I've got a set of Durant monoleaf springs and I-beam axle under the front of my 55 Chevy truck. The truck rides like I mounted the axle directly to the frame! I installed gas shocks when I built the truck, and someone told me that they might be making the ride too harsh and that I should use hydraulic shocks instead. Problem is, I can't find anyone that carries them. Has anyone else had this problem w/ gas shocks and monoleafs? Do the monoleaf springs just ride more harsh than stock springs? Anyone have this type of setup under their truck? I really like the thought of using the I-beam, so don't even try to suggest IFS!
The Durant on my 32 rides very nicely A touch softer than the Posies Super Slide that was on it. Monroe makes a 'stock' replacement shock for older cars and they may have one for your truck. I bought a pair for the front of my 50 Plymouth coupe, but didn't care for them. For the Plymouth, a gas shock would have been considerably better. Fwiw - your gas shock is a hydraulic shock. Gas over fluid is used to help prevent aeration of the hydraulic fluid. I understand that an air over fluid shock aerates rapidly when the shock temperatures rise considerably. Gas shocks resist aeration better at high temperatures. Shock temps are usually not a concern with a street car, but high temps create problems in motocrossers and off-road race cars and trucks.
I bought shocks for my Astro Van and a 56 Chevy truck at the same time and the guy gave me two pairs of the same shock. I asked why and he said the front shock on the truck came up the same part number as the rear of the Astro Van. Your mileage may differ.... (Not suggesting you specify Astro Van shocks, just saying they will probably still be making the size for a long time to came!)
I've got monoleafs and gas shocks all around on my 58 Chevy pickup and it rides and handles very well. Very satisfied with them. Did you use the correct shocks which are shorter than stock? If not they might be bottoming out. Max
Thanks for all your help guys! All I did to figure the shock length was measure between the mounts, then subtracted a couple inches for the collapsed length. Not sure if that's right or not, but the shocks I bought had plenty of travel. They're Sensatrac shocks from NAPA. When I'm driving on a fairly smooth road, the truck seems really bouncy. When I hit a bump, it feels like I've got no suspension- it jars the whole truck.
[ QUOTE ] Did you use the correct shocks which are shorter than stock? If not they might be bottoming out. Max [/ QUOTE ] Try disconecting the top of the shock from the upper mount, and see how much "travel" (in and out) you have. If the shock won't "compress" or "extend" at least a couple of inches above and below the mount (upper) while the truck is at rest; then the shocks aren't the right ones for your application. Measure the distance from the axle to the "snubbers", (or where ever the snubbers touch when the truck hits a BIG bump) that distance should still allow for a bit more compression of the shock. (eye to eye distance of the shock in full compression) Then put a floor jack under the FRONT CROSS member, (allows the front axle to "hang" down) disconect BOTH shocks for this part; then measure the eye to eye distance, (upper shock mount to lower shock mount) this will give you the amount of "travel." (in and out of the shock piston rod) Compare these dimentions to the shocks you are using. I have a feeling the shocks you have are TOO LONG, and are bottoming out. Take the dimentions to your local auto parts store along with one of the shocks (to get the right ends) and have them look up a part number that has the specs. you need. Several of the shock manufactureres have books that give length, mount, etc.
Dave- When I measured for shocks the truck was set up like it is now and at rest. The measurement between the mounts was 15". I have the shocks off the truck now and I collapsed them and got a measurement of 12" and an extended length of 17". I don't think the shocks are bottoming out- they don't seem to "give" enough for the suspension to travel that much. The truck rides like I have two solid bars mounted where the shocks should be. I took the shocks off, as an experiment, and drove it a little ways down the road to see if it made the ride any softer. I thought my head was gonna smash through the roof of the truck! So I know the springs are working- VERY bouncy! Maybe I've been driving modern trucks for too long and this is just the way these old trucks ride... Thanks for all your help everyone!!!
I would think the front of a truck (nose heavy) with supple springs would need more than 6 inches of shock travel? Am I way off with that? You don't want the shock to be the bump-stop....
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