looking around for good quality 52 F1 shocks, anybody found a good USA replacement? How about the shocks that DC sells, those are probably offshore but are they any good?

JB

 

I would suggest Bilsteins. They are a quality shock and a couple of different shops I've dealt with recommend them. I have purchased them for my 48 F1. However, I have not yet installed them. They can be pricey, but you get the ride for which you pay.

Posies carries them and you can find them for your truck on page 39 of their catalog. Catalog here:

http://www.posiesrodsandcustoms.com/...OOF-4-4-14.pdf

Price sheet here:
http://www.posiesrodsandcustoms.com/...t-Dec-2016.pdf

Good luck in your parts search. Stay safe out there.

Philip

 

Personal opinion, there is so much friction in the stock spring packs that there is inherently a lot of damping. I can't imagine the stock suspension "porpoising" down the road with NO shocks, particularly the rear. If you are using Posie's there is probably a noticeable difference in shock performance.

As I recall you are going with the 8-leaf front? I have that too, plus large heavy tires. I measured eye-to-eye and found the Gabriel replacement shocks would be near the limit of their travel in the at-rest position, something like an inch and a half of extension left. (because the front end sits higher) I ended up with Gabriel 77405 Max Control shocks. They are quite a bit larger diameter than stock, have plenty of travel, have a nice dust boot, and aren't super expensive. For Gabriels they seem to be decent quality.

Be sure to check that your brake hose at the fronts isn't what limits downward movement of the axle! When I was installing these, I was shocked to see that the hose was stretched tight! I had some made up with an extra inch or so length.

 

Monroe Gas Shock Absorber front & rear on my 49F1, got them from local parts store and they work fine....as I recall they cost around $25 each.

 

Thanks guys for the responses. Yes it's a stock 21y 8 leaf optional HD front setup and standard rear setup. Man, $95 each on the Bilstein's? Not sure it would make that much difference would it?

JB

 

My F3 came from the factory without rear shocks. I put some on after getting the mounting brackets off a 48 F2. I don't notice any difference, even with a load.

I also "assumed" my stock, original Ford front shocks would be empty shells after all these years. I took them off to put some Bilstein's on and they were still good! Well they seem to be ok. They do not leak and they dampen any movement. I did not throw them away. Some paint and new bushings and they will probably be ok.

The high dollar Bilstein shocks don't seem to make a noticeable difference to me. On my stock suspension anyway.

 

Like Phillip I went with Posie's recommendation of Bilsteins in the front since I have their Dual-Flex springs on the front and Super Sliders on the rear. In the rear I stayed with Gabriels not quite as good as what Ross has. The change in ride is significant over the old springs and standard shocks that bounced the truck around so badly that a brake shoe keeper fell off and rattled around in the RF wheel.

 

Will these fit my 1950? I'm looking online and all the McParts stores have outrageous prices for these! I was just going to measure.

 

Call Posies. That is where I got mine. You need the right ones. They are expensive but worth it.

 

Has anyone tried the rare parts shocks that NAPA sells, rpc51226 and rpc51298 for the F1? They look correct and made in the USA despite being a little pricey.

JB