The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1940 half-ton shock advise?

I was just rebuilding my front brakes when I saw that the rubber shock connecting rod bushing was worn through. I got new ones to install but it feels like the shock is devoid of fluid. I know I can get shocks rebuilt but in the mean time, I'd like to try to put some fluid in and see how it goes.

Can anyone tell me where it goes in (that big slotted head bolt on top?) and if you have any other advise...

thanks - doug

The slotted screw on top is the fill and I used jack oil to fill them. Don't be surprised if the oil leaks out around the shaft for the arm. That is the weak area on those old style shocks.

They have resistance only in one direction.

Thanks Dunfire,

Once I figured out how to get the little spring plug out, the fluid went right in. I'll take it for a spin this weekend to see if I can feel a difference - then look for oil leaking around the shaft.

BTW - I looked at your link and beautiful '36. What a gem to find a truck that old with only two owners (and in what seems like good relative) condition.

best,

Doug

Thanks Steppinwood,

Mine had resistance on no directions before I put fluid in.... or are you suggesting that I get a double action version in there(?)

best, Doug

The single action should work just fine. I added the shocks to my truck and what a difference it made in the ride.

'Tain't necessarily so. There were single action shocks and double action with dampening in both directions. Admittedly it's more likely a truck would have single action shocks but a previous owner could have put double action shocks on. Having said that I replaced my lever shocks with tube shocks and LOVE the difference it makes.

I think the single acting shocks have stamped metal links that would buckle under compression. The double acting ones I have seen had stronger links made from round stock.