The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Rear shocks can't find!

Hi, I have a 1960 K20 that had the frame stretched. The rear shocks are impossible to fine.

The Problem: lower stud mounts are 3/4" and the uppers are 9/16". Does anyone know the problem or where I can buy them or what I actually have? It must be a different rear but it looks right.

I restored the truck, it's the last detail. I don't know who put the fleet side bed on but they did a good job stretching the frame, it's straight and looks factory, it's the only reason I went with it. I would rather had a short bed but not interested in shorting the frame again and finding a bed.

If you have any idea's on how to determine the problem I would be great full/
Omni

If the old ones are not to corroded there may be a number stamped on them that you can reference.

pics?

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt238/joek3167/010-1.jpg this is a 60 K20 rear axle

I had trouble with K10 shocks a couple of years ago. 3/4 inch mounts were hard to find unless you were driving a tractor trailer. Found these part numbers and bought on Ebay. I can't vouch for the length and compression differences between K10 and K20, but at least a start for your search.
508-30
22066254

most shock manufacturers have pages like in this link. I used Monroe just as an example. you will find pictures and the codes that correspond to them at the end. this gives you the codes to understand all of the listings and what to look for in your application. just google your manufacturer of choice though some may not have this
http://www.monroe.com/downloads/install-instructions-guides/MonroeMountingLengthSpecifications.pdf
their listing use to be much simpler to find things
ron

I have a 1960GMC stock 4X4. Had to find shocks. As ron says, you have to measure for max extension and max compression and the eye type. Then search and search for a match. There are instructions on the web on how to measure. It involves the bump stop distance for compression and jack up truck for extension. It's not an exact science, it's easy. Then be sure shock has the minimum/maximum ranges you need. If you can't find instructions, let me know. If you get dimensions, post them and I'll find a shock. My records show Hambone has same number I have. I'm sure I got these from ron, Hambone and searching: and probably TCLederman.

Delco 508-30, OEM 22065254
Gabriel: 85005
Monroe: 66833
Rancho RS5143
I do not guarantee the above to fit your truck.

Also found this in my notes:
"ON my truck rear: OEM Delco 5552295 confirmed as 1960 4x4 rear shock (also date stamped 5 A 60.) measured EXT: 23.75, comp 14.5, installed 19.5"
Front shock OEM is Delco 5552294"
These were the actual Part numbers found on my original shocks and they matched a GM parts book from 1960.

Keep in mind that some shocks come with sleeves to accommodate different size studs/bolts.
Mine is a 1/2T. K1001 (GMC designation)

K20 only came in long bed. In stepside or fleetside. Your truck (3/4T) did not come in short bed. So what was the need to stretch? Stretch from what to what? Something's not right here. That's another story for another day.

Great! Thank you, I will check them out.

Thank you! I am on it!

Honestly I am not sure. I really wanted a K20 and bought it on Ebay sight unseen. When I got it, it had a long bed and frame was stretched. I thought only the step sides were K20's but it sounds like this may be something weird, don't know. One thing I never did was run the Vin#, I will and see what I can find.
Thank you for the response.

Sure thing. thanks for keeping up with your post. Many do not.

I guarantee the shocks in the pic I posted will work on his truck if it has the original axle, or he could use it for a reference for a different name brand.

They are so kind to try and help me I would think its the only thing to do!
Thank you

Hi,
thank you however I don't see a pic?

FYI< I ran the part number and they are no where to be found. any other idea's is appreciated!

FYI< The part number was easy to find but not the shocks! lol, what a trip I never had such a problem finding a part.
I owned a foreign car repair shop for 20 year and I was never not able to find a part, even for the most exotic cars. This is crazy.
I appreciate your help, thank you.

Its a good point, maybe its a later year long bed. I will try that, thank you!

The shocks I used (AC DELCO) were hard to find initially, but with the part numbers I kept at the search and they appeared. An old shop was able to cross reference the numbers and provide all of the specs which gave me specific questions to ask other shops about.
The 4x4 forums might help as well.
HB

go back to your 3rd reply page 1
ron

I believe this is what you want. Good price. These are what I bought for my 1960 GMC 4X4 rears. 2 for $35!
Ebay item number
371696229776 Copy and paste into Ebay search box at top of ebay page.
Good ebay guy. He is still selling shocks recommended by Tony (4-5-6 Chevy Trucks) here on Stovebolt, which is where I got the info originally. You can not trace the part number given 22065254 or the ones stamped on the shocks received from him 22065154. That's why I have been having trouble finding. I read my shocks on my 1960 rear (purchased from the ebay guy) and the number is not on the internet. So I finally remembered where I got them.
Hambone had 22066254 which thru me off even more.

That's great! Thank you. I wrote him asking for the ID measurements of the bushings. The hard part is, the bottom bushing needs to be 3/4" ID and the top 9/16" Very weird!

They are not the right ones. The problem is, the bottom bushing ID needs to be 3/4" and the top 9/16" thank you for trying

I assume his is 3/4 top and bottom? That is correct for my stock 1960 4x4. If yours is smaller and is a 3/4 Ton truck, it's probably not stock. Does not matter. We constantly fix small problems like this on here all the time. What does the top bolting point look like?
Mine fits up inside a "C" channel cross member and bolt goes thru Channel and shock. This may be a simple matter of finding you a sleeve, which fits the upper shock sleeve/bushing and transforms 3/4 to 9/16. Not a big deal. Supply the dimension from bottom bolting point to top so I can check my truck and see if it's the same as yours. It's possible this shock will fit in all ways except top bolt. It is, in fact, correct for 1960 1/2 and 3/4 ton stock Chevy trucks. Be sure the top bolt is the correct bolt that looks like it fits there, or maybe it's a permanent stud? Pictures would be super.
Something along these lines may work. One of these will make two.
https://www.cachassisworks.com/p-26...for-poly-bushing-yellow-zinc-plated.aspx

If it turns out that this shock will not work because of wrong extension and compression dimensions, I will give you the procedure for measuring your truck (it's easy) and then we will find a shock that meets the extension and compression dimension for your situation.

Please let me know if you are at the point of no longer interested in this issue. Not a problem.

Hi,
Thank you for the response! Yes there are two sizes. 3/4" on the bottom and 9/16" on the top. The top is like you said it slips into a channel. That would be a easy modification with a bushing and small bolt, but the bottom is part of the axle assembly and does not look like it can me replaced or modified in anyway I know. Also yes I did remove the sleeve from the insert of the bushing so its definitely down to the stud. I am thinking the truck axle is maybe a 1962 but the truck is a 60. I checked the OE numbers on all the shock companies sites and none has the listing. Very weird! Any help is appreciated!

maybe post a pic of rear axle and where your shock mounts would probably help in identifying the problem

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/...9-47DF-ABDA-6E2F65D18B87_zpsrss7bk3n.jpg the bootom of the shock should mount like in the pic

Somehow you know that it takes a 9/16 at top and 3/4 at bottom. I understand that. I assume the stud at bottom is 3/4 and somehow you know top is 9/16. Must be that you have the bolt or the hole in channel tells you that. The point I'm trying to make and the reason I asked you for the dimension is so that I can advise you to buy the one on Ebay. The one on Ebay has a bushing on both ends. Take out the top and bottom sleeve inside the bushings and discard. Then slide the bottom of the shock right on your bottom stud, no sleeve. then...At the top, you would buy the sleeve I gave you, cut it in half and slide that sleeve inside the top shock bushing and slide the shock onto whatever bolt/stud you have at the top. The ID of the bushings is 3/4. Do you understand this idea? You did not supply dimension from my previous post. Also please answer as to what kind of bolt is at top and bottom and how you know top is 9/16. We can not help you unless you supply info.
The sleeve I gave you has a 3/4 outside diameter which fits tightly into the upper shock bushing. The sleeve has a 9/16 inside diameter so that it fits your bolt/stud. The sleeve simply reduces the 3/4 to 9/16 for the top mount. Please advise if you understand this.
I am not sure that cutting the sleeve in half, so that you have one for both sides, will work. We can figure that out later.

What does this mean?
"Also yes I did remove the sleeve from the insert of the bushing so its definitely down to the stud."

Do you have a shock you are trying to fit and getting confused with what we are saying? Tell us what the TRUCK wants as far as mounting bolt/stud sizes at top and bottom. Also measure from the bottom shock mounting point to the top shock mounting point and report that dimension.

T minus 10....9......8.....

What I meant by removing the sleeve is; the shock bushing has a metal sleeve on the inside of the rubber bushing. That sleeve slides over the fixed stud on the axle. When you remove a old shock sometimes the sleeve can stay on the stud and make the stud look like it has a larger OD, I just want you to know it was down to the stud. The shock extended is 20 inches. I will take pics of the axle and post it, maybe someone will know.

To further clarify; I do not have a new shock that I am trying to mount, I am only referring to the stock OE shock that is on the truck now.
I am a mechanic for 42 years and a tool and die maker. I am sure of the dimensions. This is one if my retirement projects and I have never ever had a issue like this. I am sure the axle must have been changed but it can only be a few yeas off since it is a 3/4 ton axle. I changed out the axle seals and pinion seals parts were fine and ordered for the 1960. To be more clear both ends of the shock are bushings. The top 9/16" slips into the channel, the bottom 3/4" slides over the fixed stud on the axle.
thank for helping!!!

Additionally if it was a case of a undersized stud I would make a sleeve to fit he bushing but again its an oversize stud.

http://gabriel.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Gabriel_2011_OE-O_Brochure_Catalog.pdf
ron

if you follow this one thru it will also help you and if you are an auto mechanic you will understand it
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/monroe-shock-dimensions-re-arranged.229464/
ron

I give up. You got me. I can't get the info I asked for. You are not computing what I'm saying on how to use the Ebay shock. Communication problem. ron has you covered.....3....2....1....0

OK sorry sounds like I am [censored] you off, I don't mean to. The PDF you steered me to only gives width dimensions not the bushing ID's I believe I answered everything you have asked of me. The ebay look up was not the right shocks. The OE part number is 5552295 and all shock companies say not available.
Than you for trying to help

My pleasure. Parts for old trucks are sometimes hard to find. I must be on the wrong track. No offense taken.

they quite well not be available as OEM equipment an as you said you are a mechanic for 42 years should be aware of that. that is why I supplied those charts so that you could find something that is comparable in dimension to do the job.
if it needs a bushing get one and use it it is that simple
ron

Omni, take a deep breath and read very carefully. IF (remember I said IF) the OEM part number you want is 5552295, the shock on Ebay WILL work along with the sleeve I listed. I think you DID NOT read my in depth explanation of how this EBAY shock will work. I have since highlighted it in BLUE. Study that explanation when you have your thinking cap on.
The 5552295 part number is WAY obsolete and CAN NOT be cross referenced.
On a "normal" 1960 truck, you buy the Ebay shock, TAKE OUT the sleeves and use it "sleeveless". On your truck you take out the sleeves, use the bottom "sleeveless" and replace the top sleeve with the one I linked (or equivalent). You can also call the new top sleeve a "reducer" if that helps you understand. You can't get a "L" loop end shock with different size ends. The rancho shock listed by me (from ron) will also work. It has 3/4 on both ends (EB2) and has the operating range you need. It will need a modification sleeve at top also just like the Gabriel, Monroe and Ebay Delco mentioned. Why don't you just make a bolt for the top with a smooth 3/4 OD, 5/8 threads and enlarge the hole thru the "C" channel? Or go to the junk yard and find a 60-66 Chevy/GMC truck bolt pair. Then use one of the shocks we listed. There are a billion ways to make one of the shocks we mentioned work. Buy the shocks and work it out. It's just a bolt, it's just the top that's a problem, it's just a shock.

Like I said the pics of shocks I posted work great on my truck and got new bolts for the top, easy peasy