Model A shocks fit a '32 Ford?

[37 Coupe]

Were the 1932 Ford shock absorbers a completely different design or fit? I see where Mac's show only the arms for the '32 Ford in their catalog and all front and rear are the same part # as the '28-'31 Ford so does that mean a set of new Model A shocks would fit a '32 Ford?

[rotorwrench]

They will fit but the arms are the major difference. The model B/18 shocks were the replacement for the model A parts when they were introduced. This does not necessarily mean that a model A shock is a direct replacement for a model B/18. Ford and Houdaille were always making improvements over time. The later the shock the better the improvements for the most part.

If you can find a set of the Stipe shocks, they are the best of the modern reproductions.

[37 Coupe]

So the Stipe Model A shocks will fit a '32 or is there a Stipe '32 shock? Mac's catalog shows the '32-34 shock arms as the same part # as the Model A arms they sell,front and rear.Mac's will tell you anything though.

[Kurt in NJ]

Just use arms to match car

[rotorwrench]

It's the same thing with the arms as it is with the shocks. The B-18047 and B-18052 arms will fit the Model A but they are different it their form and/or manufacture or Ford wouldn't have changed the part number.

Stipe shocks are in their own catagory. They will fit A or B but they are not either due to the way they were manufactured. They were precision made and the originals were not.
http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/stipeshocks.htm

[Bob C]

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The 1937 parts book shows the same shock and arms 1928-32
The 1932 parts book shows different prefix for shocks and arms.

[DavidG]

The answer to the question as to whether or not '32 shocks are a different design than the Model A shocks is yes. Except for very early Model B passenger car and commercial shocks, all '32 V8 chassis shocks and the vast majority of Model B and commercial vehicle shocks are those with non-adjustable, thermostatically regulated valving and visibly different from Model A shocks.

The early Model B passenger car/commercial vehicle shocks were adjustable and at first glance, look just like Model A shocks. On closer examination, however, the '32 adjustable shock is 1/4" thicker as its internal fluid capacity is greater than that of the Model A shock. Further, like all '32 shocks, the back of the base has a series of recesses in the casting radiating from the center whereas that area of the back of a Model A shock is flat without recesses. Early '32 B adjustable shocks were short-lived in '32 production and survivors are rarely encountered today. No one has ever reproduced either version of the '32 shocks.

The attachment hole spacing of all '32 shocks is the same as that of Model A shocks, so reproduction Model A shocks (regardless of who makes them) can be used on all '32 106" wheelbase chassis with the '32 shock arms. Because the Model A shocks are 1/4" thinner than the '32 shocks, the shock links will end up at a slight angle rather than an in a approximate vertical position when installed. That slight of a difference is not likely to significantly alter the shocks' overall performance.


The early B-prefix part number shock is shown in the first photo below. Note the greater space between the screw-on cover and the attachment ears on the cast base compared to a Model A shock. The second photo shows a 18-prefix part number '32 thermostatically-controlled, non-adjustable shock used on all V8 and nearly all Model B chassis.

[37 Coupe]

Thank you David and all,good information.

[Hotrodfil]

I've been trialling a set of Rotoshim shocks on my TnA Coupe and Tourer.
They work really well and they're currently looking at a '32 style version if there's a demand for them.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=295526

[DavidG]

True '32 shocks that can be restored are becoming rarer than hen's teeth, so please count me as one with an interest in their developing a '32 version (1/4" taller than the Model A shock).

[Hotrodfil]

I'd say drop them a line David.

https://rotoshim.com

[DavidG]

Will do. Thanks.