The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Replacement Shocks for lowered suspension

What shocks should I look for at the Auto Parts Store if Im putting the mono leaf springs on, 4.5" drop in the rear and 3" drop in the front?

I would prefer not to have to hunt and peck for a pair of shocks when I get there.

I'm just using the AutoZone oem replacements and I'm about -6" in front and a little more in the rear. Never had a set go out on me on any other lowered car.

So I dont need to get a smaller shock then?

If you don't account for the drop you risk bursting the shock housing at a full compression. The shaft will be too long. It could bend, burst etc... I would hunt. These are gas shocks correct?

On my 1954 GMC with monos all round I used Monroe 5751 front and Monroe 5803 rear. Mid travel for these is about my ride height.

Check out Post #51 here. My truck is a '65, but the link has some good data on measuring and then looking up shocks onlince.

Hope that helps.

Yes, your should have shocks that are at mid-stroke at ride height.

I don't worry about it. If one ever starts leaking or goes out (or I start bottoming out shocks) I'll consider spending the extra on shorter stroke units.

It's not like it's catastrophic if one goes. Heck, you probably won't even notice it's blown until you see the fluid on the shaft, case or other adjoining parts.

Good point. I drove one a single shock In the rear for about a year. Just had a lot of roll. Shocks are what? $40 a piece?

lol. Even with good shocks these trucks have a lot of roll. I wanna say the basic ones are like $40-50 a pair at AutoZone.

[EDIT] Yep. Just checked. $19.99 each.

I lowered my 65 with a kit from early classic. Came with new 2.5" drop spindles for disc. 1.5" spring and appropriate shocks for the front. Rear was a 6" drop coil and a set of appropriate shocks and a panhard bar. I wanna say it was like $750 for everything. It was 14 years ago so don't quote me.

canuck49 that's exactly what I was looking for, a part #. I ordered it at Advanced, will get it in 5 hrs. Here's to hoping.

The rear shocks worked perfectly. I have to wait on the fronts till after I put the new leaf springs on it.

Just a heads up y'all. The Monroe 5803 in the rear worked before I put the c notch kit on. I had to use a Monroe 5818 instead.

I am installing the front leaf springs today.

Front end is done. I was expecting more of a drop but it's ok, I'm going to do the dropped front axle in a couple months