early ford shocks to move

B

barnfind08

Well-known member
I have quite a few 33-34 shocks both front and rear I found on old ford dealer shelves, Look new, but I cant get the arms to move. Removed the plug and filled up with real ford shock fluid that I have in 2 gal, cans, still do not move. What do you think? can I heat the bodies to maybe lossen them up a little. I know about the rebuilders, but I do not think they need that much, besides I like doing things myself. One moves and I turn the needle valve and it changes the pressure. Anyone? Thanks
 
After a long set, they are likely frozen with remnants of the old dried up hydraulic fluid between the wing shaft and the housing. The wing shaft seal may have turned to goop after too many years. You might get them to free up but I don't know if they'll hold there mud. The little check valves could also be crudded up.

Kerby
 
Just came back in from the shop. I got a couple more moving. When I take out the plug, shock fluid comes out so I dont think it is dried up inside. tomorrow I will try a little heat to what happens and I will report. Thanks for your response wrench.
 
Are not the seals and gaskets inside rubber? I would think heat not a good idea unless you intend to remove/replace/rebuild?
Paul in CT
 
O.K here is the deal. A vice is never going to work no matter how big or how good it is fastened to a bench. I took an extra frame that I had my 3W body on and set up a assembly line both r.h. and l.h on the front. I used a 6 ft tube and tried to move the lever up or down. Nothing. I took the cap off and checked for fluid, I filled if necessary and took my rosebud torch and heated up the frame behind the shock and warmed up just the base not the cap. I am not talking heat like you are taking out perch bolts or spindle pins from a axle. they started to move right away. I kept up moving up and down and low and behold they free up. A couple of shocks that the fluid was dried up inside I added alcohol about what would be 10-15% according to a book by Page. This worked even better. Page wrote that alcohol should be added in cold climates or very little use, well that is what I had, little use sitting around for 50 years in buildings which are cold in the winter. They can be saved and I would recommend test your shocks for your project before painting you frame. Hope that helps. Fred
 
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