Staight axle, shock ???

[Trucknut57]

I need some help with shocks.

Here is what I've got: 1957 chevy 3200, original straight axle, stock leaf springs with a couple leafs removed, power rack & pinion steering, SBC engine. Camaro rear axle with TCI leaf spring kit. Distance between upper and lower shock mounts as it sits now is: front- 11", rear-14".

On to my question:

What would be a good shock, at a fair price? I'm not looking for shocks that are $100 a each, I use this truck to pull a 6'x10' trailer, sometimes.

So far my biggest problem is finding shocks that have enough travel.

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks.

[G&R's57GMC]

Head down to a real parts store and have a look at the specs for shocks.

[Trucknut57]

I'll give that a try


Any other suggestions ???

[oldcouple]

I put these on the rear of mine, http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CJABEPMCMAA

Just be sure to add a valve for each side so that they do not transfer when cornering.

[Trucknut57]

When I got the truck, many years ago, it had air shocks on it. I don't know if that was what broke the upper mounts or if it was just age, but I really don't want air shocks again.

Does anyone know if Edelbrock is still making their shocks?

[mr48chev]

It's easy enough to check their website. First I'd just find out what the specs are for the stock shocks are then decide if you need shorter or longer shocks due to the way the truck is set up.

On the back you will have to measure the static height and decide what ends it needs and hit the shock charts.
Autozone shows Gabrials for the front http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-j4022Z8oxxw
By checking the part number you should be able to find the specs on them.

They also show the Basic rear shock http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-j4022Z8oxxx That would give you the stock length for the shock but you will probably need one a bit shorter.

I had to go over on the HAMB and get this thread to get you the link to the PFD for the Monroe shock interchange page. Done by ends and lengths http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...oe+shock+chart The link i in the middle of the first post.

[mr48chev]

The edit thing is giving me a hard time but you can cross the Gabrial or Monroe numbers to any brand you feel like crossing them to.

[JumboAMONGus]

i dont have shocks on my rear ,, lol after removing the three leafs i never got around to relocating the new shock mounts

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by JumboAMONGus

i dont have shocks on my rear ,, lol after removing the three leafs i never got around to relocating the new shock mounts

The state RCW's require at least one for each wheel. Just in case you ever get pulled over by a cop who decides to look the truck over closely and nows the equipment laws.

Plus it will just flat ride a lot better.

That said, the first road trip I made with the 48 in 1973 I didn't have any shocks front or rear and luckily it was mostly on interstates in Texas an Oklahoma that are long, flat and somewhat smooth and not over one of our PNW two lane mountain passes.