Shocks

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by doug49, Jan 23, 2013.

  1. doug49

    doug49 Member

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    On my 49 Chevy Pickup I plan to repace the front lever action shocks with new tube type gas shocks.
    Are the lever action shocks held on by bolts, studs or do I have to grind them off?
    Does anyone have a picture or measurements showing the correct location of the front upper shock bracket.
    Also any recommendations on new shocks.
     
  2. Larrys 48

    Larrys 48 Member

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    They are bolted on my '48.
     
  3. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    Tube Shock Coversion

    There are kits you can buy to get nice brackets .

    I highly recommend Bilsteil HD gas shocks ,these are heavy trucks and need lots of damping to handle properly at to - day's road speeds .
     
  4. doug49

    doug49 Member

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    Tube Shock Conversion

    Good info Nate. Would you recommend coil springs on those shocks(front or back) or just the HD shocks. I also have installed new springs.

    Doug
     
  5. morris49

    morris49 Member

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    I,in fact, am going to order the front and rear shock brackets AND shocks from our host..Nate,Are the Bilstein shocks better??
     
  6. ol' chebby

    ol' chebby Member

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    Bilsteins are really good shocks, they will firm up the ride considerably.
     
  7. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    Bilsteins !

    Is the only way to go , make sure you get the HSD's .

    IIRC shockwarehouse. was the cheap place I use .

    These trucks are very heavy so they don't firm up the ride much but they sure do make it nicer and safer .

    No need for coil overs but a sway bar is a wise thing to add .
     
  8. morris49

    morris49 Member

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    what size,ID,etc should one ask for at the Bilstein store?
     
  9. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    Tube Shocks

    The kit should have a suggested application , use that in the Bilstein Catalog .
     
  10. Keystoner

    Keystoner Member

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  11. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    Tube Shocks

    That's because they didn't have tube shocks before then .

    Once you have the conversion kit and brackets , use the suggested application of the cheapo shocks they provide to work backwards .

    If they just toss shocks in the box , call up the kit maker and ask them .

    This isn't rocket science , it just takes some time to sort out , you'll be well pleased with the end results .

    I'm using Brand 'F' Town Car shocks but I have to press out the bushings and fit others so the bolt hole is correct.....
     

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