Hi all, a few years ago I replaced my stock rear shocks with some longer ones for more travel.

The lower connection point has an outer ring, then rubber, then an inner tube, and the shock mount bolt goes through that inner metal tube.

I guess I didn't notice this at the time, but the bolt that goes through the metal tube in the shock is smaller, so there is some play in the lower connection of the shock to the axle. I think there is about 1/8" of play.

#1 - Is this something I should worry about? Would that cause rougher handling or something? Or is this such a small amount of play it doesn't matter?

#2 - Any ideas how to fix it? It's like the metal tube inside the rubber bushing is too big for the bolt. I guess I'd need a different size? Do they sell those or something?

If you think it's shifting and it is a concern, the simple fix is to shim the inside with either another piece of metal tubing or roll a flat piece of metal into a proper-fitting sleeve. I think stainless would be ideal, but regular steel with a bit of paint or a dob of grease would be fine (corrosion protection). You might even be able to get away with a few wraps of an aluminum can (soda or beer... your choice). I think rolling your own would be the easiest way to get a good fit between the bolt and the existing sleeve. But that's just my opinion... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Movement in your shock mount is not good and you will eventually wear out the area or break soothing which you do not want <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />.

When I fitted my longe shock from a RAV 4 I took it to a suspension specialist called Peddars in Australia to complete a wheel alignment, suspension adjustment and fix the bottom shock mount issue.

any suspension specialist should be able to help near you. Just take the shock and Bolt in to a reputable one near you and they should be able to provide the correct size bushes and sleeve for a nice tight fit.

Cheers, Chris <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Or you can just drill the stock mount holes to fit the larger bolt. See most aftermarket shocks use non metric bolts while the sportage bolts are metric. I had the same problem a very long time ago. It won't cause any breakage, but it's noisy, annoying and the shock damping is hindered by the free movement of the shock, even though it's only a tiny bit of movement.

Nuke,
I make the shock grommet steel sleeves that have a 5/8" od and 12mm id. DOM steel . PM me if you are interested.
Everet