WOW, did I get a lot of imformation!! I talked to my brother in-law, metal dude and general mechanic. He says it will be easy to just fab a steel plate with a couple of runners to guard the U-bolts and nuts, then make some mounts for my shocks with the same angle as stock so I don't have to re-align the upper mounts. The shocks will need to be about 2" shorter when its finished, but thats okay, since they are about shot anyway. He figures it will cost me about ten bucks worth of steel plate and welding supplies, a 12 pack of beer, and a few hours of my day off.
I need new U-bolts as well, since that last trip to Truckhaven bent 2 and broke 1 of the right side bolts. Should have the new shock mounts ready by next trip. Maybe my rear bumper will be finished too, but its not looking too good with X-mas coming-up so fast.
Will have some fab'd front sway bar quick disconnects too. I looked at the one's for the jeep and decided to make my own out of the original brackets since the jeep's are straight and the Explorer's are slightly angled.
Whoever is interested in the San Diego area; My brother in-law's name is Scott and he is very creative when it comes to this kind of stuff. He is using my truck as a test vehicle and could make more if there is interest and a little cash in it. He takes a while because he works as a mechanic full time and this is a side type job/hobby. He also makes metal and glass tables, furniture, grills, etc..
See ya in the dirt!!