Just recently finished painting the frame and I'm currently finishing up the getting the front straight axle back on. I've need to start thinking about replacement shock absorbers and wanted to know what the opinions are out there. I'm keeping the ride height stock, but I'm not really sure what I need know as far as finding replacements. The one place I have talked to said I needed to take measurements when the truck is under weight, i.e. with the engine/tranny and body on the truck, which they aren't currently and won't be for a while. Thanks for any help! Chris 1958 Apache Fleetside SWB (350/TH350)
I am aware of where I can get stock replacements, I was more hoping to get some insight as to what other opinions were out there on upgrades. Are there actual worthwhile differences or are higher priced shocks just a different name and color? Thanks again
i dont see why they would need the length of the shock while underweight that makes no sence you should be able to give them the length at full compression and full expantion and tell them what its going into they can get the weight by looking it up in the computer and go from there sounds like the people you talked to are just being lazy
Hey Chris, I think if you are going with the stock springs and straight axle,a good shock from napa,autozone etc would work just fine.but if you plan on say mono leaf springs and lowering the front end,or whole truck you would want to use something made for that setup,Ive got a friend that have a 55 cameo with mone leafs and it had stock shocks on it (believe they were monroes?)but the truck really bounced allot and would bottom out on the bump stops,he ended up putting a good pair of shocks with coil overs and and he staited it was like night and day difference didnt bottom out as bad and handled allot better,something to think about too is if you are going to use radial tires you might think about converting those stock ball bearings to the newer roller bearings they offer (FWIW) Good luck with your truck! Allen
I have converted to the new style tapered roller bearings, I'm taking part of the CPA exam on Friday and after that I'm hoping to devote the rest of the weekend to getting the front end completed. The cab and the soon-to-be rolling chassis should be getting to the body shop next week, to check the frame for alignment and to acid dip the cab. Bonvo - I called this place about 15mins before they were supposed to close on a Saturday so I too got the impression they were just being lazy. Allen - Thanks for your input, I think for now I am just going to get stock shocks as you mentioned and possibly upgrade down the road. I just remember the truck being an extremely rough and bumpy ride a few years back. Chris
Hi Chris, I dont think an upgrade in shocks will ever make our old trucks ride better,with the stock straight axle setup.tho some of the roads and streets in Phoenix are really bad!!!and leave allot to be desired. Trucks back in the time were just that,a truck,and like my grandfather said, they were a working tool he used and if you wanted a car like ride you bought a car! Hey were are you getting the cab dipped at? Take care, Allen
Couldn't agree with you more Allen... I don't know the name of the place off the top of my head but I will find out this weekend when I meet with the guy and let you know. The shop that is doing the body work for me is who suggested this place, the only problem is that they just changed ownership and aren't even sure they are fully set up enough yet to fully dip my cab, hence us meeting soon. I'll let you know how it goes! Chris
