The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Lever Action vs Modern tube

I like some suggestions, complaints, concerns and advise on installing shocks.

I see where there are a replace type modern tube shock for my 36 from Jim Carter. He also offers the rebuilt original single action lever shock. He states that the lever outlast the modern replacement 4 to 1.

I have a deal cooking on a set of double action types complete with links and lower mounts that will fit my application, in good used condition and not needing a rebuild for 75.00. The tube replacements are around 250.00 and the rebuilt single action from Carters are over a 100.00 each without the links.

I need and respect the opinions, sugestions and concerns this site is known for having.

Thank you,
Dave

Dave,
I'm going the opposite way. I made a 2x2 steel crossmember(rear) that will attach to existing lever holes. I'm picking up tube shocks at FLAPS on the way home. I made a set of mounts to fit original rear end. I need the shocks before mockup just to see if it will work. This will be bolted in existing holes to go back to original if desired. I've been checking shock web sites to learn as much as I can before I take the plunge. Will take pics as I procede. Don't know if I'm headed in the right direction but time will tell.
Dan

Dan,
Sounds to me like your headed in the right direction especially by usng the existing holes in case you go back. I was thinking the exact same thing. Post the pix when you can as I am very interested in seeing your progress. Thanks for your input.

Dave

The only reason I would keep the lever action is if I wanted to keep the originality. The tube type perform better & will last a long time.

I welded a piece across my chassis to attach the top of my tube shocks. I'm running a malibu rear end but using the original springs. My schocks work very well and didn't cost me an arm and leg. I say use tube and replace them years later and you still come out ahead.

good stuff folks, keep it coming and thanks to all for your comments...

I am thinking its cost effective to replace with the modern tube as the shock replacement can be purchased much easier. Haven't decided yet, I'll wait for some more comments.

Dave

I changed My 46 over to tube shocks. I mounted a cross member for the top mount and used the original lower. Here is a pic. I also changed out the center pumpkin and welded in solid saddles to give me an open driveline but the shock conversion will work either way.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2876789000033133681ncNDfl

Rick

One has to consider that those lever action shocks lasted 50-60 years and are still rebuildable...tube shocks in a driver vehicle might last a couple of years.

I am thinking that also Steve. jIM Carter says they outlast 4 to 1 but finding a replacement or rebuilder here may be hard. Tubes can be replaced much easier also and I could always add a coil over. I like the levers in that they are original and bolt right on. If I do go original I think the double action would work better.

Rick ,nice job on that top cross member.

Thanks guy's keep it coming....
Dave

i also wonder about the fight between tube vs lever shocks the levers look cool as hell i think. and Achipmunk you said you used your orginal rear springs ? off the truck or off the malibu? Later Earl

I worked on my mock up from lever to tube yesterday but will have to make some changes. Here is the bracket I made to attach to axle. The orginal lever shock on my 3/4 ton mounted there. I used 2" square stock for the upper crossmember and tacked mounts like so. When I clamped into place with shocks, early Mopar, in this shot I didn't like at all. Driver's side is mounted and passenger is relaxed. Mounted side has a couple inches of travel. I need more than that. I took some measurements on frame prior and afterward and they were only 1/2". I can change the axle mount to the bottom of ubolts and pick up a couple inches and can change to a different shock(already returned). Ideas/changes/opinions welcomed. Don't really want to weld in crossmember so it could go back to orginal if desired. Thanks prior.
Dan

Dan ,

Beautiful job. Thanks for the post and please keep the progress coming.

Dave

As stated above I didn't like the travel length. I changed the crossmember mount to a single tab mount and used a early Mustang gas shock. This is what I ended up with. I now have about 5" of travel. I haven't mounted crossmember yet as I'm trying to figure how much angle it should have. Here is a very poor shot with about a 47 degree angle. I can move to a lesser degree. What opinions/changes/suggestions do I have? Thanks prior.
Dan

I finished the crossmember and painted this weekend. I drilled one hole in the top of frame to mount. It can be changed back to original desired.
Dan