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Technical 1941 Chevy knee action shocks

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by kustomkat1950, Jul 10, 2024.

  1. kustomkat1950
    Joined: Sep 18, 2010
    Posts: 105

    kustomkat1950
    Member
    from Coastal GA

    Howdy all. I blocked the rear of my '41 5 inches, got it to where I like it. Problem is, the exhaust goes over the axle, so I am going to re-route that. I get a really nice clank over bumps.

    My question is, I feel like my shocks are bottoming out due to the drop. I want to cut the linkage betwixt the knee shock and the axle, and re-tap the threads. Take about three inches out of the shock travel?

    But I blocked it, so theoretically, I just relocated the suspension ^^ 5 inches. All travel should be the same, no?

    Am I over-thinking this? Thanks all. IMG_20240703_163349477_HDR.jpg
     
  2. The shocks are mounted on the axle with a linkage bar up to the frame like Buick, correct? For the shocks to work correctly, the internal piston in the shock needs to be in the same relative position as it was originally. Shortening the linkage rod and re-threading it should work.
     
  3. kustomkat1950
    Joined: Sep 18, 2010
    Posts: 105

    kustomkat1950
    Member
    from Coastal GA

  4. More research revealed that the shocks are mounted to the frame in the Chevy, with the linkage rod down to the axle. Shortening the linkage rod should still be the answer.
    Nice 41 BTW
     
  5. You can work out if you need to shorten them by getting under the car (maybe over a pit or with a video camera), and disconnect the links, then get someone to bounce the car up and down at the back. This will give you an idea of the amount needed. I had a '47 (same setup) and it was lowered 3" at the back, and the original shocks and links worked fine, although I have seen those links with a bend in them, which may have been from the shock bottoming out.
     
  6. kustomkat1950
    Joined: Sep 18, 2010
    Posts: 105

    kustomkat1950
    Member
    from Coastal GA

    Thanks all. Yup, one had a slight bend to it. Cut 2 1/2 inches out, rewelded the bumpstop for the rubber bushing, and tapped it. Seems to work, but I had a couple beers in the garage last night so no road test. Will check later. Thanks again.

    Also, caught myself about to tack weld in flip-flops...I did that once. Never again..Be warned, it hurts
     

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