jkflathead
Well-known member
Does anyone know the shock arm lengths, front and rear for 1935 -1939 Fords? Thank you. John
1935 -1939 Shock Arm lengths
- Thread starter jkflathead
- Start date
My mistake, the arms on my 39 measure 7 3/8 front and 9 1/4 rear. This is overall length.
No, the shock links are NOT 4" on a '39. They are 3" at all four corners.
The 4" links were first placed on '40 Fords, front only and then only the vehicles equipped with the stabilizer bar.
v8fordman
Well-known member
With respect, I disagree with your statement. 4” shock links were introduced on the 1937 Ford (NOT the ‘40) for the front only. The 4” link carries part number 78-18055 A1 or A2. This was carried through 1939 on the front as well, with the only possible change being an early ‘39 introduction of the Marsden nut for attaching a changed shorter stud on the link versus the 5/16 fine thread and a lock washer attaching hardware on the earlier longer link. This is all documented in both the ‘37 and ‘38/9 books.
If you believe the Green Book, the “Shock Absorber Link Chart” on page 325 indicates 3” shock links (48-18055) on both the front and rear (NOT a 4”) on 1940 Fords with a 4” link being used on 60hp cars.
With respect to the authors of those restoration books, the documentation you site is flawed.
And perhaps the most glaring; no serious restorer uses the "green bible" for anything but a "loose" reference. The parts therein were intended for service with little to absolutely zero concern of authenticity.
When I was researching for the "It's Ford for '40" book, I relied mostly on drawings and service letters. Mostly.
The 4" link was placed into service as there was an interference created with the addition of the "new" sway bar in 1940.
Hey Terry B. you have always had a great insight to the front chassis on these cars. What say you?
In the meantime, I am going to dig deeper. I have been wrong before.
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v8fordman
Well-known member
Using the Green Book is not what I use as well. Notice I said “if you believe the Green Book”….meaning you can take it or leave it.
Therefore, I would venture to say that it is author of the ‘40 book who’s research is flawed. Researching for these books is hard enough and mistakes are made. When I did the research for the ‘37 Book, I found the 78 part number shock link (which is 4”) was introduced in 1937 (actually in October ‘36). I also have torn down and looked at more ‘37 Fords than I care to remember and the long stud shock links happen to be one of the items I always looked for since service replacements used the thin Marsden nut. As a matter of fact, I can most likely get you the entire history of the part. I still have over 500 pages of research done by Gary Mallast when he proofread the ‘37 book and he was working on his ‘38/9 Book. I don’t think anyone can argue his ability to research the archives. (David Rehor, Don Rogers and him are the best, period). He would start with the introduction of the part and research it until it was obsoleted. I would also guess that Ford would not introduce a part in 1940, as suggested, and then retroactively assign a 1937 part number to it. I think Zeke hit the nail on the head (with his chassis parts book reference) Also, as the former Judging Standards Committee Chairman, I would deduct points if a ‘37 didn’t have 4” shock links on the front or have to be shown documentation that they were 3”… which I don’t think exists.
Therefore, I would venture to say that it is author of the ‘40 book who’s research is flawed. Researching for these books is hard enough and mistakes are made. When I did the research for the ‘37 Book, I found the 78 part number shock link (which is 4”) was introduced in 1937 (actually in October ‘36). I also have torn down and looked at more ‘37 Fords than I care to remember and the long stud shock links happen to be one of the items I always looked for since service replacements used the thin Marsden nut. As a matter of fact, I can most likely get you the entire history of the part. I still have over 500 pages of research done by Gary Mallast when he proofread the ‘37 book and he was working on his ‘38/9 Book. I don’t think anyone can argue his ability to research the archives. (David Rehor, Don Rogers and him are the best, period). He would start with the introduction of the part and research it until it was obsoleted. I would also guess that Ford would not introduce a part in 1940, as suggested, and then retroactively assign a 1937 part number to it. I think Zeke hit the nail on the head (with his chassis parts book reference) Also, as the former Judging Standards Committee Chairman, I would deduct points if a ‘37 didn’t have 4” shock links on the front or have to be shown documentation that they were 3”… which I don’t think exists.
s.e.charles
Senior Member
i hope i'm not getting into hot water for asking the same question in two threads, but i did get the threads from a search.
in any event, would anyone happen to have a link or picture of this from underneath?
i've seen isometric drawings and top 45 degree photos, but i am not clear how the sway bar ends connect to the axle. dogbones, too?
thanks
sid
Leadfoot4U
Member
I have this image from a repair web site describing the differences in the Ford shocks (so long ago, I don't remember who?).
These are a set of front shocks which I believe are 35 Fords:
The above description states a 35 has a body height of 2 1/2". These do too:
The arms are pressed on starting in 35...much like these.
The length of the arms are 6 inches, center hole to center shock:
So to answer some of your Questions John, I believe a 35 front shock arm is 6 inches in length....center hole to center hole.
The following image from one of the Ford Chassis Parts Books only covers up to the 34 front shock arm being 5.25 inches long center hole to center hole.
Information beyond this covering up to your original 1939 year is out of my capabilities.
These are a set of front shocks which I believe are 35 Fords:
The above description states a 35 has a body height of 2 1/2". These do too:
The arms are pressed on starting in 35...much like these.
The length of the arms are 6 inches, center hole to center shock:
So to answer some of your Questions John, I believe a 35 front shock arm is 6 inches in length....center hole to center hole.
The following image from one of the Ford Chassis Parts Books only covers up to the 34 front shock arm being 5.25 inches long center hole to center hole.
Information beyond this covering up to your original 1939 year is out of my capabilities.
Leadfoot4U
Member
Thanks 38 Coupe for the Houdaille Repair information, very interesting! I'll admit I didn't read this original message date until posting.....July 2023!?. A little long in the tooth, but still important info just the same. 
s.e.charles
Senior Member
agreed. all information is new (knew?) if you have not been exposed to it.
thanks
thanks