1940 front pickup shocks
 

What is the arm number for the 40 pickup front shocks ?

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

Dave, the front shocks for the '40 pickup are the same as the passenger. The green bible # for that shock absorber assembly is O1A-18046-A, LH, fits '35-41, pass & comm. (pickup). The bible has no separate # for the arm that I can find. Kube may chime in with his view. Russ

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

Dave, You'll want to find them with the #F-837 on the arm. Also on the arm, there will be a boss near the hole for the shock link. In raised numerals (not stamped) will be the number 10. Mercury shocks will not have this number.
And lastly, there is a Ford script on each arm.

The bodies, just like the rear shocks are 2 7/8" diameter.

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

The shocks on the front have # 837 on the arm & they do not line up with the eye on the axel. So I am to assume these are incorrect ?

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

Dave, That's the correct arm. I am not certain why they don't line up. Cars with a factory sway bar used a 4" link. Without a sway bar, a 3" link.

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

Can the arms be heated & bent to line up correctly ?

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

I've seen it done but still, I have to wonder what happened with your that they don't fit. Picture???

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

Pic: Arm does not line up with eye on axel ? Other side is not as bad, but not perfect .

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

Any ideas ?

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

Dave, That arm looks correct.

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

It is not supposed to line up with the one one the bottom ?

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

In your photo it looks like you have the early style wishbone pins. The shock mount hole is centered over the pin. The later style pins that are set up for the sway bar mount have the shock mount hole farther to the rear of the pin. I suspect the there may be a difference in shock arms for the early vs late wishbone pins.

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

There is no difference...

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

I appreciate all the responses, however I still do not understand why they do not line up if I have the correct arm, HELP !!!

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

Dave, I'll do my best to get at this definitively today or perhaps tomorrow. Unfortunately, I no longer recall all of these minute details as readily as I once did.

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

Dave,
I only had one '40 around here that I was able to get a decent (comparable) photo of.

I can't explain the issue with your truck as it appears the shock has the correct arm.
Rest assured the arms were identical throughout 1940 production regardless of whether there was a sway bar or no sway bar or (of so equipped) which design of sway bar.

Does the other side have the same issue on your truck?

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

Both sides have the issue, however the passenger side is only about half as bad . Looks like your shock has some type of a spacer behind it ?

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

No spacer.
Could you measure the offset of your perch pin? Centerline of the pin itself to the center line of the link hole.

Wild question... is the spring centered in the cross member?

Perhaps you could accurately measure from the frame to the "face" of the shock body?

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

3 & 7/32 from back of shock to face, yes spring center bolt is in the crossmember correctly. If I understand the first question, approx. 1/4"

Re: 1940 front pickup shocks
 

Dave, Just yesterday I'd installed a set of front shocks to a '40 I am restoring and found the alignment between the arm and perch is slightly offset. It all went together nicely.
So, be assured what you have is A-Ok :)