need help with shocks????

[wrench_65]

i have a 65 that i lowered 5 inches in the back and have 2 1/2 inch drop spindles with 1 inch lower springs in the front. i was wondering what schoks are being used. am on a budget wanted to see if there was some i can just pick up at the local parts store for the time being. Till i have enough to buy some decent lowering schocks. thanks

[vin63]

You can go the Monroe Monro-Matic Plus route:

Fronts: 33033

Rears: 31000

around $20-$30, depending on where you find them...or, an economical cross reference.

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by vin63

You can go the Monroe Monro-Matic Plus route:

Fronts: 33033

Rears: 31000

around $20-$30, depending on where you find them...or, an economical cross reference.

Not to hijack, but aren't the stock rear shocks too long with a 5" drop?

[vin63]

Originally Posted by jimmydean

Not to hijack, but aren't the stock rear shocks too long with a 5" drop?

Those are the shocks that are included in the Cool Ride system from Air Ride Technololgies, now Ridetech. IIRC, the rears have a collapsed length of 10 inches, which is about the same as the Nitro/CPP rear shock application for a 5-inch rear drop.

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by vin63

Those are the shocks that are included in the Cool Ride system from Air Ride Technololgies, now Ridetech. IIRC, the rears have a collapsed length of 10 inches, which is about the same as the Nitro/CPP rear shock application for a 5-inch rear drop.

Perfect, Rock Auto has all 4 for under $80, can't beat that!

[lakeroadster]

Originally Posted by vin63

Those are the shocks that are included in the Cool Ride system from Air Ride Technololgies, now Ridetech. IIRC, the rears have a collapsed length of 10 inches, which is about the same as the Nitro/CPP rear shock application for a 5-inch rear drop.

Hey Vin63, thanks for posting the data for the Monroe shocks... I am needing a new set of shocks also and don't want to go with the harsher aftermarket stuff.

Did you relocate the shock mounts? This is the first I have heard about needing to relocate shocks. I'd like to hear from some guys that did not relocate the shocks for some real world experience as to if it is really required.

Vendors are pushing product.... and will tell ya to do this or that, when it may not really be necessary.

Oh, and a c notch is not mandatory with a 5" drop. I am driving proof of that. Bump stops are a wonderful thing.

Thanks in advance.

[vin63]

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Hey Vin63, thanks for posting the data for the Monroe shocks... I am needing a new set of shocks also and don't want to go with the harsher aftermarket stuff.

Did you relocate the shock mounts? This is the first I have heard about needing to relocate shocks. I'd like to hear from some guys that did not relocate the shocks for some real world experience as to if it is really required.

Vendors are pushing product.... and will tell ya to do this or that, when it may not really be necessary.

Oh, and a c notch is not mandatory with a 5" drop. I am driving proof of that. Bump stops are a wonderful thing.

Thanks in advance.

No problem...my buddy did not relocate his shock mounts on his '66, and he went with the Montro-Matics because he found the nitro shocks were too stiff of a ride for him. And, he has about a 3-5 static drop.

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by vin63

You can go the Monroe Monro-Matic Plus route:

Fronts: 33033

Rears: 31000

around $20-$30, depending on where you find them...or, an economical cross reference.

Are these stock shock numbers or shorter ones that will work for our trucks?

[vin63]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

Are these stock shock numbers or shorter ones that will work for our trucks?

IIRC, these are the stock replacements, but the Monro-Matics have a great deal of travel over other shocks.

[lakeroadster]

Originally Posted by vin63

You can go the Monroe Monro-Matic Plus route:

Fronts: 33033 Rears: 31000

I was out in the shop today and did some measuring. If you have removed the stock rear snubbers, and you have 5" lowering springs (see original post) the 31000 Monroe shocks will bottom out before the rear axle tube contacts the frame. That is not good.

Same kind of story for the front on my truck, the Monroe 33033's will bottom out.


Monroe pdf with shock dim's can be found here: Monroe Shock Mounting Length Sheets

Monroe-Matic (Rear) P/N 31000 Collapsed Length = 12.000"
Monroe-Matic (Front) P/N 33033 Collapsed Length = 10.125"

Here are my measurements (shock mounts are all stock and have not been altered. Stock snubbers have been removed and replaced with custom snubbers) You should compare these measurements to your specific application. :

Edit 02-06-2011: Modified upper shock mount (see post #56 of my build thread). Dimensions shown in red below are shock dim's. with the modified upper mounts.

Rear: I have 5” CPP lowering springs on the rear. All shock dim’s are from eye to eye:

Rear Axle Hanging Free, Tires off the ground: Shock Length = 17-1/2” ---- 16-1/2"
Ride Height, Shock Length = 15-1/2” --- 14-1/4"
Rear axle Bottomed Out on Custom Snubber: Shock Length = 12” --- 11-3/4"
Rear axle Tube Bottomed Out against Frame: Shock Length = 11-1/4” --- 10-1/2"
2-1/2” Suspension Travel Before Contacting Custom Snubber
3-3/4” Suspension Travel Before Axle Tube Contacts Frame (No Snubber)

Shocks: Monro-Matic Plus P/N 32207: 17.875" Extended, 11.250" Collapsed

Front: Previous Owner heated the stock coil springs. All dim’s are from eye to eye:

Front Suspension Hanging Free, Tires off the ground: Shock Length = 14”
Ride Height, Shock Length = 11-1/4”
Lower Control Arm Bottomed Out on Custom Snubber: Shock Length = 9”
Lower Control Arm Bottomed Out, No Snubber = 7”
2” Suspension Travel Before Contacting Snubber
4” Suspension Travel with no Snubber

Shocks: Monroe Gas Magnum RV P/N 555002: 12.750" Extended, 8.625" Collapsed

Edit: 01-24-2011:

Here is a reply I received from a Monroe Web Inquiry in regards to my choices above:

John,

The shock you selected for the rear, 32207, would appear to be close as far as the dampening goes. It is used on old 1/2 ton trucks from Ford and Dodge, so it seems the dampening would be similar. The RV shock you have discovered is a retrofit shock for trailers. The dampening characteristics are similar to the original shock. These will probably work out okay, but I can't really give a solid guarantee on these based on all the modifications.

Thank you for your interest in our products.

Monroe Team Member,

Andy

Also: here is another reply from a Monroe Web Inquiry in regards to Monro-Matic shock installation angles, in the stock positions, mine are 40 degrees off vertical:

Thank you for contacting Tenneco Automotive.

The shocks would not function properly if they were mounted more than 30 degrees off from 90. With them being 40 degrees off, they may tend to have lapses in dampening.

Thank you for your interest in our products.

Monroe Team Member,

Andy

[Heater63]

Damn it's good to have an Engineer on the 60-66 board!

Thanks lakeroadster for all your expertise and help in getting the facts.
I just took Early Classics advice when they recommended the special shocks And relocators for my static rear 4" drop.
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[wrench_65]

thanks...

[mannyb.]

i run cpp's nitrogen shocks. they're actually doetsch tech nitro slammers. you could shop around but usually run about $40 per. you're gonna spend the money on the shocks anyways, no sense in spending it twice. theyre a little bit stiffer but i like sportier suspension.

sizing chart http://www.classicperform.com/Catalo...hock_Specs.pdf

[65Gregg]

Have you relocated your shock mounts yet? If not it won't really matter what shocks you use, they don't work well at the angle that a 5" drop creates...just my .02 worth.

[mannyb.]

Originally Posted by 65Gregg

Have you relocated your shock mounts yet? If not it won't really matter what shocks you use, they don't work well at the angle that a 5" drop creates...just my .02 worth.

Gregg's right, i forgot about that. I too, dropped my rearend 5" and you definitly need to relocate the mounts. as well as a c-notch.

[bama63]

great info

[Heater63]

Originally Posted by bama63

great info

Yes it is! I thought we would have to use aftermarket with 3/4/5 and more drops- I've always like Monroe's. Too bad I already bought my CPP/Doestch. I hope they're not too stiff.

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by Heater63

Yes it is! I thought we would have to use aftermarket with 3/4/5 and more drops- I've always like Monroe's. Too bad I already bought my CPP/Doestch. I hope they're not too stiff.

With a static drop, maybe. With bags, I decided to go with the full travel. The lower shocks have less range.

[Heater63]

Originally Posted by jimmydean

With a static drop, maybe. With bags, I decided to go with the full travel. The lower shocks have less range.

Yeah, sorry, I was talking static drop.

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by Heater63

Yeah, sorry, I was talking static drop.

I ran the CPP shock kit on my '69 when I first bagged it but went back to stock to get full lift. I will relocate the mounts on the rear.

[dallas71]

Not to HiJack but what is the lowest Static Drop you can go without a C-Notch??? and what kit do you buy for the rear for shock relocation??

[lakeroadster]

I am running 5" drop rear CPP springs without a c-notch. I have about 3-3/4" clearance.

[65Gregg]

THe stock shock brackets can be modified to relocate the shocks, I can't remember who did a write up on it. I saw it on the suspension forum. I have a 4/5 and don't have a C notch either. My only complaint is my rear shocks are are too firm for my liking(my wife doesn't like it either).

[scum1]

how exactly do the shock relocaters work. do they bring the shocks upright only, or do they also allow move up for more travel because of the drop..

[65Gregg]

Originally Posted by scum1

how exactly do the shock relocaters work. do they bring the shocks upright only, or do they also allow move up for more travel because of the drop..

They move the shocks back to a more vertical or upright angle. When the truck is lowered the shocks really lay down at a more horzontal angle and can't operate as intended.