The Ford Barn

Kube · 05-29-2025, 12:41 PM

I'd like to install rear tube shocks on a '48 coupe. I'd prefer coil over type.
Anyone have a viable part number of a modern replacement?
Thanks!

flathead48 · 05-30-2025, 03:22 PM

Mike, they use to sell coils u could use on any shock. I purchase a set to use on my 48 when I put tubes on the front.

Randy in ca · 06-01-2025, 01:34 AM

What do you have now, tube or lever?

I've seen Ford tube style lower brackets on eBay as well as complete custom made modern kits at a couple of places using conventional tube shocks. Why coil overs? Could be clearance issues.

flathead48 · 06-01-2025, 05:12 AM

I have tube shocks front & back. I had a machine shop make me the upper rear mount which is basically a bolt to go through the rear cross member the same as Ford used. Here is a diagram, a little rough but worked.

azlkk · 06-01-2025, 08:24 AM

Our ‘35 had the tube shocks installed ages ago. Does anyone offer replacement shocks. I don’t need the brackets and can’t see any labels.

flathead48 · 06-01-2025, 05:59 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

For my 48, I bought from Gabriel & Monroe

Clem Clement · 06-01-2025, 06:48 PM

didn't some pre-1949 Fords have tube shocks from the factory. I found tube shocks that way in a junkyard.
Clem

tubman · 06-01-2025, 07:00 PM

I think Ford went to tube shocks in '48.

38 coupe · 06-02-2025, 05:35 AM

Ford started using tube shocks in partial production in 1947. By the 1948 production many cars had tube shocks from the factory.
I am not familiar with tube shocks ready made with helper springs that fit a 48 Ford. I suspect you will need to get a set of helper springs that clamp to the outside of a tube shock. Try typing this into your favorite internet search: superior load control springs clamp around shock absorber

flathead48 · 06-02-2025, 05:55 AM

38 coupe, u are correct they were clamped on & u could use them on front or rears. I removed them because I didn’t think they were needed

Als48 · 06-02-2025, 11:49 AM

Hey Kube,

I used air-assist shocks on my '48. I think the size was the same as '70's Chevy pickup. The ones I used were Monroe. Don't have record of the part #. Easy to adjust, but have a tendency to leak down.

Al Hook

05-29-2025, 12:41 PM	#1
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,853	48 coupe rear tube shock suggestions please I'd like to install rear tube shocks on a '48 coupe. I'd prefer coil over type. Anyone have a viable part number of a modern replacement? Thanks! __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

05-30-2025, 03:22 PM	#2
flathead48 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Posts: 1,235	Re: 48 coupe rear tube shock suggestions please Mike, they use to sell coils u could use on any shock. I purchase a set to use on my 48 when I put tubes on the front.

06-01-2025, 01:34 AM	#3
Randy in ca Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,816	Re: 48 coupe rear tube shock suggestions please What do you have now, tube or lever? I've seen Ford tube style lower brackets on eBay as well as complete custom made modern kits at a couple of places using conventional tube shocks. Why coil overs? Could be clearance issues.

06-01-2025, 08:24 AM	#5
azlkk Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 12	Re: 48 coupe rear tube shock suggestions please Our ‘35 had the tube shocks installed ages ago. Does anyone offer replacement shocks. I don’t need the brackets and can’t see any labels. __________________ '35 5 Window Deluxe Coupe- wife's uncle purchased new

06-01-2025, 05:59 PM	#6
flathead48 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Posts: 1,235	Re: 48 coupe rear tube shock suggestions please Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) For my 48, I bought from Gabriel & Monroe

06-01-2025, 06:48 PM	#7
Clem Clement Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 3,532	Re: 48 coupe rear tube shock suggestions please didn't some pre-1949 Fords have tube shocks from the factory. I found tube shocks that way in a junkyard. Clem

06-01-2025, 07:00 PM	#8
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 11,639	Re: 48 coupe rear tube shock suggestions please I think Ford went to tube shocks in '48.

06-02-2025, 05:35 AM	#9
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,042	Re: 48 coupe rear tube shock suggestions please Ford started using tube shocks in partial production in 1947. By the 1948 production many cars had tube shocks from the factory. I am not familiar with tube shocks ready made with helper springs that fit a 48 Ford. I suspect you will need to get a set of helper springs that clamp to the outside of a tube shock. Try typing this into your favorite internet search: superior load control springs clamp around shock absorber

06-02-2025, 05:55 AM	#10
flathead48 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Posts: 1,235	Re: 48 coupe rear tube shock suggestions please 38 coupe, u are correct they were clamped on & u could use them on front or rears. I removed them because I didn’t think they were needed

06-02-2025, 11:49 AM	#11
Als48 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Paducah Ky Posts: 361	Re: 48 coupe rear tube shock suggestions please Hey Kube, I used air-assist shocks on my '48. I think the size was the same as '70's Chevy pickup. The ones I used were Monroe. Don't have record of the part #. Easy to adjust, but have a tendency to leak down. Al Hook