’32 Rear Shock arm length..not matching ‘The ’32 Book’

[Robert Dip]

Setting up the front shocks, not a problem. Now for the rear…something’s not right..with me again, no doubt, but ?? The front arm is 5 ¼” c/c and the rear is 7” c/c. This seems to match the photo in the ’32 Ford Book….but it does not line up as the photos show. The longer arm at 7” is to far past the ‘ball’ on the rear end. If I install the shorter front arm at the rear, it lines up perfectly. I also have another set of shock arms that look different, but is the same dimension as the curved front arm. In the photos, I show the 3 arms. My original ’32 frame is the later version with the internal shock re-enforcement plates, and the shock holes are in their proper location. Robert

[jw hash]

without seeing the back side of the shock I cann`t tell for sure but I think you have a Model A shock on there, the 32 shocks are taller than the Model A .also the shock arm that has the boss on the ball end of the arm is Model A if you need a picture of a 32 shock let me know. John [email protected]

[ct1932ford]

In your photos at the bottom and top left the arm has a bend in it like the front but they should be straight. 7" center to center is correct. but they should be straight. Not sure what they are from. Look at mine and you will see what I mean.

[DavidG]

The arm in the center of your photo is a '34 rear. The arm on the left in your photo is a Model A front. The arm on the right is a '32 front.

[Robert Dip]

Ct1932Ford…..your input is much appreciated. I see we are just about on the same track building wise. As David G mentioned, the longer arm is from a ’34, and also 7” long as is the ’32. I’ll cheat here and bend it straight….it must be quite similar once straightened. The longer arm must be angled downwards to compensate the alignment with the ball on the rear end. Presently, my frame is sitting too high in the mock-up stages, so it is difficult to see the correct position at riding height.
As for the shock in the photo, yes it is a Model A, but it does no distract from the arm length to any great degree. The ’32 Ford book clearly states that the only difference in dimension is about ¼” …cast base is taller. The remaining problem I have is to obtain original shocks in re-buildable condition, cheat temporarily since I am re-working the A shocks, or buy new repops which goes against my theme. Local fellow bought new ones, the sealed type, and they leak. Any ideas here??…Robert

[DavidG]

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I should have used a photo with both the side views (the one used) and from above with the arms layed flat. In any event, the bend in the arm at the ball end is pendendicular to the arm from any angle; in other words, it is not bent down or up or back or forward.

[Floyd]

Robert, just an opinion here. I would not use the sealed repops. Wrong damping and will leak based on all reports I have heard. The people I know that did buy them has replaced them with tube shocks or originals or the service replacement originals. The correct 32 shocks (or the service replacements) are not easy to find, but once located sell for $20 to $25 each as cores and then have them rebuilt. The original shocks do not sell for a lot of money (big surprise) because you still have to pay the big price to have them rebuilt. Check with the rebuilder as he usually has cores available. I found original 32 shocks (cores) and had them rebuilt. The only way to go in my opinion.
Floyd

[ct1932ford]

Originally Posted by Robert Dip

Ct1932Ford…..your input is much appreciated. I see we are just about on the same track building wise. As David G mentioned, the longer arm is from a ’34, and also 7” long as is the ’32. I’ll cheat here and bend it straight….it must be quite similar once straightened. The longer arm must be angled downwards to compensate the alignment with the ball on the rear end. Presently, my frame is sitting too high in the mock-up stages, so it is difficult to see the correct position at riding height.
As for the shock in the photo, yes it is a Model A, but it does no distract from the arm length to any great degree. The ’32 Ford book clearly states that the only difference in dimension is about ¼” …cast base is taller. The remaining problem I have is to obtain original shocks in re-buildable condition, cheat temporarily since I am re-working the A shocks, or buy new repops which goes against my theme. Local fellow bought new ones, the sealed type, and they leak. Any ideas here??…Robert

I happened to go to a friends house today and he was striping a 34 frame and there it is

[Robert Dip]

Floyd, I do believe that your opinion is correct, as aftermarket shocks, or any other parts are not my thing...too, too many bad experiences with anything re-pop. I'll be on the lookout for '32 cores. Actually, re-building good cores is not that magical, as I have been practicing on model A units. The large sealing o-rings were a main concern until I saw a neighboring business that is in the field of re-building hydraulic cylinders. He took out his box of a vast assortment of o-ring sizes....found the exact ones needed for the shocks....and that was easy enough.
Thanks guys, the comments you gave have been very helpful and encouraging.
Robert