Drake HR-18000-K...

[39portlander]

Got to give credit to this rear shock & Anti-sway kit. Install was very simple and install instructions above average. Got some picks of the mock-up and fit check. Opening the box and quickly looking @ the sway bar I was concerned the bar might hit the deeper 17gal. poly tank, but no problems.

Need to drill the holes for the top shock supports and sway bar brackets to complete the install. I have a hub puller, and in the "tools needed" they specify the need for one as changing the two rear backing plate bolts on either side is step 2.

Only complaint is the catalog and order dept. should note the need for a hub puller.

 

[42merc]

Did you follow the directions for the upper shock mount ?
I ask because the shocks look like they are at quite a severe angle, which makes them less effective. The Drake kit on my '40 has them mounted more vertical.
Just curious.

 

[JWL]

That looks like a nice setup. I like the appearance better than the system I have on my 40 which I made up several years ago, before a specific system was available. Mainly because the sway bar on my car is visible from the rear and I don't think your system can be seen.

I also like your Lincoln brakes.

 

[39portlander]

Thanks John, the sway bar tucks away and the deeper fuel tank hides the rest. I had two 3/8 socket extensions holding the top of the shocks as pictured. As the instructions say, 4" from the inside and 1.5" down from the cross member, just right for the top shock mounts.

42 Merc, you may have noticed there is no orig. rear cross member, just a fabbed in channel stock that's well made, solid and done by a farm hand a long time ago.

Another note on Bob Drake reproductions, I got the "Factory" catalog with my order and I love the many pictured Ford workers doing there task throughout the catalog. Gives you a nice look back @ the way it was done.

 

[JHFORD51]

I also just installed this on my 39 sedan. I had the tank out and was also concerned about clearance; glad to see it fits well. My only issue is the the top shock mount bungs wind up routing the shocks right where the exhaust should be (going by the dimples in the rear crossmember) which will require some creative tube bending. All in all though a solid mod.

 

[Dan Hay]

I'm looking to get this for my 40 Sedan. Just a couple of questions: was the rear lowered more than 3"? Does taking the tank out make installation easier?

 

[39portlander]

I'm looking to get this for my 40 Sedan. Just a couple of questions: was the rear lowered more than 3"? Does taking the tank out make installation easier?

Dan my tank was out already, I don't think it would make much difference. I got the lowered kit were I replaced my original front and rear springs with Posies super sliders. The other kit is for stock height.

Again, I had fun with this install as everything went smoothly. Scott