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Old 10-21-2014, 11:15 PM   #1
banjoQ
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Default Tube shock kit on a 36' pick up

I am posting this for anyone interested in putting tube shocks on their early Ford. I picked up a "Weed Eater" tube shock kit from C&G Ford to put in my 36' truck. As my truck had no shocks when I got it, I chose to go this route for my budget and simplicity. The quality of the materials in the kit are very good. Modified perch pins, upper shock supports, KYB gas shocks and hardware all worked well and fit as it should. Installation is pretty straightforward, however the job is best done with the front axle out of the vehicle. I chose to try and do it with the axle in place. You will need to release the front spring. I used a porta-power for this as I had no spreader available. I found this to be a very safe way to get this done. Removing the perch pins is where I found out this is best done on the bench. Penetrating oil, heat and a mallet got this done. Reassembly went pretty smooth, upper supports bolt to the frame just behind the front crossmember. Bolt in the shocks, check everything one last time and drop it down. As I had nothing to compare to, I was pleased with the control of the spring and the handling. Even though I travel at truck speeds, the ride is much improved. Learned quite a bit doing this, would go much faster the second time around. All in all, good stuff if you are on a budget and don't need to stick with OEM parts.
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Old 10-22-2014, 02:52 AM   #2
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Default Re: Tube shock kit on a 36' pick up

Sounds good,do you have photos of your installation ?
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Old 10-22-2014, 12:25 PM   #3
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Default Re: Tube shock kit on a 36' pick up

Sure, I have to do them one at a time though. Pic of modified perch pin.
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Old 10-22-2014, 12:30 PM   #4
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Default Re: Tube shock kit on a 36' pick up

upper support-
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Old 10-22-2014, 12:33 PM   #5
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Default Re: Tube shock kit on a 36' pick up

with shock attached-
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Old 10-22-2014, 03:19 PM   #6
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Default Re: Tube shock kit on a 36' pick up

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How much was the kit....Thanks
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Old 10-22-2014, 05:01 PM   #7
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Default Re: Tube shock kit on a 36' pick up

The kit was 160.00 or 180.00. Can't remember which, but around there. I've had it for a few months now. Got called away to do some other chores so it had to wait. Seeing as I had nothing in place anyway, it was money well spent.
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Old 10-23-2014, 07:31 AM   #8
36Bill
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Default Re: Tube shock kit on a 36' pick up

Looks good, are you going to do the rear too?

Bill
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Old 10-23-2014, 08:51 PM   #9
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Default Re: Tube shock kit on a 36' pick up

Bill- I will get to the rears eventually, maybe a winter time project. The rear axle requires a little more work than the front. For now I am pretty pleased with the results. Ride and handling much improved. I might be kidding myself, but I think it rattles less now than before!
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Old 10-24-2014, 08:30 AM   #10
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Default Re: Tube shock kit on a 36' pick up

I didn't have shocks for years and couldn't believe the difference in the ride when I put them in. It's worth the effort.

Bill
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