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08-05-2020, 08:57 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Christiansburg, VA
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Shocks are bottomed out
OK, just like any other project my new one is testing my resolve.
I figured out today that the front shocks are bottomed out, LITERALLY. The front shocks are completely compressed at ride height. I'll try and attach some photos later. I've never owned a vehicle with a dropped leafspring suspension so I'm out of my element here. I have no idea how to spec a short shock or where I can find a longer shock mount bracket. If all else fails I can make a new shock mount bracket, but I would rather not reinvent the wheel. It's a 1941 1/2 ton pickup with a 2" drop in the front with a transverse leafspring. The compressed height of the current shock is 9.5" and the extended length is 13.5". Any help is appreciated. |
08-06-2020, 12:56 AM | #2 |
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
I had the same issue with my 1941 1/2 ton.
Check Pete and Jakes hot rod tube shocks, they worked on my front end. They are available in a short, (7.25"/11.25"), or long, (9.25"/14.25"), version. They also have a kit with the upper mounts included that bolt right into the original shock mounting holes and longer shackle bolts to use as a bottom mount. The other option is to get the spec listings from a shock manufacturer such as Monroe and check what they have based upon mounting style and min/max length your vehicle requires. To determined the collapsed length measurement: 1. Measure the length of your current shock while mounted, between the two mounting points. 2. With the axle in the same position, measure the distance between the axle and the bump stop on the frame. Subtract this measurement from the measurement in step one, this is the collapsed length. To determine the max extended length, unhook the shock and jack the car by the frame until the tire is no longer touching the ground and again, measure between the mounting points, this will be your max extended length If you can find a shock with a min less then your compressed length and a max longer than your max needed length you won't run into issues. It is more important that the shock collapse to your minimum/collapsed length or you could break the shock or its mount. You may need to compromise. Found a Gabriel Shock catalog online: https://gabriel.com/wp-content/uploa...LV-Catalog.pdf If you look at 'Section F' starting on page 432, it describes shock mounts, etc.., at page 438 you can look at shock specs by their part number, find the right specs and order by part number. Pages 1 through 432 are shocks by application based upon year/make/model. You can probably find catalogs for other manufactures on line or at your local parts store. Most parts stores just want to ask what year/make/model and that doesn't work. Last edited by CaliforniaBorn36; 08-06-2020 at 02:21 AM. |
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08-06-2020, 04:47 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: May 2010
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
If you scan the catalog above and then find your potential candidates you can then look the numbers up at Rockauto and find the application. It works for some, at least.
Mart. |
08-06-2020, 09:09 AM | #4 |
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Location: Christiansburg, VA
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
Thanks for the replies. I wasn't aware of the shock calculations, so that was a huge help. Ill check out Gabriel and see if a shock fits the truck.
Rockauto is a great idea too. Thanks! |
08-06-2020, 01:33 PM | #5 |
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
Get your spring re arched. G.M.
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08-06-2020, 03:27 PM | #6 |
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
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08-07-2020, 07:39 AM | #7 |
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
what upper shock brackets are you using? F1 ? or the after market ones that replace the shocks with a tower
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08-07-2020, 02:40 PM | #8 | |
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Location: Christiansburg, VA
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
Quote:
I did find a solution a from Helix: https://www.johnnylawmotors.com/cata...nt-bracket-kit This bracket should work perfectly with the shocks on the truck and they won't break the bank. |
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08-07-2020, 04:21 PM | #9 |
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
Stay with the CE brackets. Are you using reversed leaf eye front spring?
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08-07-2020, 05:37 PM | #10 |
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
Be careful when dealing with "Johnny Law Motors". I think they are a part of "The Hoffman Group", and thus suspect. There are some negative posts about them on thee "H.A.M.B.", but if they have what you want, go for it. Just be careful.
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08-08-2020, 02:21 AM | #11 |
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
Just look in the shock catalog or Monroe has a catalog also. You need ones that have the compressed/extended size you want with the shock eyes you want. Measure the truck from centerline to centerline of studs and get one that's a few inches longer and shorter. Also IF you can, try to find one from a close weight type vehicle (so the valving will be close). My '41 p/u rear is going to use a 60's Chevy truck front shock, I just had to change the upper shock bushing.
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08-08-2020, 11:41 AM | #12 |
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
hydraulic Vs Gas shocks
I’ve had a hard time buying hydraulic
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08-08-2020, 11:49 AM | #13 |
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
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08-12-2020, 06:03 AM | #14 |
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
Here are the Gabriel shocks sorted by length. All these have 5/8 bushes both ends.
Mart. Last edited by Mart; 08-12-2020 at 06:08 AM. |
08-12-2020, 01:16 PM | #15 |
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Location: Christiansburg, VA
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Re: Shocks are bottomed out
Thanks for all the replies. Sorry I haven't replied in a while, but work is extremely busy lately.
I've already ordered the longer shock mounts from Johhny Law. Thanks for the "heads up" Tubman, I hope the deal works out ok. I'll keep you posted on my progress. |
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