Stock shock links VS Dog Bone???

Robbie1

Robbie1

Junior Member
I have purchased new shocks for my 30 Tudor from Mike's. I bought the car without any shocks. Now I am waiting (impatiently) to find a place with either the stock links or dog bones in stock. I am still on the fence as which one to go with. Dog bones are easy and last with minimal maintenance? Stock links are...stock. Both will work just as well???

I have also seen a place that offered the dog bones with holes on opposite sides as well as on the same side??? Book looks like they should all be on the same side.

I appreciate all your help!!

J
 
I have been waiting on the original type, shocks for several months, nobody has them. And NO stipe shocks either.

Good Luck
 
lotsagas4u said:
I have been waiting on the original type, shocks for several months, nobody has them. And NO stipe shocks either.

Good Luck
Click to expand...

YA. Doesn't seem to be any time line for when they will be available. I have to admit, I didn't even know they were missing when I bought the car. I figured it out real quick when I about made a sun roof with my sons head after hitting a bump!
 
The original shock links are usually found at swap meets because a lot of people removed them in favor of the dog bones. Big swap meet, one of the biggest, the end of January, Turlock, California.

Tom Endy
 
I used reproduction original style tubular shock links with my new Stipe shocks. Yes, they are more difficult to install than dog bones; and yes, they require more maintenance than dog bones. But they look correct. Originals are first choice; reproduction original style are second choice; dog bones are a distant third choice, or a temporary choice until you can do better. Dog bones just don’t look right on an A.

W. Michael
 
This slide is an overview of comments above:
 

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  • Shock Absorber Links – Stock & Dog Bone.jpg
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I recently switched my front to dogbones because the stock type links popped off and disappeared. The first time they came loose, they didn't disappear. I will see how the dogbones perform in the long run but I don't expect them to disappear. I was told that the dogbones are not as good but if they don't disappear, they have an advantage.
 
I had Mr. Holland rebuild my original shocks, and he did a wonderful job.
I purchased the dog bones as the originals were missing. So far so good!
 
Robbie1 said:
I have purchased new shocks for my 30 Tudor from Mike's. I bought the car without any shocks. Now I am waiting (impatiently) to find a place with either the stock links or dog bones in stock. I am still on the fence as which one to go with. Dog bones are easy and last with minimal maintenance? Stock links are...stock. Both will work just as well???

I have also seen a place that offered the dog bones with holes on opposite sides as well as on the same side??? Book looks like they should all be on the same side.

I appreciate all your help!!

J
Click to expand...
The different hole locations are for use on later cars but the exact applications escapes me now.

Charlie Stephens
 
GeneBob,
When I got my Town Sedan, the left front shock link came off the car. Found out later that the PO had put the wrong direction shock on that corner. Also, if the cups are not properly seated in place and tightened down, they can also pop off.
John Holland rebuilt my original shocks and gave me a replacement for the incorrect front left shock that came on the car. I highly recommend John's work.
Even though the tubular shock links are a big PIA, I would go with them for durability and original look.
Tom L.
 
"I have also seen a place that offered the dog bones with holes on opposite sides as well as on the same side??? Book looks like they should all be on the same side." Normally the bolts go all the way through the two halves, so you may just be seeing them assembled with the nuts on opposite sides. Or someone is making them with a stud in each half, so they would be assembled the correct direction. If that is the case, I would pass them by. Unless you are doing a points car and considering Ford went to the dog bone type/shape, they look fine in my OP. :)
 
re the original style shock links.
why is the grease fitting on the bottom of the link? if the grease fitting was in the top or if it had grease fittings on the top and the bottom it would lubricate better.

just saying
 
Dirtrack49 - I had my shocks rebuilt by John Holland too. They work beautifully. I am really impressed with how well the stock shocks from 90+ years ago perform. As I said, I was told the original style links were the better choice but, frankly, I was tired of fighting them into place. I still have the original style on the rear axle.
I don't know how old John is but I hope he teaches someone how to work his magic before he retires from shock rebuilding.
 
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