I have spent a fair amount of time trying to find out which front shock to use when using Aerostar coil springs. Shock # 5821 is referred to in many threads about this swap. This shock has a stud on one end(top) & plate with two slots for bottom. The stock shock that came out of the car has a stud mount on both ends. Are people retrofitting the #5821 shock to fit? Shoebox Central also refers to a stud/slotted plate style shock for lowered cars Is there a shorter double stud style shock or can I use the stock shock(worried about them bottoming out) Thanks in advance.
I'll bump you up, but I think the question is a little unclear. Is price the reason for not trying the shoebox shocks? Do you have the original bottom adapters for the shocks with a stud at each end? Do you have an original shock to check original lengths? Most all the manufacturers have spec charts if you root around on the net.
Just make sure the bottom of the shock matches the holes on the lower arm. I had used the same shocks in my Ford and had to slot the holes to fit the '59 Ford. I eventually went back to stock cut springs and '59 Ford shocks.
I've already bought the 5821 shocks & the bolt slots for bottom mount don't match up. The bolt holes on shock are to narrow to fit bolt holes (where original bracket for stud mount bolt on) on lower control arms.
At the risk of sounding like a lazy shit, I thought I'd post this question to the group. The original post for the Aerostar spring conversion has been running for over a decade already, just thought there would be a definitive front shock part number that is being used that has a double stud configuration. Although I have a lot of time before this car actually sees the streets, it would be nice to figure it out & move on with the next part of the project. If people are using the 5821 shock, please explain how you made it work. Thanks again.
Here is what I would do. Find out the specs on that shock, then go to a shock chart ( all manufacturers have them) then find a shock that matches that has stud on each end.
Really thought this would be a quick answer. When reading through the posts concerning Aerostar springs, it seemed everybody with a Shoebox was doing it. Thanks for the suggestions.
Checking Rock Auto's 51 Ford shock listing they call for a double stud shock. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=9600&cc=1339556&jsn=412 Collapsed length being 8.56 inches which seems to be reasonably short. The 5821 is shorter overall and 1/2 inch shorter when collapsed. http://www.monroe.com/en-US/e-catalog/5821/ That isn't a lot of gain but not having the stud stick out the bottom may be the main reason guys run it and hassle with making it work. Searching the online Monroe catalog they aren't listing a front shock for a 51 ford only rear shocks so that may have some influence. http://www.monroe.com/en-US/e-catalog
At best I'm a new parts replacer, didnt think of that, I'll check it out. Was trying to use blind nuts that are originally on lower control arm. Thanks
I milled slots in my shocks and the ears were still too narrow, I used big thick washers but it didn't give me a warm and fuzzy. If the clip nuts can be moved, great. If not, Ace Hardware carries j-nuts in a 5/16 thread. Or JB Weld nuts inside the arm so you can start the threads and possibly get a wrench on the nut. I was going to machine something sexy up to retain the shocks a lot better, but removed the Aerostar springs from my '59.
Gabriel 82026 http://gabriel.com/product-search/light-vehicle-detailed-specs/?partnum=82026 $15.99 @ Autozone Guys in my 1952-59 Ford group have been using them for years with the Aerostars they have the correct ends you need.
Good morning Jeff...back again for more help with my 50 shoebox project.....all finished and on the road with the whistles a bells...except... It wallowed and rolled like a sailboat ..bilsteins in rear and 5821 Monroes in front eliminated the problem at lower speeds...however at 65-70 it still wallows and rolls over irregularities in the road...help? And thanks hope all is well with you..
May be the solution https://www.performanceonline.com/1...YHabzAv-cqUwq2EDkoIHxms8YKGAf3choCUiUQAvD_BwE And this: https://www.performanceonline.com/1949-53-Ford-Car-Sway-Bar-Kit-High-Performance-Front/
Thanks...installed the front sway bar from Jamco...changed front shocks to Bilsteins...completely cured body roll and wallowing ride is a little stiffer than I’d like but vey stable. Thanks again for your help and happy holidays!!
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