The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1 1/2 ton shocks

Hey Guys,
I'm new to the big bolts. I usually hang out on the small truck forums. I'm looking at a 1 1/2 t that the owner swears is titled as a 53. I say its a 50 or older. It has no vent windows (pre 51), lever door handles (pre-52), it has a 80 mph speedo (pre-52) and SS bars above and below the radio grill (pre-52). The gas tank is in the cab. That should have changed in 49. So were the shocks on a 49 lever shocks like the smaller trucks or piston? I'd like to buy this truck but think I'd have a hell of a time selling a miss titled truck.

Glenn,

My 48 2 ton has no shocks, front or rear.
I don't know about a 1.5 ton though.

Can't you just run a VIN check?

Shocks were not a standard item, on the big trucks. They were an optional accessory.

At this point I've only talked to the dealer and seen it in pics. I will do a VIN check. I wanted the shock info so that when I do look at it I can tell if it's a 49 or earlier. But, I guess that angle is out. Weren't the cabs the same on all the AD trucks? Didn't the yearly changes on the light truck transfer to the big trucks? IE, vented windows, outer handles, cowl vents and so on.

Glenn,

Chevrolet truck optional shocks were double action lever arm type and were usually only put on the Panel body's that carrier light loads and had the lightest option rear springs.

I just brought home a '41 parts truck (1 1/2 ton) that has lever type shocks on the rear. It also has heavy rear springs along with overloads. I haven't checked the front yet.

John

J Lucas any idea what your 41 truck was used for? What body did it have? Are the shocks single or double action?

35 Trucker, I don't know how to tell the difference between single or double action. I did notice that the '41 also has shocks on the front, as well as the rear. There is something else a little peculiar about this truck, the grill is notched on both sides to allow for the front bumper to be mounted extra high. The notches look like they were done at the factory. Neither one of my other 1 1/2 tons (both '42s) have the shocks or notched grill.

John

The double action shock will look like a cylinder with the lever in the middle; a single action has the lever towards the short end. Don't know what the bumper would have been mounted higher for? What body was on the 41???

Just a cab (no bed) although it looks like it was set up as a dump or grain truck. See link below for pictures of shocks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/71596736@N00/271799580/

Those are double action shocks.

Who ever ordered that truck wasted their money on double action shocks; with the suspensions heavy springs and overloads you would never know the shocks were there. Very very unusual.

I have a 53' 1 1/2 ton,here are some pics