Bent rear shock plate or just needs adjusting?

[FCC]

I just replaced my old shocks with Bilstein RCD shocks.  I had a difficult time putting on the rear passenger side because the lower shock mount bolt wasn't straight on. I didn't have this problem with the driver's side.  I cannot tell if the shock plate is bent or if I just need to adjust it???  If so, what is the best way to adjust?  I haven't touched it but thought the plate squares up against the bottom of the leaf springs so what would there be to adjust?  Any help will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[brads70]

You might try removing the shock and a big adjustable and a little heat? It does appear to be bent?

[CudamanTom]

You might try removing the shock and a big adjustable and a little heat? It does appear to be bent?

[TelisSE440]

It does look bent... and a lot

[js29no]

ya  i see it to! someone probable put a jack in the wrong spot,

[roadman5312]

    You could pull the shock off, slide a piece of pipe over the stud and try to bend it back up if you don't have a torch to heat it. Left as is it will eat the shock bushing quickly. 

[Katfish]

Since it needs to come up, what about putting a jack under the edge and tweak it as needed?

[dutch]

    You could pull the shock off, slide a piece of pipe over the stud and try to bend it back up if you don't have a torch to heat it. Left as is it will eat the shock bushing quickly.

euh... looks to me the stud is not the problem and you will not be able to get that metal back in shape using the stud for leverage...it will just kill the stud.
IMO there are 2 ways to get it back into shape. Heat it and beat it till it looks ok. ( risk of fire, hitting other arts of the car, probably hurt a finger or two...)  or take it off the car and heat it ,clamped into vise or use an anvil to get it back into shape .

[crash340]

The stud is not bent, its the plate that is bent, dont bend or try to straighten the stud, take the plate off, give it some good heat and try and bend it back, the piece that the stud is fitted to should be verticle.

['Cuda Hunter]

Or get another plate off someone's parted out cuda.   Simple correct low cost.

[FCC]

Thanks all for the feedback.  I love this forum! 

I think I will try to find another one first before attempting to reshape.

[jimynick]

In the meantime, you could try using a 30-36" pipe wrench adjusted to just slide over the plate with a sufficient amount of meat applied to the other end. Nothing ventured and you'll know in 30 seconds if it's going to move for you. A cheater piece of pipe ( I use my floor jack handle) can also help. Good luck and keep the really BFH handy! 

[CudamanTom]

Since it needs to come up, what about putting a jack under the edge and tweak it as needed?

 
I think this would be a good move here.

[CUDA JAS]

Or get another plate off someone's parted out cuda.   Simple correct low cost.

I am with him! Correct way would be to replace it!!

I think you can even buy them new.  But there are also enough guys parting out these cars that you can find a used one!

Jason

[Cudaragtop]

Keep in mind that 70's are a little different in size, they are slightly shorter than 71-74...