Shock question

[harleycontracter]

I read some peopke use dog bone original shocks on the front and tube shocks on the back. That doable ? And why ?

[AzBob]

Removed by poster.

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by harleycontracter

I read some peopke use dog bone original shocks on the front and tube shocks on the back. That doable ? And why ?

Harley - "dog bone" refers to the link between the suspension and the shock arm on the original type shocks, not to the shock itself. The "dog bone" links were introduced after the Model A but are a direct, and much simpler, replacement for the tubular links the Model A used. On my car I have three original tubular links and one "dog bone", because I had a "dog bone" sitting on the shelf when I needed to replace one of the tubulars. No functional difference at all. (BTW, the "tubular" shock link is NOT the same as a "tube shock" like in the Ken Davis kit. Two entirely separate pieces and concepts.)

[Herb Concord Ca]

I have dog bones links on both my Model A's. A lot easier to work with!

[rotorwrench]

Tube shocks are reliable enough but they just aren't original. They will save a person some money on initial build of a car. If I couldn't get good who-die shocks, I'd use tube types, at least till I could get some usable OEM units.

[CarlG]

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My pickup came to me with non functioning friction shocks. I opted for a set of Ken Davis shocks and have been totally satisfied.

[updraught]

Originally Posted by CarlG

My pickup came to me with non functioning friction shocks. I opted for a set of Ken Davis shocks and have been totally satisfied.

This is like a philosophical question ... but, how do friction shocks stop working? They just need friction. I mean, if they got oil on them you could chuck a handful of sand on them and be good to go?

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by updraught

This is like a philosophical question ... but, how do friction shocks stop working? They just need friction. I mean, if they got oil on them you could chuck a handful of sand on them and be good to go?

Updraught - If by "friction shocks" one means the original Houdaille shocks, they're not exactly "friction" meaning solid on solid (like brakes or a clutch). Rather, they rely upon fluid friction, forcing hydraulic fluid through small openings in the shock. They "stop working" due to either the openings getting clogged (which doesn't allow the fluid to transfer between chambers, locking the shock) or else they lose the fluid and then seize up because at that point they get metal-on-metal. The original fluid absorbed water which caused internal rusting and seizing.

[Bob C]

Here are some friction shocks.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by JayJay

Updraught - If by "friction shocks" one means the original Houdaille shocks, they're not exactly "friction" meaning solid on solid (like brakes or a clutch). Rather, they rely upon fluid friction, forcing hydraulic fluid through small openings in the shock. They "stop working" due to either the openings getting clogged (which doesn't allow the fluid to transfer between chambers, locking the shock) or else they lose the fluid and then seize up because at that point they get metal-on-metal. The original fluid absorbed water which caused internal rusting and seizing.

Nah, friction shocks use a friction material rubbing against another friction material. Some actually used hard wood.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speed...ocks,3799.html

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Nah, friction shocks use a friction material rubbing against another friction material. Some actually used hard wood.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speed...ocks,3799.html

Well, that's a new one on me. I've not heard of them before. Thanks for enlightening me.