Which shocks for '63 K10

['63GENIII]

I'm currently in the middle of an axle swap on my '63 K10 (1/2 to 3/4 ton) and was wanting to run Rancho RS9000 shocks. The parts books and online catalogs don't seem to address these years. My questions are these, are the shocks for 60 -66 the same as the ones for '67 to '88 or is there a difference? If there is a difference, can other shocks be adapted? Lastly, the springs that I'm installing appear to have slightly more lift than the originals (possibly 2-4"). Thanks for any advice or comments and Happy Superbowl!!!

[66Gilbert]

Hello '63GENIII

Not sure about the shocks. I have some Rancho RS5000's on my '64. They were on there when I bought it 12 years ago so not sure of any part numbers. Sorry I can't help. Have you posted any pictures of this truck, I along with other members love to look at pictures.

['63GENIII]

I'm not that great with the computer yet, but I promise to get some pics up soon. It's down at my friends shop where I'm doing the work but when I get it home, I'll take some pics. Thanks for the info on the RS5000's too. At least I know that Rancho makes a shock that fits so chances are they make some 9000's that fit where the 5000's fit also. Chris

['63GENIII]

I ended up calling Rancho direct and they were way helpful. I just gave them the measurements (and a BUNCH of cash) and I just received them tonight. I'll be puttin' 'em in to finish the axle swap off ( and take pics) tomorrow. Thanks

[Captainfab]

If you don't mind let us know what the part numbers are of the shocks you got......and some pics I love them '63's

['63GENIII]

Not at all. The rears are RS999143 and the fronts are RS999118. Or vice versa (my 3 year old son helped me open the boxes) These are #s for what I think is a 4" lift too.
Hey Captainfab, what kind of 5spd is behind that 292 in the '63? NP540? Clark 5spd? I had a NP540 in a '57 Napco 1 ton that I used to have when I was too dumb to think about keepin it. Man I loved that transmission.

[Joey~AP]

I was told that the 9000 series are valved for new high tech suspensions and that the 5000 were valved for the stiffer, slower moving suspensions like in our trucks.

I may be wrong.

['63GENIII]

I hadn't heard that yet. I chose these b.c. I had them on a (dare I say this) 1995 F350 crew cab diesel with leafs all around and they worked wonders. When I did the axle swap, I figured it was a good time to pull the trigger. Didn't know about the newer suspensions.....Guess I'll have to put one of those in next!!!!

[Captainfab]

Originally Posted by '63GENIII

Not at all. The rears are RS999143 and the fronts are RS999118. Or vice versa (my 3 year old son helped me open the boxes) These are #s for what I think is a 4" lift too.
Hey Captainfab, what kind of 5spd is behind that 292 in the '63? NP540? Clark 5spd? I had a NP540 in a '57 Napco 1 ton that I used to have when I was too dumb to think about keepin it. Man I loved that transmission.

Thanks for the part numbers on the shocks

You know I don't remember determining just which trans it is....I don't think it is a Clark. The only thing I've had to do to it is replace the front bearing retainer and if I remember correctly I was able to use one off of NP465. So I suppose it is more than likely a NP540? I wouldn't have thought they would have put a 5spd in a 1 ton in '57.....that'd be cool.

['63GENIII]

I just put the shocks on and drove it for about 2 miles...Not enough time to figure out how they feel yet I guess.

I don't know if the 5 spd was stock or not but it sure was the cool!