55.2-59 56 Front Shocks Bottoming

[thumper56]

Update...

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies! (And all distinct possibilities)

In searching for the random issue I had placed gobs of grease about everywhere and searched for witness marks, with none found. In my build, the original driveshaft was just a bit short so I ordered one for correct slip yoke dimension (no monkeying around with a longer yoke).

I did as suggested by dsraven and removed the shocks roadside, then plowed over some of Vermont's finest backroad washouts, railroad tracks, potholes, etc. Results: plenty of bouncy bounce but no slam of a bottom out!

Using the chart provided earlier in this post I found some shocks with a somewhat shorter compressed length of the stock Monroe 31000 (12"). Keeping in mind the static, bolted on length in the truck was 14" center to center.

Since my problem was random (often surprising) I felt I did not need but maybe 1/4" to 1/2" less compressed length.

I chose the Monroe 32207 (11.25 compressed and 17.875 extended). This reduces my compressed length by 3/4" yet still leaves 3.875" extended length if I ever launch the truck while giving Daisy Duke a ride.

Knock on wood- bottoming seems to be solved! Even though my leaf springs seem to be in good shape, I guess with the weight of a V8 and age they are just a little more "set" than they were 60 years ago. (But nothing else is bottoming)

I hope this post may help someone else in the future.