The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Questions about shocks...

First, I'm trying to be good about using the search function so I don't clog up this amazing resource with repeated questions. So please excuse me if this has been discussed before.

I have recently purchased a 1953 2 ton GMC (350-24) and I'm slowly collecting a ton of questions in my project notebook. The wheelbase is 161" and I plan to build my own 8' by 12' flatbed for it (originally had a grain bed). It came without an engine and transmission, so I'm going to shoehorn a 454 BBC under the hood for locomotion.

One question I'm having trouble finding an answer to is what kind of shock absorbers I can use on this truck. The truck I purchased doesn't seem to have any shocks up front or in back. Did it come this way from the factory? And if so, could I adapted some tube shocks from something like a mid 70's Chevy C50? Or would the C40, or even C60 be something closer to what I need? I am completely comfortable and equipped at making any kind of mounts to do the job correctly.

If it helps, the ID tag on the drivers side, inside hinge area says the "Gross Vehicle Weight" is 16,000 lbs. Would like to adapt some shocks to this truck that are a close match for it's capacity.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.

David

There were/are no shocks on my 1954 GMC 350 (2-ton). It has very stiff springs.

I have a 55.2 and 58 2-ton (both Chevys) and neither one came with shocks. (neither did my 41 Ford COE for that matter) From what I can tell from research, shocks were an option. A lot of these trucks were, as yours is, "grain trucks" and spent most of their live bouncing around in the field, and then driving on a gravel or dirt road a few miles to the grain elevator to be unloaded and then back home. I guess the thought was, not much need for shocks in that scenario. I pulled the shocks and mounts off my Ford P-500 before I scrapped it and plan to use them on my 2-ton at some point.

As 69Cuda posted, shock absorbers were an option in Chevrolet 1.5 and 2.0 ton trucks.

1954: RPO 200 Shock absorbers - 1.5 and 2.0 ton trucks

RPO 200 - piston diameter, model, and valve code

I'll see if I can find GMC specs/nos.

I have the optional shocks on my '52 GMC F470-32 COE.

Front & back, Spanky?

What is your opinion regarding adding them to a 350?

My '57 5700 LCF must be a deluxe cruiser, I believe the front shocks are original, none in the rear. 16000 lb. GVWR, 161.5 wheel base, grain box.

Thank you everyone for the replies! I didn't realize that shocks where an option for this thing.

Because the future of this truck will be mainly for hauling heavy loads on the smooth open highway, I'm hoping it wont hurt any to install some kind of dampening. As I slowly bring this "BigBolt" back to life, I'll post how I do things in the hopes it helps others too.

David

David,
My Chevy '50 COE has no shocks, a wheelbase of 158" and GVW of 16,000 lbs. I usually drive it for fun empty (weight about 7500 lbs) and the springs are very stiff. The heaviest load since I restored it was about 5000 lbs and all that did was make the ride noticeably smoother. I have never noticed a bounce in the ride empty or loaded and never thought about the need for shock absorbers. I doubt it would hurt to add shocks but from my perspective there may be other things you will find are more important to make your truck more enjoyable. Good Luck and keep us informed.
Kent

For what its worth, the WW2 era Chevy and GMC military trucks all came with front and rear Delco double action lever shocks.