Viking Performance Rear Shock Install and Relocation on our 1999 RCSB Silverado

The GM truck chassis benefits greatly from relocating the rear shocks to the rear of the axle when you're pursuing increased traction and controllable weight transfer. With the traction bars installed, our next step was finding time to relocate our rear shock position and install new Viking Performance double-adjustable rear shocks. These rear shocks will allow us to dial in rear suspension compression and rebound to exactly where it best performs.

Not only do the Viking Performance shocks look great, but they also offer us 361 potential valving combinations with 19 positions of adjustment for each compression and rebound independently. These shocks are available in a variety of lengths and mounting combinations and typically run around $388/pair. Each application differs so we currently do not have Viking shocks on our website. However, we are an authorized dealer and can assist in getting you set up after you take a few measurements on your vehicle.

The first step was removing the current shocks and cutting the factory shock mounts off of the rear axle and the rear crossmember. 

We found that our Ingersoll-Rand 118 Max Air Hammer with a cutting chisel helped release the mounts after a relief cuts were made around the perimeter. This is what I would consider the worst part of the install, but the right tools can help make the job a little bit easier. 

Next up, we needed to grind the remaining traces of the brackets smooth and flush with the axle tubes and crossmember in preparation for positioning the new shock relocation brackets. We chose to use the brackets that are offered from Atomic Fabrication and Performance. These brackets are laser cut to be dimensionally correct for the stock GM 8.625 inch 10-bolt rear end. These brackets also use the existing rear shock crossmember, so there is no need for additional cross bars or unnecessary weight. 

After a few test fits and some modifications, we were finally ready to weld the shock relocation brackets in permanently. Our friend Bill Moore, from Bill's Auto Restoration, gave us a hand welding them in place with his heavy duty Miller welder.

After welding the brackets in place we gave any exposed metal a coat of paint to keep it from rusting. We chose to modify the angle and position of our lower shock brackets to allow us to run a slightly taller rear shock, given that our RCSB sits so low in the back. The change in angle allows us to have a bit more shock travel at the expense of slightly more lay-back angle.

The last step was installing the new Viking Performance shocks. We can't wait to get it back out to the track and see what improvement these changes result in.