Shocks advice/questions

69 A108
Need some advice on shocks as I need to replace all 4.
I have 3" lift blocks on the rear and I am not sure how to get the correct lengths for the front and back.
Not looking for anything crazy, just some good basic shocks to replace the old ones.

 

Sorry I am ignorant...measure the old shocks? eye to eye? compressed?

Blackyck wrote:Sorry I am ignorant...measure the old shocks? eye to eye? compressed?

STEP 1. Put on a blonde wig, a low cut T shirt and some short shorts.
STEP 2. Go into the store, bat your eyelashes and ask "can you look up the specs for  1969 Dodge A-100  shocks and find another application that has the same mounting ends, roughly the same weight and is 3 inches longer extended and the same or up to 3 inches longer compressed?" Smile and twirl a strand of your hair while the counterperson does this. If you have great cleavage, lean on counter and hold your elbows toghther. If people admire your backside, drop your keyys and slowly retrieve them while keeping your legs straight.
STEP 3. If you are a typical ugly guy, ignore STEP 1 and 2, and just ask the question in STEP 2 with a "Please" in front. Remember that the fronts will be stock, you only need the extra length in the rear. If you are a guy, try not to repeat that you "only need the extra length in the rear"... 

haha =ROD! Be his luck he 'd get an auto parts store with nothing buy women behind the counter!!!!!!!!!!!!  

ALL!! WITH = PMS!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was amazing. Many thanks.

Sorry I am a vintage motorcycle guy and its not easy to find parts at the store. I am learning.

Hey!! ITS =ALL =COOL-Weve all been There =likely again after were 80 too!!!!!!!!  

The store should have access (hopefully in print) of an application guide that shows the specs.

BTW, if Patrick Swayze can pull it off, you might give it a try! I wouldn't waste the effort on a simple part number though, those heels are murder!  

   

Front
MONROE Part # 31131
Compressed Length 14.125"
Extended Length 23.375"
Travel 9.250"

Rear is harder to find. NAPA, autozone and rock auto all had no listing.
O'Reilly has this
Rare Parts - Shock
Part # 51323

It also had a cross-reference that showed other applications. These were 1951-1960 Dodge trucks.
It did NOT show lengths.
This is the Co, website. I didn't see application specs. Perhaps you could contact them and ask.
http://www.rareparts.com/

try baums auto supply in mission viejo - owner has all old part books to cross reference to new part suppliers
try freeway auto supply and machine shop on avery and margaurite in mission viejo - the owner very is fair and can give you sound advice.

i started like you - slowly turning van into a safe and reliable daily driver. from brakes,cooling issues , electrical , throttle linkage,carb rebuild, shift cables and recently replaced wheel seals and bearings in the rear and replaced brake hoses.

this site has been the reason i have been able to keep van rolling

Thanks everybody and hometeam! Yeah I am finding the stock replacements but looking to upgrade slightly. Not every place shows the lengths which makes it hard to custom fit something. My neighbor used to be in the wheel and tire business and is talking to some people for me after I gave him the measurements. If that fails I will try those places but thanks for the tips! With old bikes you can't just go into a auto parts store for stuff the way you can with cars I guess!

if you have stock radiator and want to upgrade - this site has a tutorial on how to replace radiator with an aluminum one that fits perfect with slight mods - and the pertronix electronic ignition replacing points makes a huge difference - not too pricey and easy upgrades

oh really!? I do need to do that. old one is working for now, but its looking pretty crusty.

took me couple hours to remove and install new radiator. if you type in radiator in forum search you should find the tutorial.

Update. Went to my local Oriley and picked up these. The guys weren't very knowledgable but were helpful. A little bigger than stock.


http://www.monroe.com/en-US/catalog/Part-Search

Compressed Length 13.000"
Extended Length 20.875"






Now on to the fronts! After I figure out where to get these bushings.....

Anybody know what those are?

Link Bushings?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/energy-susp-universal-link-bushing/p3052915.jcwx?filterid=c11298d18150y1969g2u0j1

go to baums in mission- my bushings need replacing and i will be on your same quest. if i find them i will share findings for you and all on site.

looks like the brake line in pic is the one i replaced just a week ago.
it has a spring metal sleeve as protection.

Look back through the forums,I believe someone found another late model part that was a suitable replacement.

I just so happen to have that info handy! For A-vans, (according to the most reputable Vintage Vans site) It looks like if you buy a end link for a 1980-1996 f250 or a 1980-1986 f350 itll bolt right up. The bushings probably (not sure) come with the kit. Heres the part number too! Part#NCP 2652071.

Looks like we can thank SinBin for that info.

Went down the st to my local Oreilly again....dudes are killing it for me right now.

Just went with the Ford links I saw on the other thread. Looking good pick them up tomorrow.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MOO0/K8662.oap?ck=Search_2652071_-1_3932&keyword=2652071

Dang, keep this up and you'll be able to drive that thing without a two-handed death grip!  

Looking for tie rod ends now.....anybody got any advice? There seem to be alot that match my Vans.

Also when changing the shocks i went ahead and took the wheels off and checked the brakes. The left drum came off the hub no problem. The right one wont come off the hub and I have to take the whole nut and remove the whole thing. The lug studs and the hub seem to be fused pretty solid with the drum. Weird? Seems to work fine, just have to pull the whole thing off to check anything.