I got the explorer rear axle in my 56 f 100 today, swapped the axle to the top of the springs for the drop. Now i got to get shocks for it. looked like about 13 1/2 inches from bolt hole to bolt hole. But the guys at the auto parts store needs to know more info than that. So who has done this before and what shock for what auto did you buy to fit your rear end. Thanks Haroldmac

 

problem with the parts stores is the kids that work there are trained to use the computer, and the computer starts with make and model first - 100% geared towards replacement not fabrication.

Find someone at the store who will actually help you, not just shrug you off. Tell them you want to see their books (the moldy dust covered tomes made of paper). Most of these books have first a cross reference, then a replacement, and finally a interchange/specification section. Working in the specification area you can actually hunt down what you need. Might have to hit 3 or 4 stores to find someone who will actually listen past the make/model question. O'reilly's specifically have a corporate policy that they keep the books so almost all of them have the books - other chains well good luck sometimes.
Try approaching an older guy first (no offense to the younger guys), but the older tend to have a bit more patience for the out of the ordinary.

Alternatively you can go to a junkyard and start crawling under things you think might be close until you find a make/model that has it right.

 

The guy was helpful. But your right, he kind of got lost when i started telling him it was a 56 f 100 with a 98 explorer rear end. he kind of looked like the deer in the headlights look. I will hot different stores tomorrow for sure, Thanks

 

I use monroe's shock sheet.
http://www.monroe.com/assets/downloa...engthSheet.pdf

An explorer Lower rear mount is a LS26
The 56 F100 is a S4

Part # 32226 will work 32280, 32316
34730 Looks like it will work well.

(these will only work if you are using the "stock" mounting of both)

 

It's a good chance you won't find someone at a parts house to tell you the perfect shock for your setup. I also used the Monroe chart Simplicity used. The main thing I did was try to have at least three inches travel from the at rest position to bottom out or to fully extended or six + inches total travel. Without enough travel the shock will have a very short life. Also I went with a shock with loop ends to save space while mounting.

 

Wait until you go to buy tires! I had the guy ask me 3 times what year it was while I was trying to explain that it was not relevant.
I have an explorer rear and leaf springs from CPP, are you using the stock springs or the ones from the Explorer? I could measure mine but it is probably a different set up.