The Ford Barn

rfitzpatrick · 08-19-2018, 11:52 AM

While installing Stipes on my front end ('31 Pickup) I used the "Dog-Bone" links - however left side I could not close a gap between the two halfs - about 1/8" perhaps. Right side wasn't any problem, things snugged right up.
What's my solution? Should I have used the Tubular Links instead? Or will I have to give up the idea of Stipes all together? Probably a frame alliment issue to boot

I couldn't post a picture -- Grandson has my iPad

redmodelt · 08-19-2018, 12:10 PM

If you have more then one or two sets, the casting may be mixed up. Make sure tabs are fitting in to the slots. Do you have the correct arms and rubber balls fitted? Does not sound like an issue with the shocks them self but with the rubber balls, arms or dog bones. If the arms are used, check to see if it bent. Don't see how frame alignment would be a issue.

rfitzpatrick · 08-19-2018, 03:01 PM

Everything is new -- it actually looks like I need to bend the arm 'inward' from it's mounting for a better line-up. Or shim-out the read of the shock? Might be why it came without shocks in the first place--
Thanks, it'll be looked at by our Club for advise when we meet

Bob Bidonde · 08-19-2018, 03:48 PM

Dog Bones need periodic replacement of the rubber balls as they wear quickly. I would opt for the Model "A" tubular links.

Tom Wesenberg · 08-19-2018, 03:56 PM

You went first class with the Stipe shock, so I'm surprised you went with the dog bone links. I'd use A&L correct tubular links.

Tacoma Bob · 08-19-2018, 04:29 PM

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Which style of dog bones do you have? The newer stamped steel "look" crappy to me. Even the old style are prone to breaking from what Bert's told me. I put Stipes on last summer with dog bones and so far so good. At some point I will go with the tube style but I have enough complications in my life to sweat the small stuff. Did you match up the arms to see if they are the same?

rfitzpatrick · 08-19-2018, 08:00 PM

Since everything is brand new -- figure I have the stamped steel. Wasn't aware that the tubular links were considered the better. Anyway since the salt-flats (Bonneville) runs are about over, I'll get some help when some club-members get back in town.
Thanks everyone-

redmodelt · 08-19-2018, 11:31 PM

So if Ford went to dog bone style in 32, or press steel with rubber inserts later up to when they went to tube shocks, Ford was wrong? Bottom line is your car, time and money and depends on what you want to do. Unless it is a points car I would opt for dog bones.

rocket1 · 08-20-2018, 06:56 AM

I would eyeball the correlation of the two balls on the right side compared to the left side,if it is a big difference the tube links might also be a problem,ie something bent.I have a bent frame and the left tube link is on a steep angle and difficult to install,something for you to check,good luck.

08-19-2018, 11:52 AM	#1
rfitzpatrick Senior Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Coral Springs, Florida Posts: 552	Dog-Bone Links While installing Stipes on my front end ('31 Pickup) I used the "Dog-Bone" links - however left side I could not close a gap between the two halfs - about 1/8" perhaps. Right side wasn't any problem, things snugged right up. What's my solution? Should I have used the Tubular Links instead? Or will I have to give up the idea of Stipes all together? Probably a frame alliment issue to boot I couldn't post a picture -- Grandson has my iPad

08-19-2018, 12:10 PM	#2
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,340	Re: Dog-Bone Links If you have more then one or two sets, the casting may be mixed up. Make sure tabs are fitting in to the slots. Do you have the correct arms and rubber balls fitted? Does not sound like an issue with the shocks them self but with the rubber balls, arms or dog bones. If the arms are used, check to see if it bent. Don't see how frame alignment would be a issue. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

08-19-2018, 03:01 PM	#3
rfitzpatrick Senior Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Coral Springs, Florida Posts: 552	Re: Dog-Bone Links Everything is new -- it actually looks like I need to bend the arm 'inward' from it's mounting for a better line-up. Or shim-out the read of the shock? Might be why it came without shocks in the first place-- Thanks, it'll be looked at by our Club for advise when we meet

08-19-2018, 03:48 PM	#4
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,466	Re: Dog-Bone Links Dog Bones need periodic replacement of the rubber balls as they wear quickly. I would opt for the Model "A" tubular links. __________________ Bob Bidonde

08-19-2018, 03:56 PM	#5
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Dog-Bone Links You went first class with the Stipe shock, so I'm surprised you went with the dog bone links. I'd use A&L correct tubular links.

08-19-2018, 04:29 PM	#6
Tacoma Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 1,025	Re: Dog-Bone Links Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Which style of dog bones do you have? The newer stamped steel "look" crappy to me. Even the old style are prone to breaking from what Bert's told me. I put Stipes on last summer with dog bones and so far so good. At some point I will go with the tube style but I have enough complications in my life to sweat the small stuff. Did you match up the arms to see if they are the same?

08-19-2018, 08:00 PM	#7
rfitzpatrick Senior Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Coral Springs, Florida Posts: 552	Re: Dog-Bone Links Since everything is brand new -- figure I have the stamped steel. Wasn't aware that the tubular links were considered the better. Anyway since the salt-flats (Bonneville) runs are about over, I'll get some help when some club-members get back in town. Thanks everyone-

08-19-2018, 11:31 PM	#8
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,340	Re: Dog-Bone Links So if Ford went to dog bone style in 32, or press steel with rubber inserts later up to when they went to tube shocks, Ford was wrong? Bottom line is your car, time and money and depends on what you want to do. Unless it is a points car I would opt for dog bones. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

08-20-2018, 06:56 AM	#9
rocket1 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Midland Park,N.J. Posts: 1,108	Re: Dog-Bone Links I would eyeball the correlation of the two balls on the right side compared to the left side,if it is a big difference the tube links might also be a problem,ie something bent.I have a bent frame and the left tube link is on a steep angle and difficult to install,something for you to check,good luck.