Shock Links

Chris H

Chris H

Senior Member
Hi Guys,

I know this has been discussed before, and I am sorry to repeat it again, but I am getting ready to install my new shocks and I have a question regarding the installation of the grease seals on the shock balls. I have searched the site and what I have found is that "the offset goes up" on the shock linkage cylinders. The term "offset" is what is bothering me. Does this mean that the hole in the rubber seal goes on the upper side of each shock ball when installed, or is the hole on the bottom side of the ball when installed? Just to confuse me even more, I searched the various vendors, hoping for a little guidance and found this photo on Mac's web site. This seems to contradict what has been previously posted. Installing the shock links looks like it is going to be a real PIA, so I would really like to do it right the first time. Thanks, in advance for any help.

Chris
 

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They go together just as the picture shows, so the lips of the metal and rubber cup around the tube. Turn the offset hole so it best covers the oblong hole in the tube.
 
The offset is the long side. see item 2.

offset
noun |ˈôfˌset, ˈäf-|
1 a consideration or amount that diminishes or balances the effect of a contrary one: an offset against taxable profits.
2 the amount or distance by which something is out of line: these wheels have an offset of four inches.
 
Tubular shock links were probably not one of Ford's better ideas. They are troublesome to install on a good day. I found that it was best to try to install the links to the arms and perches first, and then manipulate the arm to fit the shock. I might also recommend using some heavy grease to help hold those internal "caps" that ride against the perch balls when putting these together - otherwise they will move around on you as a matter of routine. Finally, once the links have been fitted to the "balls" on the arms and perches, be sure to tighten these down and align your holes for the cotter pins. It is much easier to perform this function before the arms are attached to the shocks. Good luck, my friend.
 
I used the tip given here on the bard to use grease the "glue" the internal pieces in place and mine went on with no problems. :D
 

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How much free play in the:

Shock arm around the shock pivot.

Linkage

I assume things should be snug with no noticeable free movement. On my 30 some are tight, some are sloppy.
 
I just went through this on my car. I found I couldn't get the pieces together. started to to some researcher and found that the metal tubes where almost 1/4" to long. After I cut the tubes down everything went together easily. So don't be afraid to trim the tubes if you find your's are to tall. If I did it again I would just measure up what I needed to get rid of and then use that measurement. That way everything will be a nice fit.

John Poole
 
Tinbasher said:
I just went through this on my car. I found I couldn't get the pieces together. started to to some researcher and found that the metal tubes where almost 1/4" to long. After I cut the tubes down everything went together easily. So don't be afraid to trim the tubes if you find your's are to tall. If I did it again I would just measure up what I needed to get rid of and then use that measurement. That way everything will be a nice fit.

John Poole
Click to expand...

John, do you mean the outside housing, or the spacer tube?
I assume you mean the spacer tube, but first thought of the housing tube.
 
For it to be loose, it would be a long outer housing.

If all parts are proper, my guess is wear of the brass ball seats or strung spring.

I was checking parts and saw the new teflon ball seats. No need to grease them.
 
To go back to the original question. The offset (longer part of the grease seal) both point up(lower and upper seal), or go by the diagram from Macs, the lower seal the offset is up and the upper seal(shock ball) points down.
 
if you look at the picture along with the original question. the picture is INCORRECT . the off set on both seals should be to the top. the picture shows one up and one down. I start off with the link in the horizontal position on the perch install the inner parts stand it up and push it on the shock arm then finish with the cup and plug.
 
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