I am sure my answer is in a sticky but, I thought I would ask anyway. I have a 59 Custom 300. I did the Aroestar spring swap. What shocks is (part number) everyone using?
Hi, I checked my notes and it says KYBs #KG5514 should work. Hope this helps. You might also want to cut the lower stops in half, to keep from bottoming out.
I ended up with KYB 4503 https://www.hotrodreverend.com/post/2017/09/09/55-ford-fairlane-restoration-blog-part-6
There has been some issues with the KYB shocks and some members posted that they removed them, I removed them as a recommendation in the "Sticky" file, to my knowledge no one that used the Gabriel 82026 gas shock was unhappy with them.
Jeff, I'm curious as to what the problems with KYB shocks are because of an issue I had with them on an older ford. I put tube shocks on my '38 a few years back. The shocks that came with the conversion kit seemed weak, so I put KYB on it. It wasn't long until one of the upper brackets broke. I thought it wasn't up to the stiffer shock. I'm just curious what problems they cause on later cars.
My 59 frt shocks mounts using a T mount and 2 bolts on the bottom A arm. I looked up the Gabriel 82026 for the stroke length and compared them to the stock length. Looks like the 82026 is about an 1/2 inch shorter than stock. This is a start. Thanks for the info.
I'm running KYBs on my '57. It has dropped spindles and shortened oem replacement springs because the Aerostars with the dropped spindles (from Dave) were too low and kept bottoming out. I think my '57 is closer to your '59 setup, if not the same, than the guys with the earlier years above. I've had no issues with the KYBs. I can try and figure out/find the number if you want. Keep in mind, very few cars are alike with respect to ride height, performance, etc. Case in point, in '57, Ford used 9 different front coil springs on their cars depending on drivetrain and options. They did this to have all cars leaving the factory at the same ride height. Weight of the drivetrain being the main factor. Mine is all aluminum engine, heads, intake,******* As far as I know, most of what I said pertains to springs, not shocks, but just throwing it out there as we have no idea what your drivetrain /accesories are, so YOUR results may vary.
Usually bump steer and bottoming out and a harsher ride with the KYB's was the complaint, notice in the above posts two different KYB part numbers were used, so it's a toss up as to which may or not work for you.
I used Monroe shocks, the lower bolt locations had slots I had to mill out and use big washers, not recommended. May have been P/N 5821.
I'll dig around in the online catalogs and look for the specs. I can't remeber the part of what I put on it now. I looked at stock specs and went about 2 inches less than stock.
I left what was there for about 4 years before buying replacements. Can’t remember what they were but felt the same. Since the AeroStars are compound wound I wish the shocks I have would be a little stiffer or have a slower rebound. I’ve been thinking of calling the guy who does my sons dirt car shocks to make me some.
The Gabriel 82026 are shorter than OEM and the Monroes as are the rear shocks as I found out after installing the Gabriel 81270 the tire did not clear the wheel well as they did with the old Monroe shocks.
Caveat. I have a 56. I used Moog CC850 Springs, Mr Gasket 1285 spacers and KYB 4503 Shocks. Same setup as the HRR. It stays off the bump stops nicely. Night and day ride improvement.
I used the equivalent Delco springs when you look them up on rockauto. Then ordered them through autozone or something and got the discount and free shipping. Also the moog were not available at the time I also ordered the spacers but didn't need them. I still want like 1" drop further. Kyb shocks but the ride just kind of floats not stiff but there are rough streets in LA. double check the spring set when you get them do they match, also make sure they seat in the upper pocket properly. I'm running stock tire size 14-800 bias-ply
I finally got off my***** and measured the shock length and travel with the new springs. Then did some math and have the numbers I need to go hunting through the catalogs. I appreicate everyone's good info.
After a few months of driving the springs may settle another half to three quarters of an inch depending on the weight of what is under the hood.
Been this way 1-2 years, maybe. I think I noted the height someplace, I would say 1/4" to 3/4" at best, but not enough, I actually have not see it go down much.. I have a 351W with a C4.
Could someone confirm what shock # KYB, MONROE, GABRIEL (mounting style) fits the 59? I dont have the car here to look at and im ordering the parts for it ahead of time, Got the cc850 springs and Mr Gasket 1285 spacers on order just in case they are needed. but id like to get shocks as well. I see some mentioned have a single post and some have 2 bolt slots. not sure what the 59 uses, thanks
I’ve just installed KYB 4503’s. I needed a bottle jack to install them. My originals were 50-50 these are closer to 90-10’s or 80-20’s. I’ve had trouble over dips with rebound but the KYB’s are way better.
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