how to install model a ford shocks
How do you install a new shock?
Does it matter which way you install shocks?
Bilstein tech advises that you should always mount your shocks so that the Bilstein logo is right-side up. Above is Bilstein rear shock 24-186742 for the 1999-2010 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. The shock has 14.1 mm mounting eyes on each end.
How do you rebuild shocks on a Model A Ford?
Do you have to compress shocks for installation?
Although not required, the shock can be “primed” before installation: Hold the shock vertical (normal installation position) and then stroke the shock to fully compress it and then fully extended it several times.
What happens if shocks are installed upside down?
Shocks are filled with oil, the oil must run through the valving in both the compression and extension stroke. If a shock is not “full of oil” it will cavitate if ran upside down and you will have not control forces of the oil moving through the valving.
Why mount shocks upside down?
You must mount the shock body end up, shaft down. If you mount them upside down, then the rst third of the shock stroke will be completely un-damped since the piston will be stroking through nitrogen rather than oil. This will create poor ride quality and is dangerous.
Can you over tighten shocks?
By over tightening the shock absorber on the mount, this will excessively squash the bush reducing the amount of flexibility or articulation in the bush. This will lead to premature wear of the bush and possibly breaking the shock absorber eye or stud. Alternately the mounting bracket on the vehicle could also break.
How do you compress a gas shock for installation?
Can shocks be compressed by hand?
You cannot judge the strength or condition of a shock/strut by hand movement alone. The force and speed generated by a vehicle in operation exceeds what you can accomplish by hand.
Do shocks need to be torqued?
Registered. You can replace your struts without a torque wrench but of course it’ll be better to have one. A lot of suspension components on cars aren’t supposed to be much tighter than you can do with your bare hands anyway (IE: no air tools).
How tight should shocks be?
The fasteners should be tightened until the bushing expands (bulges) to the same outside diameter of the metal washer. (see below) This allows for the proper amount of bushing squeeze so that the shock absorber can move properly in any direction.
How tight should front shock absorbers be?
you dont need to torque the old post top shock, ones with two rubber washers and the nut. Just tighten the nut down till the rubber washer is just starting to squish, then go about 5 turns more. kinda in the middle of when it starts to squish and before you totally colapse it .
Do I need a torque wrench for shocks?
Torque wrenches are essential to do things to spec but aren’t generally mandatory. It comes down to your level of detail. If you run aftermarket wheels or ever intend to a torque wrench is critical.