I tried to save space and put this in my last thread about 9 inch rear ends but it was 3 pages and seems nobody was looking. I was wanting to mount the shocks back to the stock location but I think it is going to be like finding the needle in a hay stack finding shock plates to fit the 3 inch diameter. At least in my area. Seems no one has any old parts anymore around here. I was wondering if the shock mounts on the 72 rear end came be used and just have to change how they mount on top? <!-- / message --><!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_sig --><!-- END TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_sig -->

 

I don't see why you couldn't use the 72 mounts. Just keep the shocks as vertical as possible. I assume you have a crossmember in a location that will work to attach the upper connection.

 

I'd heard the F2 plates fit, I almost bought a set but they didn't seem like they would mount the bottom of the shock correctly. I haven't mounted my shocks yet but I planned to just weld some new mounts to the 9". These are what I plan to buy: Rear Shock Mount

 

The F2 plates fit the 3" tube perfectly. They look and fit exactly like the F1 plates on a 48-52.
It is the easiest way to put a 9" into a 48-52.

 

For 53-55 and maybe 56 as I not familiar with them the lower shock mount is parallel to the brake backing plate which is different than 48-52 where the shock mount is parallel to the axle. As an FYI 57-60 F100s had 9 inch rears and the shock mount bracket places the lower shock mount parallel to the brake backing plate also so are the ticket for 53-55 trucks. Might be easier to find these trucks than an f2 bracket which is only good for 48-52 anyways. I have a pair of 3 inch axle brackets in the classifieds that are non ford but fit the 9 inch perfectly, just need to fab up some shock brackets or add ones from a 57-60.

 

Thanks thats a good tip on the 57-60 shock mounts. My 9" is from a 57 F100 anyway. The way the F2 mount pointed for the shock was what I was talking about and why I didn't try them.

 

I just went through this myself. The 57-60 is just what you need. There are actually 5 parts that are used on each side. 2 square U bolts w/nuts, 1 top plate, 1 cast bottom bracket that sits under the axle and 1 cast shock bracket. the U brackets sandwich the whole thing together. You will need all the parts, so be sure you get them. You can buy new U-bolts and nuts but the plate on the top and the two lower pieces are hard to find individually.

I can get you pictures if you need then, just let me know.