Front Tube Shocks in 1936 Ford

[aandkt]

I am in the process of installing tube shocks in my 1936 Ford Cabriolet and plan to go from the after market top perch to a perch I will have in my axle about 2 1/2" from the king pin lock pin. Now for the problem.
Does anyone know of a list or web site of shocks by size as to
Shock resting height, ,,, Mine is 16"
Full extended height, ,,, Mine is 18 to 20"
Axle to bump stop rubber ,,, Mine is 2 1/2"
If you know the brand and or part # I would appreciate the info.
Any info would help/
Thanks

[19Fordy]

I don't understand your question. How about a photo.

[36 ford]

I have an old conversion kit for 36 ford made by Wards. The shocks are Houdaille H-250

[RalphM]

There is a really good thread on the HAMB about shocks and someone posted a chart showing all sizes and dimensions. And part numbers

[Tinker]

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...almost.396849/


????


I'm old school. my Houdaille work for me.

[blucar]

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I have had tube type shocks on the front of my '36 coupe since 1952, they work great.
The whole system bolts into existing holes where the original shocks were mounted.

Tried to attach a pix of the front shocks on my car, for some unknown reason the pix would not down load.

[Flathead Fever]

I have some shock catalogs I can look in to see if there are measurements, there should be. I'll check later today.

[19Fordy]

The chart referred by Tinker should fill the bill. The tube shocks I used on my stock 40 Ford in 1963 were Gabriel. Numbers have probably been updated since then but here are the measurements.

[aandkt]

I called every Shock manufacturer I could think of and Gabriel came up with a suggestion of their #81147 and it looks good.
I am ordering it now and will post the results. .Thanks to All

[aandkt]

I called every shock manufacturer that I could think of and Gabriel suggested their #81147.
I am ordering them now and will post the results. Thanks to all.

[Automotive Stud]

Most manufactures list tube shocks for 1948 Ford, and most of the dimensions should be spot on. I've had good luck using them on a 1940. Fronts are Monroe 32207 and rears are 31000.

[blucar]

A few words of caution: The '39-40 have more fender clearance adjacent to the inner fender panel, as does the '41-48 therefore they can handle a taller shock. The '35-36 has minimal fender clearance therefore a short shock is required.

[RalphM]

These are on my 35, same aftermarket setup as 19fordy has.

[CaliforniaBorn36]

aandkt:

Not certain if you have found your solution yet, but here is some information I came across when looking for shocks for a specific application. I included measuring length as you will also need collapsed/shortest length, or you could be in for some harsh bumps and broken mounts

You might also want to consider a new conversion kit such as Pete and Jakes, as the position of your top mount may change the overall measurement of tube shock required.

Check Pete and Jakes hot rod tube shocks, they worked on the front end of my 1941 1/2 ton pickup. They are available in a short, (7.25"/11.25"), or long, (9.25"/14.25"), version. They also have a kit with the upper mounts included that bolt right into the original shock mounting holes and longer shackle bolts to use as a bottom mount. The other option is to get the spec listings from a shock manufacturer such as Monroe and check what they have based upon mounting style and min/max length your vehicle requires.

To determined the collapsed length measurement:
1. Measure the length of your current shock while mounted, between the two mounting points.
2. With the axle in the same position, measure the distance between the axle and the bump stop on the frame. Subtract this measurement from the measurement in step one, this is the collapsed length.

To determine the max extended length, unhook the shock and jack the car by the frame until the tire is no longer touching the ground and again, measure between the mounting points, this will be your max extended length

If you can find a shock with a min less then your compressed length and a max longer than your max needed length you won't run into issues. It is more important that the shock collapse to your minimum/collapsed length or you could break the shock or its mount. You may need to compromise.

Found a Gabriel Shock catalog online:
https://gabriel.com/catalog/

Open the Shock and Strut PDF

If you look at 'Section F' starting on page 432, it describes shock mounts, etc.., at page 438 you can look at shock specs by their part number, find the right specs and order by part number. Pages 1 through 432 are shocks by application based upon year/make/model. You can probably find catalogs for other manufactures on line or at your local parts store.

Most parts stores just want to ask what year/make/model and that doesn't work.

[4 MAINS V8]

Sorry for hi-jacking the post, but still related. Does anyone have a modern day part number for a suitable rear shock absorber for this set up, preferably Armstrong or Monroe.My car is a stock 35 phaeton.

[TJ]

Originally Posted by 4 MAINS V8

Sorry for hi-jacking the post, but still related. Does anyone have a modern day part number for a suitable rear shock absorber for this set up, preferably Armstrong or Monroe.My car is a stock 35 phaeton.

In order to get you the correct shock you need to mount the brackets and measure mounting point to mounting point with the weight of the car on the axles. Even though you car is stock there may be some spring sag which would change the length of the shocks that are needed.

[Ol' Ron]

I use the mid 70's Camaro shocks. they have a 70/30 valving and match the weight of your car. This is important, at one time shocks were matched by weight. Can't find thet info any more. I'd drill the axle like the 48 for chock mount and make an adaptor for the top mount, or maybe some one makes one. I use these shocks all around. ride is very nice 'Gramps