1958 Shock Question
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Freshman User
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1958 Shock Question
This might sound stupid, but I have to ask even know I think I already know the answer.... Did the '58 F100 come with shocks on the front? It does have springs on the front, however the guy I purchased the truck from stated that the '58's did not have front shocks even though there appears to be mounting brackets for them.... I am going to need to get a book.... Thanks!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,484
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From: New Egypt, New Jersey
1958 Shock Question
Hi, 
Not a stupid question at all!
The '58 F-100 did come with both front, and rear shocks.
Note: on page 29 of Paul G. McLaughlin's book "Ford Trucks 1957-'67", shock absorbers are listed as "1958 F-Series options, Factory installed". I don't believe this is correct.
Other books I have show "Front & rear double-acting, telescopic shock absorbers" as standard equipment for the 1958 F-100.
Hope this helps.
Not a stupid question at all!
The '58 F-100 did come with both front, and rear shocks.
Note: on page 29 of Paul G. McLaughlin's book "Ford Trucks 1957-'67", shock absorbers are listed as "1958 F-Series options, Factory installed". I don't believe this is correct.
Other books I have show "Front & rear double-acting, telescopic shock absorbers" as standard equipment for the 1958 F-100.
Hope this helps.
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Freshman User
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1958 Shock Question
Thanks! I noticed that Auto Zone list Gabriel shocks Fronts 81270 and rears 82123.... Never have installed shocks so I guess the research starts again.... I am not sure how to install the front shocks since I do not know what they looked liked before. I know that I will need bolts etc...but what type, are there brackets that need to added? any suggestion would be appreciated... Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 222
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From: Lancaster SC
1958 Shock Question
Wilson,
Generally there are several types of shock mounts. The first type consists of a pin or bolt affixed to the spring or rear end and the frame. The shock will have an eye similar to an eye bolt. Shock goes over the bolt and a flat washer and nut are attached.
Second type would be as used on some cars. The top shock mount is actually the shock piston rod, that is threaded. You place a flat washer against a stop, then a bushing and slide the rod through an opening in the body, then place a bushing, flat washer and nut on the top of the shaft. Tighten until the rubber busings equal the size of the washers.
Third type has a mount similar to the 1st type, ie, eyebolt, but has a bracket through the eye with a flat plate on the end drilled to allow a mounting bolt to pass through. The bracket resembles two wyes back to back.
I'm not sure which type you have but would believe it probably is type 1.
Hope this helps
HAnds
Generally there are several types of shock mounts. The first type consists of a pin or bolt affixed to the spring or rear end and the frame. The shock will have an eye similar to an eye bolt. Shock goes over the bolt and a flat washer and nut are attached.
Second type would be as used on some cars. The top shock mount is actually the shock piston rod, that is threaded. You place a flat washer against a stop, then a bushing and slide the rod through an opening in the body, then place a bushing, flat washer and nut on the top of the shaft. Tighten until the rubber busings equal the size of the washers.
Third type has a mount similar to the 1st type, ie, eyebolt, but has a bracket through the eye with a flat plate on the end drilled to allow a mounting bolt to pass through. The bracket resembles two wyes back to back.
I'm not sure which type you have but would believe it probably is type 1.
Hope this helps
HAnds
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,236
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From: Vancouver Island
1958 Shock Question
I'm pretty sure the shocks mount like #2 (top and bottom): there's a bracket off the frame rail at the top, and a plate sticking out from the axle near the springs. Once you have the shock in your hands it'll be obvious how it mounts.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,440
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From: Ventura County, CA
1958 Shock Question
Originally posted by wilson3821
Thanks! I noticed that Auto Zone list Gabriel shocks Fronts 81270 and rears 82123.... Never have installed shocks so I guess the research starts again.... I am not sure how to install the front shocks since I do not know what they looked liked before. I know that I will need bolts etc...but what type, are there brackets that need to added? any suggestion would be appreciated... Thanks!
Thanks! I noticed that Auto Zone list Gabriel shocks Fronts 81270 and rears 82123.... Never have installed shocks so I guess the research starts again.... I am not sure how to install the front shocks since I do not know what they looked liked before. I know that I will need bolts etc...but what type, are there brackets that need to added? any suggestion would be appreciated... Thanks!
Daryl
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
1958 Shock Question
Originally posted by DS59F100
Gabriel's will work, as will MonroeMatics. Either one gives a nice ride (well, nice as it can given a straight axle suspension)
Daryl
Gabriel's will work, as will MonroeMatics. Either one gives a nice ride (well, nice as it can given a straight axle suspension)
Daryl
I sit in my truck (well, on the cross member) and imagine I'm going down the road with my fully rebuilt front stock suspension. Ahhhhh, feel the wind in my hair. OH NO! A bump! Nooooo problem. The perfectly designed straight axle navigates the obstruction with ease.
I got Monroe's for my 1956 by the way.
Obligatory posting key words: "Ford" "1956"
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: N. Vancouver B.C.
1958 Shock Question
George, did you grind the ends of your leaf springs to reduce the chance of the leaf digging into the one above it and helping with movement?? I've been told to do this but have not talked to anyone who can say that it actually works. I looked at your site (it's great by the way) but you didn't mention anything like this.
My straight axle is out getting new king pins and I've got a Toyota box to hook up to it. Oh ya 56 F100.
Kevin
My straight axle is out getting new king pins and I've got a Toyota box to hook up to it. Oh ya 56 F100.
Kevin
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Waynesville, OH
1958 Shock Question
I did make sure the ends weren't riding in grooves worn in the next leaf. I also made sure none of the spring ends had sharp corners on their upper sides at the ends. In my case, none did so I didn't have to grind them. The new leaves I had made were already beveled slightly by the spring shop. Apparently they knew this was important to keep the lower springs from digging into the next higher spring leaf. 
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