeff would chime in. Can anyone that has a bracket laying around measure the angle that the brackets are bent too? Mine are bent to 130 degrees.

05-14-2010, 01:30 PM	#10
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? I just measured the angle from the frame to the face of the shock eyelet. its 134-135 degrees on both sides.

05-14-2010, 02:08 PM	#11
8mpg Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 389	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? Probably just going to have to bend it. I would think that the bracket would bend before putting a ton of load on the bolt. If you put it in a vice to open up the angle, just use a rag and pad it to keep the vice from making it ugly. 5* isnt going to take much squeeze

05-14-2010, 02:19 PM	#12
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? Thats what i plan on doing. I was just wandering if anyone else had this issue.

05-14-2010, 03:18 PM	#13
my67chevytruck Under Construction Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlothian,TX (DFW) Posts: 4,555	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? i would loosen the inner shock stud bolt on the frame. I would then mount the shock bracket, line it up where it needs to be, drill, and mount it, then tighten the shock stud bolt back down. I am guessing the stud and/or the frame mounting area has been tweaked over the years. __________________ Heath subscribe to the board here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669 FAQ how to's 1956 Chevy Apache 1967 C10 SWB FleetSide (under construction) 1969 K10 SWB FleetSide (Future Build) 1972 C10 SWB Stepside (Future Build) 56 chevy truck : http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2955823/1 67 truck build: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=281357/1 69 k10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=389470

05-14-2010, 03:40 PM	#14
PBFAB.COM Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Mesa,Az Posts: 3,981	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? I would give CPP a call and talk to Jeff about the bracket. I am sure he will send you out another set. __________________ www.PorterbuiltFabrication.com Phone: 480-297-2621 E-mail: sales@pbfab.com Find us on FaceBook under Porterbuilt Fabrication Specializing in Chassis and Suspension Components for your Classic Chevrolet Truck. We offer components from the following manufacturers: Porterbuilt Accuair Ridetech (Air Ride Technologies) Air Lift Wilwood Intro Unisteer ECE Gotta Show Air Lift Borgeson CPP Supporting this forum since 2003!

05-14-2010, 07:02 PM	#15
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? Glad I saw this, I was planning on buying those but maybe now I will not. Torqueing that all down when it is at the wrong angle could cause more harm than good. I would bend the bracket first to get it at the correct angle or have CPP send you a replacement set to see if the replacements fit better. Talk to Jeff, he will take care of you.

05-14-2010, 08:38 PM	#16
87chevy.com BMW & ASE Master Certified Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,255	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? If anything I would just make my own... its a simple non complicated brace/bracket and then you wouldnt even have to worry about messing up a powder coated part.. just my thoughts on the subject... sending the part back to cpp to get a replacment.. i would imagine these are being produced on a professional level, which meaning a machine is bending the brackets and not a human.... so chances of getting a replacement set at a different angle is very unlikely... i dont work there but thats what i would guess. clint __________________ 1987 Silverado - L83 5.3 w/ 6L80e ,A/C,P/W,P/L,TILT, HID projectors, Wilwood C-10 Pro Spindles w/ 2018 silverado front brakes & C-5 Corvette Rear Disc Brakes 1999 BMW 528i - 5.7 LS1 w/ 4l60e, Ford 8.8 IRS w31 spline posi & FX-r projector retrofit New project: 2006 BMW x5 6cyl AWD to L83 6l80e 4wd to 2WD / RWD A poor man buy's it twice finally got my domain name back, 87chevy.com.... site rework in progress



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05-14-2010, 09:36 PM	#17
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? Its an easy enough fix to open the angle up to 135deg in a vise......if the bracket bends properly. I am just curious if any one else has had issues with these. The problem is symetrical, so I doubt a stud is tweaked, but i am not ruling that out.

05-16-2010, 04:16 AM	#18
jwalk What was I thinking? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: oklahoma Posts: 1,137	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? I just installed these brackets Saturday. They fit well with no problems. I just bolted them to the shock stud, drilled my holes and bolted them up. Easy.

05-16-2010, 03:09 PM	#19
texastrendz Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: HOUSTON TX Posts: 1,161	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? i think 87 chevy is right. they are probably made in a press brake a thousand at a time. i doubt they are ging to be diffrent. maybe worth it to call them and have them ship you out a new set, i would expect the same part in the mail.

05-20-2010, 04:39 PM	#21
CPPJEFF Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Anaheim California Posts: 713	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? How about i send you a free set and if it fixes the problem you know it was the brackets and if it doesnt we will know its your truck.... Sound fair?

05-20-2010, 05:22 PM	#22
dv8customs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,047	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? Those brackets are probably made with more precision than the truck frame was. The misalignment doesn't look to be much in your photos. I would not be concerned with the stress that bracket may put on the bolt.

05-20-2010, 05:26 PM	#23
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? I understand dznucks' concern. You spend good money on what is supposed to be a precision part made by one of the best manufacturers out there and it appears to be wrong. That would burn my buns, too. Luckily, Jeff is on here ready to help out whenever possible. Jeff is the reason why I finally placed an order with CPP. My first shipment of parts looks good so far.

05-20-2010, 07:38 PM	#25
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: CPP front shock brackets....who's had problems with them? Let's do this..... Before Jeff sends me another pair.....Can some one, with an stock, original condition frame like mine, measure the angle between their frame and the face of the shock hoop? I used a dry-wall angle finder to mimic the angle, then used a protractor to measure that angle of the dry-wall angle finder. Look at the first pic...that angle. I dont claim to know how perfect my frame is. Both sides measure 135 deg. I'd like to know if my frame is off, or if its right.

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