Took the '55 out for the first time last weekend and, with the frost heaved roads, new shocks are at the top of the list. Those that are running KYBs - what part number works for you in the rear? I've come up with #5517, but keep getting conflicting yes/no on fit. Stock height. I've got a set of Aerostars for the front to go in with new shocks, but don't plan on lowering the rear.
I ordered mine from PSI. Out of the brown truck, screwed them on and love them. I just called and ordered, they know the numbers.
The 5517's are the ones shown in their application chart, but I found they are a little bit short and used shock extensions.
That was just it - my mistake was searching specifically on "Fairlane". Every vendors pull-down list shows it doesn't fit when you plug in "1955 Fairlane". Finally took a look at the application pdf on JEGS, http://www.jegs.com/i/KYB/575/KG5517/10002/-1 and it shows 5517 for pretty much every 52-56 Ford but the Fairlane, so I'm going ahead ***uming somebody made a mistake and simply forgot to include it. I've got a copy of Hollanders, so tonight I'll doublecheck first if it's in there.
According to the FAQ Sticky, the 5517'a are for a lowered suspension. So my guess is they are going to be too short for your stock ride height and why the catalogs are saying they won't fit.
I compared specs with the recommended Gabriels and they are almost identical. KYB lists them as the correct shocks for every other '55 Ford except the Fairlane. I even stopped by O'Reillys to price them and and same story - they couldn't find them under Fairlane. They could under any other Ford. As an fyi - O'Reilly's price was 2x what you could find them for pretty much anywhere online.
So I'll throw a little confusion into the mix,I went to Autozone and got the Gabriel gas shocks @ $19.99 each part # 82026 (F) 81270(R) they show the KYB KG4503 (F) $51.99 and KG 5517(R) $68.99 my '54 is not lowered but after I replaced the rear shocks I could not get the tire back in the rear wheel well,Whatz Up!! well I removed one side and compared it to the old Motorcraft and the Gabriel was 1 1/2" shorter ?? Solution: had to add Mr.Gasket 2" shock extensions and I was back in business.So this tells us why the replacements will work with a car lowered 2"-3".
not on a 54 but on my 51 coupe used a pair of KYB gas shocks meant for the rears of a 74 Chevy LUV pickup, had them and the fit perfectly. No idea on number.
I was wondering about this, so I compared lengths - you're right. I couldn't find the specs for the Motorcraft, but posted the rest of them in the FAQ. The listed Monroes are about 2 3/4" longer than either the Gabriels or KYBs.
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