Dog bone question

[harleycontracter]

Are the front and rear dog bones on Model A shocks the same ? Can I use the dog bones off the rear on the front. Never used them before Txs

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Are the front and rear dog bones on Model A shocks the same ? Can I use the dog bones off the rear on the front. Never used them before Txs

Yes, they are the same.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=977228&cat=41741

 

[Joe K]

One writer recently referred to the "dog bones" as the shock and arm. If this is the case of you then no, the front shock arms are different (shorter) than the rear shock arms.

If you are referring to the "connector link" between shock arm and axle, then yes, the dog bones are the same.

The term "dog bone" in this instance refers to not the tubular connector originally used on the Model A but the aftermarket "replacement" type which consists of two dog-bone shaped halves which contain two rubber, round ball "covers" which are clamped around and contain the shock arm ball and axle ball and yet are free to pivot. JC Whitney brought this aftermarket fix to a high art and offered "dog bone shock links" for 50 years beginning in the 1930s.

Dog bone links do offer "lack of attention" as a feature. Which is why they eventually became standard in the later 30s Fords.

Joe K

 

[Bob Bidonde]

In 1932, a service bulletin informed dealers that "Dog Bones" should be used to replace defective / missing Model "A" shock links at any position, so a Model "A" could have a mixture of Model "A" links and "Dog Bones."

 

[harleycontracter]

I bought shocks that were taken off the back of an A. So I need shorter shock arms and use the dog bones I have .

 

[jw hash]

yes, you will need front arms, the shocks and bog bones are the same.

 

[harleycontracter]

Are all front arms the same All years ?

 

[Herb Concord Ca]

Yes

 

[Joe K]

Are all front arms the same All years ?

They do differ in "details", such as the pattern of the s-curve, the square "attachment end", and the size/shape of the "pad" the ball end has underneath it. If you're particular for your year, study up the judging standards then haunt Ebay and you'll find a pair for pretty cheap money.

But that is not necessary. This is one part that Ford made sure "backfit" all the years made previously.

If a 1928 Model A came into a dealership looking to replace a shock-arm in 1931, they would give them something off the shelf and matching be damned.

Joe K

 

[katy]

Does the ball end of the shock arms need to be lubricated when installing the dog bone links? I was thinkin' of red rubber grease

 

[JayJay]

Does the ball end of the shock arms need to be lubricated when installing the dog bone links? I was thinkin' of red rubber grease

I use a thin layer of silicone grease on the steel ball before putting the rubber ball on, and another on the outside of the rubber ball before installing the dogbone link.

I was in a pinch so I got a repop dogbone from one of the suppliers. POS. Thin metal, metric fasteners. There are lots of originals out there.

 

[s.e.charles]

is it possible for someone to post a link or picture with the locating ball (?) on the front axle?

thanks

 

[Joe K]

is it possible for someone to post a link or picture with the locating ball (?) on the front axle?

thanks

This from Vince Falter's "Fordgarage.com" site. This an original pix from Victor Page's "Model A Ford" book.

A trifle indistinct in the pix. You will note that the lower end of the "link" is attached to the ball inboard of the spring perch. The loop of the spring perch attaches to the front bearing actuator shaft housing. And of course the spring is attached to the perch by the spring shackles.

Spring Perch below.

Joe K

 

[s.e.charles]

thanks Joe K.

this makes my life much easier!

i appreciate the assist.