The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Replacement front t ube shocks 49 GMC 1/2T

The upper shock mounts for the replacement tube shocks on my 1949 GMC 1/2T p.u. only rise 1" or 1-1/4" above the frame. They came from the catalog as standard. There's about 11-1/2" between the upper and lower mounts. The shortest shock NAPA had wouldn't compress enough to fit, let alone provide travel.
What kind of shocks should I be looking for and who carries them?

Im not sure if you have some extraordinary situation going on, but I got mine for my 52 from Chevy Duty, They fit fine!

Maybe I'm missing something, but from what I understand the '49 is a single action lever type shock. Sounds like somewhere along the way someone converted the original type to tube type. Probably because of cost. Cecil.......

I'm moving this to Engine and Driveline where you will get more visibilty.

Right. I converted from lever action to tube shocks. Simplest thing once I bolted the mounts to the frame and spring shackles was to run over the the local NAPA. Maybe getting the shocks along with the mounts from Chevy Duty or Classic Parts would have been better - may still be - but buying local was not. I always think in terms of buying local.
Not to worry, though, This looks like a try till you buy kind of process. Same for the rear shocks, which are 16-1/2" at rest and 10-1/2" compressed. The local AC-Delco store has a set that compress to 10-3/4". Question is if the last 1/4" won't bust the shock's valves. Have to think about that.
Thanks for mulling it over with me.

Retread -

Gabriel has a section in their catalog which shows every shock they make from the Red Ryder line, Classic shock line, Fleetline, etc. which shows expanded length, compressed length and type of mount they fit. Each section starts from the shortest shock to the longest shock expanded and compressed. Granted there are not that many choices, but you need to see them all to see which will work.

You need the PRINTED catalog to do this comparision - not their computer. Ask them to see the printed catalog and if they don't have one, call the distrubtor or supply warehouse.

Good luck!

Joe

I switched from stock levers to tubes on my 46 using shocks, upper and lower brackets off a 52 half ton. Upper mount is positioned forward of the axle to give the shock more travel. You may have some home brew mounts. May want to compare to a stock 51 or later to see exactly how to position your mounts.