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TR5/TR250 TR250/6 - Tube Shock Conversion

Appears in the photos to be similar to the "bolt on" conversions that have been around. I'd be a little concerned about the durability. It looks like it should have gussets at the welds.
 
Not done it myself, but that is Herman van den Akker's conversion; and I've heard good things from people who have tried it. The only negative comments I recall hearing is that it does limit tire width somewhat (which all the tube conversions do to some extent); and some folk have reported having the original shock mounts crack away from the frame. If you plan to use much stiffer shocks than the original levers, it might be prudent to reinforce the mounts at the same time.
 
I installed the Blind Moose shocks earlier in the summer, very happy with them.the installation went smoothly, no tire clearence problems, as I run w/ the standard 185s. I installed KYB shocks. I like the firmness, tighten up the rear a bit. good luck
 
You might want to look at Ratco's shock conversion. He has two versions. One is like the Blind Moose set-up, but IIRC, Tony tried a set of Blind Moose's on his car, and his tires did rub, but he may be running 205s. That's when he decided to re-engineer the brackets to eliminate that problem. He also has a shock in coil set-up, which is a little more involved labor wise.
 
I have the Blind Moose with KYB shocks. If you like a firm rear, this KYB shock is stiff, no travel. I like it because the rear stays put in the turns. My wife has not complained about the stiff ride so all is well. Check your front shocks also. If the front end is soft, this is going to change the handling a bit. I think that it is desirable to have a firm front end to match the firm rear.

HVDA designed and manufactured this kit originally and later handed it over to Blind Moose. But Herman uses, on his 250, an angle stock brace from the top of the shock tower down to the frame, on an angle, and bolted at both ends. I asked Blind Moose about this angle stock. This is something that you have to fab yourself. I have not done it because I have added weld and gussets on the crossmember at the frame to beef up that weak area. A lot of energy is transmitted to that point.
 
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