1952-59 Ford Question on air shocks.

I'm thinking about putting air shocks on the back of my '54 because I want to control and adjust the rake. The original tube shocks measure 11-1/2" compressed and 20" extended. The distance between upper and lower shock mounts on the car is 17-1/2". I was looking at these Gabriel Hi-Jackers that say they'll fit a '54 Customline but the extended length is just a hair over 18". That doesn't seem to be high enough. Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?
https://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-4910...el+hi-jackers+49105+air+shocks,aps,165&sr=8-2

 

With the weight on the rear wheels, it is 17.5" between the shock mounts, leaving only 2.5" of travel, left on the stock shocks?

 

Gabriels for our Fords seem to run shorter this might be a solution. Monroes are usually slightly longer but they are no longer listed. I added 2" extensions to my rear shocks so the tire would drop down enough to remove them. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...gbm9Rx0WdfLBn9l879QrH5qgwFPX4ZKkaAiEWEALw_wcB

 

I have the Hijackers on my Sunliner along with the 2" extenders and they work fine. I have Posies lowering rear springs so I wanted to be able to compensate for my wife's luggage when we make trips.

 

Are the extenders installed on upper shock mount or lower?

 

I put mine on the top. Out of site. No problem with them there.. SO FAR

 

That is correct. The shocks may have been replaced at some time. They're very rusty but I do see a hint of Monroe blue paint on one of them.

Jeff, those extensions you listed are 3". Should I go with 3" or try to find some 2"? I plan to run 17" wheels in the back so I'll need to drop the suspension to change a tire also.

 

In that case an extra inch may be of help.

 

That's what SHE said...

 

I realize what what’s needed but extenders are a weak link in shock absorber use. Use the shortest you can. On solid rear ends, not independent, its best if they are mounter almost vertical but we don’t control that.

 

I recall around 1975, one place I worked fixed more than a few GTOs and Novas with the extenders ripped out, mostly on one side. We came up with an ingenious fix and made $$ on them.

 

Well, what was the fix.

 

I don't intend to autocross this thing but I'm not a fan of weak links at all. Any insight on your ingenious fix bobss396? I'm all ears!
BTW, I just bought the 49105's off Ebay, brand new and shipped $75. Score!

 

I worked in a tire store/dealer environment in the 70's and air shocks were all the rage. Jack the *** up and hang the widest tire and wheel combination you could even if it hung outside the fender. People were lifting the car up so high that the springs were not doing much at all and the weight was all on the air shocks. The shock mounts were not designed to carry this much weight and often failed but if you kept things within reason they did fine. On my 55 at the time I ran a Monroe coil over shock (load leveler) for a Mustang with a 2 inch extension and never had a problem but it was just an ***ist for the weak/sagging leaf springs. I wasn't trying to vary the "rake" with the shock, anything other than small changes wouldn't be wise in my opinion. Wrong tool for the job!

 

Since the plate, especially on the unibody Novas tore out, we made up new plates that were thicker and had our welder s***ch them in. We made them extra long and trimmed to fit.

 

Joe, did you just use Hijackers that were called out for the car? I think I may need to do the same since I am planning to lower the rear of my car a little more now that I am not hauling 6 people and luggage as often. I would like it to be a little lower with just me in it but would also like to keep my driveshaft off my tunnel when I may occasionally have a full car and trunk.

 

Yep, that is what I did Chris.#49105