47-55.1 Shock replacement ‘56 3100 w/Camaro clip

[56bluebird]

Hello everybody. The bottom of my shock broke off. Would I have to replace the whole shock or just the insert at the bottom. It was hanging loose and I bolted it back up with one bolt which implies I could just remove the bolt on the top, pull it and replace with no jack or jack stands and removing the tire?

Thanks in advance.

[mr48chev]

That piece normally isn't replaceable and one of those shocks is between 20 and 30 bucks but I think I would replace both shocks when I did it.

You might weld something to that so it would stay put but that might comprimise the rubber busing.

[mr48chev]

Just thinking, Those yellow shocks were usually the Monroe Magnum shocks that were their "heavy duty" pre gas shock line and popular with guys with heavier cars and trucks but which is quite stiff and unnecessary for that suspenson. A good performance gas shock would be a lot better choice.

[dsraven]

jack it up, put stands under the ball joint area, safely, then you can unbolt and replace the shocks. not usually something that breaks unless the bolts simply came loose. maybe check to ensure everything in good in the suspension so the shock is not the suspension stopper. there should be snubbers that stop the suspension travel before the shocks bottom out or extend fully to stop the suspension travel.
like said, a better gas shock may be an alternative and the shocks should be replaced in sets, front and/or rear but for sure both on the same end of the vehicle. if you want to re-use the shock you may try welding a nub on the cross barbut be careful not to burn up the rubber bushing orget the shock tube hot. place the ground clamp on the cross bar if thats the plan.

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by dsraven

jack it up, put stands under the ball joint area, safely, then you can unbolt and replace the shocks. not usually something that breaks unless the bolts simply came loose. maybe check to ensure everything in good in the suspension so the shock is not the suspension stopper. there should be snubbers that stop the suspension travel before the shocks bottom out or extend fully to stop the suspension travel.
like said, a better gas shock may be an alternative and the shocks should be replaced in sets, front and/or rear but for sure both on the same end of the vehicle. if you want to re-use the shock you may try welding a nub on the cross barbut be careful not to burn up the rubber bushing orget the shock tube hot. place the ground clamp on the cross bar if thats the plan.

VERY good idea! That is very likely why that would happen!

Brian

[mr48chev]

Truck doesn't look like someone might cut a coil or two but I'd check to make sure that the shock hadn't bottomed out and make sure that it is/was the correct shock for that suspension.

The problem with this particular suspension is that You can stick one of several lengths of shocks in it that "almost" look exactly alike but may be longer in the body than the one that belongs in it. Get the original donor rig in a tire store years ago and sell them a set of shocks to go along with the sale and if you don't have the exact shock on the sell put in the ones that are a half to an inch longer and call it good. Where I worked, we were "oh hell no" and ran to the parts house to get the correct shocks but many didn't.

[mr48chev]

Since the shock is going to have to come out anyhow even if you put a bandaid on the cross bar to be able to use it again, Pull it out and do some measuring and check to see if there is a part number on it. Also to see if there is any other damage on it.

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by dsraven

jack it up, put stands under the ball joint area, safely, then you can unbolt and replace the shocks. not usually something that breaks unless the bolts simply came loose. maybe check to ensure everything in good in the suspension so the shock is not the suspension stopper. there should be snubbers that stop the suspension travel before the shocks bottom out or extend fully to stop the suspension travel.
like said, a better gas shock may be an alternative and the shocks should be replaced in sets, front and/or rear but for sure both on the same end of the vehicle. if you want to re-use the shock you may try welding a nub on the cross barbut be careful not to burn up the rubber bushing orget the shock tube hot. place the ground clamp on the cross bar if thats the plan.

As said, it probably has bottomed out. make sure you change out the pair, never just one

[mr48chev]

If you have a pair of ramps that will hold the truck up safely that may be the easiest and safest way to change the shocks. That way the weight of the truck will be on the suspension. If you haven't put them on yet don't overtighten the nut on the top an squash the rubber bushings. That is one things too many guys do.

[dsraven]

did you get that shock fixed yet? the suspense is killing me man. pic, pics, pics! we are addicts!