32 Houdaille shocks

hb32

hb32

Well-known member
So, I am on the hunt for some shocks as only one on my pickup is correct. Right front appears to be usable, moves with no grinding and no fluid with the proper arm. The left front has the proper arm but is model A according to research. Rears are unknown with the wrong arms for 32.
Question I have is that anything I find identifies the shocks as the same 28-32 but then I see conflicting info regarding the difference in height for 32 vs Model A. Am I missing something ?
 
Service part info in the late 1940's and beyond show 28-32 as the same shock. If you check the 1932 Ford parts catalog '32 is listed as different from Model A. '32 Ford shocks are about 5/16" taller than Model A shocks. Model A shocks have exposed hex-head adjusting screw on the end of the pivot shaft. Only the very early '32 4 cylinder vehicles had the exposed adjustment screw. All 1932 Ford V-8 and mid-year to the end of production 4's had a cap on the end of the pivot shaft to cover the adjusting screw. '32 shocks have a "spider web" rib pattern cast in the mounting face of the shock body. Model A shocks do not have this pattern on the mounting face.

The Canadian shocks are stamped on the cover "Made in Canada" with the Ford script by the fill hole. A very good photo of a Canadian '32 shock is in the V-8 Club '32 book. Canadian '32 shocks are difficult to find. The Canadian Model A shocks are more common. The outer cover from '30 - '31 Canadian shocks are very similar to '32 shock covers. The Model A covers could be used with '32 shocks to make reasonable appearing '32 shocks.
 
Picked up a pair of fronts this morning, one moves and the other is stuck.
Going to soak it for a while and see what happens.
Need 2 rear arms if anyone has a pair they will sell.
 
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