Discovery 1 - rear upper shock mount. Interchangeable?

[TylerN]

Just snapped the upper shock mount stud in the rear end of my disco 1. Then snapped the same one in my parts truck. Argh.
Before I get setup to pull the other side off the parts truck, does anyone know if they are right side/left side specific?
It's raining steadily in Hope right now & if it won't fit I'd rather not roll around in the wet gravel. Haha.

[TylerN]

To answer my own question...yes they are inter changeable.

[red90]

I've never seen one break. Are your shocks possible bottoming out?

[TylerN]

It doesn't appear as though the shocks are bottoming out, it looks like a twist failure on the stud. But I've managed to break 3 of the damn things this afternoon. The first two were exhaust side, which both gave me some difficulty with being seized. The last one was my bad from trying to suck in the rubber bushing into the top of the shock using the washer. Was going oh so well, then pop!

[red90]

Well you have something wrong. Are the shocks and bump stops stock?

Are the bushings stock? Are you installing the bushings and washer correct? It should tighten hard until it bottoms on the shoulder.

[TylerN]

Yep, all stock & all set up to go back together the way it came apart. All parts are original stock. Have been using hand tools, so no going crazy with an impact gun. I've never had a run like this before. Argh.

[red90]

Maybe take a picture. Something is wrong. The nut is meant to be tightened right up and the shock should end up being able to flex easily a fair amount.

[TylerN]

Not going to bother with a picture, it just looks like a snapped stud. Haha. The nut wasn't cross threaded either, as I was able to finger tighten to the nylon locking ring.
At this point I just need a spare stock hanger to use until my parts come in for the lift (got a set of lowered hangers on their way, but possibly a good week or so out).

[red90]

I'm suggesting something is being installed wrong. Twenty years of wheeling and I've never seen an upper rear shock mount break.

[red90]

If you install lower mounts make sure you are also installing taller bump stops.

[TylerN]

I'm suggesting something is being installed wrong. Twenty years of wheeling and I've never seen an upper rear shock mount break.

I've only ever seen one break before, and that was a rusty seized up one back in Ontario while being removed.
I know what you mean though, I've rarely seen this type of thing happen, especially on the same day. Changed lots of suspension set ups on many different trucks myself over the years so it's not like I'm coming at this blind either. Ah well, just one of those days.

[BlkP38]

The studs do snap (if badly seized). I just drilled and tapped the end of the shaft and bolted the damper up with the same washer. No probs in 3 years now.
Eric.

[Bill E.]

Hi BCP,
Not questioning your wrenching skills or previous experience working on suspensions but I have to agree that something is wrong.
In my rookie days (a few years back now) I put the convex side of the washers facing outwards away from the upper shock bushing on the rear of my 90. I snapped the top of the shock off in very short order. Replaced the shock and installed the washers with the convex face inwards towards the rubber bushing. Life was good. Just sayin'. :bounce:
Bill

[TylerN]

Well, got a replacement hanger today, had it on in 15 minutes without any issues. Same tools, same set up, same torque. Thanks for the input guys & fast responses. I'm putting this all down to black magic or a strange karmic debt.