Need new shocks... what kind and do I really have a 4"

qwertyd10n · Post by **qwertyd10n** » November 30, 2008, 3:04 am

Hey guys,

I managed to get a number of things accomplished on my new Slick today... clutch and brakes adjusted properly, cleaned the mice nest out of the heater inlet duct so I actually get some heat blowing in the truck, got the seat belts reinstalled, hood safety latch spring fixed. Feel pretty good for the first real day working on it.

I'm pretty sure the rusted old rear shocks need to be replaced before it will pass a safety inspection (which is imminent). So I'm looking under the truck and I'm pretty sure my '66 F100 4x4 has a 4" lift on it... there are rectangular metal blocks under the regular blocks under the leaf springs on the rear axle. Only problem is, I'm not sure about the front. It's gotta have a lift with how high it is and running 33s and all.

I managed to get some numbers off the front shocks... VT-2 2173 CLO1283D2... or something like that. Also, the front shock stretches 15 1/2" from stud to stud when the truck is sitting normally. Anybody have any ideas?

And as for new shocks, I'm thinking of going with a Superlift Superide all around... any opinions?

Cheers,
Dion

Fanatic · Post by **Fanatic** » November 30, 2008, 9:16 am

Well I would forget trying to buy a set of "66 Ford with 4" lift "shocks. Find a parts store guy that likes a challenge and take the measurement of the shock length (while at ride height,) there are listings in good parts books that go by extended and compressed lengths and mounting styles. Be sure to note mounting type( stud, eye,etc) while you are under the truck.
Find one that puts your ride height at the center of travel and correct ends.
Then keep that part number in your log book----for next time!
Thank the counterman for all the help--send a good word to his boss--and remember him next time!

Tim

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » November 30, 2008, 10:39 am

Dion, are you trying to say in addition to the stock blocks you have an additional 4" , or theres 4" total?

also, the rear shocks on my wifes 66 f100 4x4 truck are the same as the ones on my f250 4x4s.

the front has the same dimension you posted.

normally i dont go out in the dark in my p.j. s but Mrs Ice came back as her drivers side windshield wiper came off and i had to put it back on.
gave me an opportunity to investigate, she was wondering wtf, why am i looking under the tires.
so i mentioned your name.
shes happy you made it home with your truck.

qwertyd10n · Post by **qwertyd10n** » November 30, 2008, 10:10 pm

I'm pretty positive there are additional blocks... on the rear for sure. Check these pics out...

[albumimg]4755[/albumimg]

[albumimg]4754[/albumimg]

[albumimg]4753[/albumimg]

As for the front, I'm not sure if there's any additional lift on it or not...

[albumimg]4749[/albumimg]

[albumimg]4750[/albumimg]

Any ideas guys?

qwertyd10n · Post by **qwertyd10n** » November 30, 2008, 10:16 pm

Forgot to mention that the rear shocks are 19.5" when the truck is just sitting normally.

Jarrod · Post by **Jarrod** » November 30, 2008, 10:23 pm

If I were you, get rid of the bottom block. Stacking blocks is DANGEROUS. In many states its illegal. Go to an offroad shop and get a set of blocks that are the right length.

BarnieTrk · Post by **BarnieTrk** » November 30, 2008, 10:54 pm

Fanatic wrote: Find a parts store guy that likes a challenge and take the measurement of the shock length (while at ride height,) there are listings in good parts books that go by extended and compressed lengths and mounting styles. Be sure to note mounting type( stud, eye,etc) while you are under the truck.
Find one that puts your ride height at the center of travel and correct ends.
Then keep that part number in your log book----for next time!

Here is a "good parts book" where you can match up what you need.
If you don't want to go with a Monroe shock, just use the determined shock part number to cross-reference from... Good Luck!

http://www.monroe.com/catalog/documents ... hSheet.pdf

BarnieTrk

slick4x4 · Post by **slick4x4** » December 1, 2008, 12:06 am

Jarrod wrote:If I were you, get rid of the bottom block. Stacking blocks is DANGEROUS. In many states its illegal. Go to an offroad shop and get a set of blocks that are the right length.

or lose the non-stock block & get your springs rearched