The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Rear Lower Shock Mount - Up or Down

What is the correct position of the rear lower shock mount, for a 1950 1/2 ton with tube shocks?

The shock mount bracket, which holds the leaf spring, can be installed 2 different ways.

With the shock post/nut in the "up" or "down" position. This changes the distance of the shock length.

If I use the "up" position and have the correct shock, does it really matter.

i asked this question on oldgmctrucks.com and i have been told to install it in the "down" position. I checked out my old ones and found the spot where the nut had worn down the metal and determined they were installed in the "down" position. I also looked at my pictures of the truck before i took it all apart and that was the same thing i found out. I think this allows for the full range of motion of the shock absorber, but i'm not completely sure. i am fairly sure that i have them correct in the "down" position.

Assembly manual shows it down.

Mine are down. You may run out of travel with them up, which would bust them off.

I have a similar dilema. I replaced my worn-out leaf springs including my shock absorbers. I installed them per the Assembly manual. For the rear shock mounts,they are in the down position and found that the new rear tube shocks that chevy duty had sold me were(about 1-2") too short to attach. I am now looking to find some new rear shocks by measureing the fully extended distance. Anybody experience this?

Terry, do you have the weight of the truck sitting on the wheels while you're trying to install the shocks? In a lot of cases, the shock length limits the suspension travel, so the axle housing must be jacked up to get the shock installed. Just a thought, as it's necessary, sometimes, to have weight on the suspension when removing/installing rear shocks. I run the auto shop at McGavock High School in Donelson. Call me or send an IM if I can help out.
Jerry

Installed the mounts in the down position.
Distance between my shock mounts are 21".

Truck is sitting on wheels, but minus the weight for a wood bed.

The rear shocks are Monroe 33049. They measure about 14" compressed, to 23" extended to the very end, when off the vehicle.

The 23" shock just looked over extended at 21". I guess the weight for the wood bed will bring the distance a little closer.

Thanks for the input.

Hotrod Lincoln, I have only the cab and inner front fenders on a rolling (and Driving) chassis. The bed (with wood) and four fenders are yet to be installed. I may give you a shout when I hang those. But, I am thinking that those springs may have raised the frame further from the lower shock mount. The extra weight may pull the frame into place, but those new springs are stiff (rides like a truck again). I live in green hills when I am not working in Oak Ridge. Thanks for the suggestion, it just might solve it.

Terry