What Shock
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Elder User
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From: HANNIBAL MO.
What Shock
Hi All. I've got my 72 Ford 9" rear end for my 48 F1. I'm going to put in new seals, wheel cyl., etc. before I install it. What shock do you use? Anyone done this swap? I might put it in next weekend if i get my new U-bolts in time.
Thanks,
Art
Thanks,
Art
Last edited by Earl; Aug 18, 2005 at 07:30 AM. Reason: Minor Edits for Readability
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
Off the shelf shock that fits, or proper shock for the application? I don't know on the former, have to get a catalog for whatever brand and match length and mount types.
For the latter, correct shock is dependent on spring rate, vehicle weight and mount angle. Some of the better shock manufacturers (QA1, Bilstein) have started taking notice of the need for street rod shocks, and can advise you for your application. Good shocks cost more, but are worth it, they work properly as soon as you bolt them on and last a lifetime. Shocks are very important for ride and handling, not something to just use the mounts.
For the latter, correct shock is dependent on spring rate, vehicle weight and mount angle. Some of the better shock manufacturers (QA1, Bilstein) have started taking notice of the need for street rod shocks, and can advise you for your application. Good shocks cost more, but are worth it, they work properly as soon as you bolt them on and last a lifetime. Shocks are very important for ride and handling, not something to just use the mounts.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
I just went through this with my 54. If you measure what the existing distance is, then you can go to Napa and they can get you a shock with the proper demensions. If you are going low (the Dark side) then you may need to contact somebody like Sac Vintage Ford for the extra shorties. Good luck, Jag
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Kalispell, MT
I'm running a 9" in my 48. If all you're doing is changing the axle, the stock shocks will work. The springs are so heavy you won't use the shocks much anyway so travel is a moot point.
U-bolts can be purchased from NAPA over the counter - no need to special order. 3"x9" should take care of it.
If you are removing leaves or doing other upgrades you'll want to do as the guys suggested.
U-bolts can be purchased from NAPA over the counter - no need to special order. 3"x9" should take care of it.
If you are removing leaves or doing other upgrades you'll want to do as the guys suggested.
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Elder User
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From: HANNIBAL MO.
Thanks Guys.i'll Start Checking For Shocks That Fit This Weekend.i'm Going To Try Pulling Out Every Other Spring To See If I Can Get A Good Ride Without Puting It In The Weeds.i Like My Trucks To Set Up Alittle.
Art
Art
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Harpswell Maine
Please post your final setup. I have the same situation. 49 F-1 with a 72 truck 9 inch. I believe that you can use the original truck top shock mounts but need to relocate the lower mounts on the axle. I want to reverse the eyes on the rear main leaf and take out a few leaves also if possible, however, I would also like to set it up to tow a car trailer. I may not be able to pull leaves in the end.
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From: Seattle WA.
I ordered standard Monroe shocks from Mac's for my 51, they run around $24.00 each.
On my 51 the rear shocks ard bolted to the housing about 8" in from the spring plate. My 69 f-100 9" doesn't have them, they must have used the spring plate on the later models to hook the shock bottoms to. Can anyone tell me, or post a picture of how they hooked them up
On my 51 the rear shocks ard bolted to the housing about 8" in from the spring plate. My 69 f-100 9" doesn't have them, they must have used the spring plate on the later models to hook the shock bottoms to. Can anyone tell me, or post a picture of how they hooked them up
Last edited by 51ford fan; Aug 19, 2005 at 08:46 AM.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by 49willard
Please post your final setup. I have the same situation. 49 F-1 with a 72 truck 9 inch. I believe that you can use the original truck top shock mounts but need to relocate the lower mounts on the axle. I want to reverse the eyes on the rear main leaf and take out a few leaves also if possible, however, I would also like to set it up to tow a car trailer. I may not be able to pull leaves in the end.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
51 Ford Fan: I saw that Sac Vintage Ford sells a plate that serves as the mounting plate for the spring U bolts as well as the shock. Maybe this would be easier than welding a mounting plate to the axle. 
Jag
Jag
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Harpswell Maine
axracer,
I double checked measurements for shocks/air shocks. The shock mounts on the 72 9 inch are 32 inches on center, The 49 mounts are significantly narrower. I would think that if you use air shocks (to carry some load) you want them outboard as much as possible and as vertical as possible, however, there is not much height to work with if I reverse the eyes and remove a few leaves. Are you going to use air shocks?
I double checked measurements for shocks/air shocks. The shock mounts on the 72 9 inch are 32 inches on center, The 49 mounts are significantly narrower. I would think that if you use air shocks (to carry some load) you want them outboard as much as possible and as vertical as possible, however, there is not much height to work with if I reverse the eyes and remove a few leaves. Are you going to use air shocks?
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: HANNIBAL MO.
Hi.got My 72 9" Almost Ready To Go In. Old Rear End Ready To Come Out.would Be Done But My Lady Said I Need To Do Some Homework Frist.took All Day Sunday.hope To Finish Next Weekend.
Art
Art