front shocks
 

I need to replace the front shocks on my '49 3100. I did change from the knee action shocks to the '50 style tube shocks with the stud on each end. The front end has been completely rebuilt - new springs, tie rod ends, king pins & bushings, brakes etc.
Unfortunately I cant find a part number on the current shocks and my parts house is of no help.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Re: front shocks
 

worse case scenario, the shock manufacturers have a dimensions data sheeet that will give you extended length, compressed length and mounting style of their shocks in a spread sheet style form. it will take you some time but you can find a few options there. if you are replacing shocks that were an update from stock you can get the dimensions you need from them and then go through the data sheet to find your options.

Re: front shocks
 

like this
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...0TScyhxbdJ73Ot

Re: front shocks
 

https://www.monroe.com/content/dam/m...ns-english.pdf

look at bottom of PDF for the shock mount definitions

Re: front shocks
 

ok, now the home work starts. are the comp. & extended length dimensions body only or including the mounts?

Re: front shocks
 

PDF shows how to measure the different end styles, for instance page 50 probably covers you:
Attachment 2343345

Re: front shocks
 

Ask for shocks for a 53 rather than 49.

My advice is go to the Napa across from the valley mall that used to be Gap Auto. Look for older Hispanic gent on the far right end of the counter if he is still there or the woman with the bad haircut. They are some of the best parts people in the Yakima valley and both have worked parts for years on end well before computers. If he is still in that store the 50 something Hispanic gent was one of my students and is real sharp but I think he is usually doing manager duties or has the commercial desk. Not the cheapest place around but they know their parts.

the Monroe 5826 is the basic 51/55.1 front shock that you can upgrade from.

The Gabrial 81270 is a basic gas shock for these trucks Both of those numbers can be crossed anywhere and if you want an upgrade you can upgrade off those numbers.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...k+/+strut,7556

Re: front shocks
 

'bad haircut' oh man, you just lost the preferred customer discount there!

Re: front shocks
 

I agree. Vic's Napa in union gap is my go to. When I see a full rack of old parts books, I know I've found a home.

Re: front shocks
 

parts books, too funny.
bad haircut?
I have a fairly large part down te middle, some would say baldie (8 yr old grandson) but I prefer wide part.
hey, young guys with a full head od hair shave it off just to look like me. I'm a trend setter. haha
I was also gonna suggest the parts look up for a similar year truck. if your truck is stock ride height. if I ot then that cjanges everything.

Re: front shocks
 

It's got a 3" dropped I beam but that doesnt change the length of the shock. Still has stock springs.

Re: front shocks
 

Way more of a man cut that mature farm women around here seem to have fairly often than a salon of beauty cut from where my wife goes. The main thing is she flat knows her stuff, doesn't make a deal of it, just tell her what you want with the correct info and she can find the part.

Re: front shocks
 

I haven't had a haircut in decades. I put the money towards my project. It seems to have reached a stable length. It's all white but still there. LOL.

Re: front shocks
 

Mick,
there a song about that, do you ever tuck your hair up under your hat?
and the sign says...
long haired freaky people......
5 man electrical band if you wanna look it up
haha, couldn't help myself

Re: front shocks
 

thats one of many songs on my phone. Brings back memories of when I was a CA hippie / surf dude living in a van.