M7 and Fox Float Suspension Installation?

[DVarmit]

I have read a lot of posts on installing this suspension in the older M7's. There were a lot of back-and-forths over the installation and what I couldn't tell was whether or not this bolts right up in or do you need to drill holes in the tunnel and relocate the thing? This would be for an 05 or 06

So, is this a straight bolt up and go installation or do you need to relocate the position of the skid without loosing geo?

I know I would/should need the relocation brackets for the torque arms as well..

 

[vdo1948]

I'm in the process of doing this but haven't installed it yet so I can't speak from experience. I have been told it's a straight bolt in. Don't need the relocation brackets if you're installing a complete skid as they are built into the '07 and up rails. If you're using your M7 rails then you will neeed the bracket. I'm doing a complete skid replacement so I may not have some of the issues you will have if you're using your old rails.

 

[DVarmit]

I'm in the process of doing this but haven't installed it yet so I can't speak from experience. I have been told it's a straight bolt in. Don't need the relocation brackets if you're installing a complete skid as they are built into the '07 and up rails. If you're using your M7 rails then you will neeed the bracket. I'm doing a complete skid replacement so I may not have some of the issues you will have if you're using your old rails.

That brings up an obvious question that I didn't consider.. What exactly is in the kit? I don't think I read about that anywhere..

 

[furthur]

Mine bolted to existing mouints on the chassis. Rails need the holz or equivalent brackets, or '07 or later rails for the front, back is fine. The new idler wheels that come with it won't attach anywhere on my rails without some mods...I left them off, expecting more hyfax wear. Kit includes new front arm, rear arm, upper idlers and lower idlers, and float shock and pump, if I recall correctly.

John

 

[orange06m7]

i bolted a complete 08 m8 skid in my 06 m7, no mods.

 

[cjfarm11]

The kit consists for the rear float shock and all the rear suspension linkage. You reuse the the front fox zero shock. Now if you use the 05 or 06 rails then you need to install the holz relocation bracket. if you choose to use the 07 or newer rails then all you need is the kit.

 

[DVarmit]

Mine bolted to existing mouints on the chassis. Rails need the holz or equivalent brackets, or '07 or later rails for the front, back is fine. The new idler wheels that come with it won't attach anywhere on my rails without some mods...I left them off, expecting more hyfax wear. Kit includes new front arm, rear arm, upper idlers and lower idlers, and float shock and pump, if I recall correctly.

John

What rails did you use that the idlers will not fit? Did you install this on an 05 or 06?

 

[DVarmit]

The kit consists for the rear float shock and all the rear suspension linkage. You reuse the the front fox zero shock. Now if you use the 05 or 06 rails then you need to install the holz relocation bracket. if you choose to use the 07 or newer rails then all you need is the kit.

Is there any measurable benefit to installing newer rails verses just using the relocation kit?

 

[furthur]

My rails are stock '05. There are slots all reasonable mounting locations that would require some modifications/spacers to mount the idlers supplied. Newer rails are lighter, expecially since they don't need the brackets. They may not be as tough, though?