How to distinguish one shock from another
 

How can I tell if a Houdaille shock is for CW or CCW action if it is not marked. I have 25 old shocks on my bench and not one is marked. Bill G

Re: How to distinguish one shock from another
 

The position of the notch in the shaft
Don’t have one in front of me but facing it i notch to right, right rear/left front
If I’m opposite someone correct me as said going from memory
I’ve always been able to find the AC/CW when cleaned (if not real rusty)

Re: How to distinguish one shock from another
 

So I have to ask a stupid question. Did a search but did not find anything. Since the shock arm would be moved both clockwise and anticlockwise when in service, why are they specified as one or the other? Do they only provide resistance in one direction? I am used to my '39 Ford which does not have that distinction. Thanks

Re: How to distinguish one shock from another
 

Model A shocks have a 60/40 action. think of them as rebound suppressors. the spring takes the up stroke (40). the shock suppressses the spring rebound (60).

Re: How to distinguish one shock from another
 

The location of the filler is another way to tell where it is mounted. This link gives a bit of information but it is geared toward the replacment shocks that would fit 1928 through 1932 Ford car and commercial chassis since they had the 18 prefix.
http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/shockidentification.htm

A lot of the old model A shocks are replacements anyway of either Houdaille or other aftermarket sources.

Bill Stipes are the best of the reproduction types. His show clockwise or anti-clockwise on the body.
http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/stipeshocks.htm

Re: How to distinguish one shock from another
 

Very well said!