The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline shocks and sway bars

I think this may fall under "now it is broke are you happy?"
I have a 48 3600 that i just had aligned and runs great and handles well (but not like a modern truck of coarse ),,...assuming that it just came off the assembly line and is perfect for its original design, is there any real benefit to modern shocks as compared to the original knee action shocks, and are sway bars needed at all if you are running a 6 cylinder engine with 85 to 150 hp with a 4.56 rear and radial tires at 55 mph. Just wondering how many of us are feeling the need to put these on our trucks and what if any change we should expect . thanks

The knee action shocks are just as effective as a tube shock IF, and I repeat, IF they are in
good shape and are maintained, which I might add, most are not. The advantage of the
later tube shocks is that they are inexpensive, and can be replaced in a few minutes.
The anti-sway bar up front makes a world of difference. The truck will feel much more
solid. They eliminate most of the roll in the corners and I would thank the lordy that I had
one if I had to make a sudden lane change at hi-way speeds.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

thanks denny

I noticed on your pictures that are available on this website that you fitted your 3600 with modern shocks and sway bar. since mine is a 3/4 ton too, i was interested in how you made it fit. are the kits the same for 3/4 and 1/2 ton or do you need to drill the holes a little larger to fit as in the pics. also is a rear sway bar necessary and which after market kit would you recommend, also are we talking gas shocks many thanks

I have no experience with the knee shocks but I sure agree with Denny about the anti-sway bar. Even at 15-20mph around corners it makes a big difference.

Chuck

I believe 1950 was the first year for the aircraft style shock
absober. The later mount can be added to your frame: http://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/10902/Chevrolet_Mounts_Tube_Shock_Upper_Front_Or_Rear.html
And the lower ones are also avalable:
http://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/10894/Chevrolet_Mounts_Tube_Shock_Lower_Front_Right.html
I don't know from personal experience but I've heard that the
rear anti-sway bar doesn't make as noticable a differance as
the front one does.
I think all of the shocks that the vendors are selling are gas
shocks. At least the ones that I bought from Classic Parts of
America were.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

thanks denny and hookalatch

I just ordered the sway bar, shocks and mounts for the front and after i get it all installed will let you know how it rides.

thanks again