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I've got knee shocks on my i/2T AD, but am switching to tubes in the rear with my new rear end, and will also switchthe fronts. What is the proper way to determine mounting points for tube shocks both front and rear, using a shock with a particular part #? Thanks for any help,

jay

liljay, I'm no mechanic but I can tell you what I did. I took the knee shocks and front axle off my 48 3/4 and then I put a 52 half ton front axle on my 3/4 frame. I simply mounted the tube shock on the lower shock mount from the 52 axle then extended it up all the way beside the frame. I then cut the front shock mounts off the 52 half ton frame and set each one on top of the tube shocks. I pushed the shocks back down a little until it was beside the frame and measured from the front of the upper shock mount to the front of the frame and both measured the same. I then drilled holes in the frame by putting the drill directly in the holes of the upper shock mounts where the rivets used to be. Then I bought some grade 8 bolts and bolted the upper mounts to the frame. It looks good and I do not forsee any problems. I have not tackled the rear yet. I hope I explained it well enough for you. If not holler at me! You could by a complete setup from Jim Carter but it is rather pricey. I am building a budget truck though. oz

I'm not looking for it to be pretty, I just want the tube shocks to work the way they're supposed to. I could probably do it your way, but without switching axles. I'll give it a shot.

jay

I found an old 53 half ton frame (even an existing working truck will do) and I made a cardboard template of the mounting holes from the inside of the frame channel.
I used the snubber on the kick up as a center point. I then transferred the cardboard to a piece of plexiglass and drilled holes in it where the bolts/rivets were on the frame. I cannot say it is exactly 100% spot-on but am very close to the original. I know that some of the after market companies sell conversion kits and include a template. Don't know if you could just buy the template by itself.
I have yet to complete this modification but when time comes I will put the plex in the channel and drill the holes. I have done a few 'dry runs' already. It can get snug on one side with wires and tubing being there but it will work.
I plan to use Grade 8 bolts and am thinking the shock number for the 53 will work.
The brackets I used came from that old 53.

When I replaced mine, I compressed the shock absorber half way and found where the mount would be placed. Front and rear.