‘66 shock question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 418
Likes: 32
From: Ct
‘66 shock question
My car is a ‘66 427/390. I understand it came with standard suspension shocks, not the F41 shocks.
In ordering replacement shocks they seem to come just black (at least one vendor).
I ordered a set set of four L36 standard shocks. Now that I have them, I got two L36 fronts and two HD L72 fronts.
Interestingly, they appear nearly identical. I called the vendor to send the F41 set back and get the rears I wanted.
I had them out of the box before discovering they they were actually all fronts. Now I’m not sure what set is the standard, which is the F41. Neither is the vendor, They are going to pull a set and look at the stampings.
So the real real question is, they look the same, they all need gray paint, it’s not like I’m fooling anyone, they will be new and look reasonably proper.
Would you put the F41 or standard 427/390 shocks in?
The car has a stock 7/8 bar up front and I assume correct springs.
Kinda tempting to put in, i assume, stiffer L72 shocks. I bet a lot of modders did it in the day.
I do want the car to be close to original so really asking about ride and what you guys guys have seen and done.
Thanks,
Dennis
In ordering replacement shocks they seem to come just black (at least one vendor).
I ordered a set set of four L36 standard shocks. Now that I have them, I got two L36 fronts and two HD L72 fronts.
Interestingly, they appear nearly identical. I called the vendor to send the F41 set back and get the rears I wanted.
I had them out of the box before discovering they they were actually all fronts. Now I’m not sure what set is the standard, which is the F41. Neither is the vendor, They are going to pull a set and look at the stampings.
So the real real question is, they look the same, they all need gray paint, it’s not like I’m fooling anyone, they will be new and look reasonably proper.
Would you put the F41 or standard 427/390 shocks in?
The car has a stock 7/8 bar up front and I assume correct springs.
Kinda tempting to put in, i assume, stiffer L72 shocks. I bet a lot of modders did it in the day.
I do want the car to be close to original so really asking about ride and what you guys guys have seen and done.
Thanks,
Dennis
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,265
Likes: 2,131
From: Bowling Green, Kentucky
I would first find out the differences between the two types of shocks: piston diameter, and the lift and rebound differences. Also maximum extended length for the rears (to avoid trailing arm/half shaft binding if rear tires leave the pavement. This measurement is 14.25 inches from center of mounting holes for the rears. Fronts have no requirement.
Then make your decision.
Years ago, many of us went to shocks with a bigger piston to better control wheel hop. But you really have to know the lift and rebound specs as well. Are they 90/10, 75/25, 50/50?? Then compare to originals. Noland's Book on C2 Restoration or the AMA Design Specs should have this info. I know I have it in some of my books, but they are currently all stored away. But it should be available if you check a few places.
Larry
Then make your decision.
Years ago, many of us went to shocks with a bigger piston to better control wheel hop. But you really have to know the lift and rebound specs as well. Are they 90/10, 75/25, 50/50?? Then compare to originals. Noland's Book on C2 Restoration or the AMA Design Specs should have this info. I know I have it in some of my books, but they are currently all stored away. But it should be available if you check a few places.
Larry
Last edited by Powershift; Mar 29, 2019 at 05:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 418
Likes: 32
From: Ct
I would first find out the differences between the two types of shocks: piston diameter, and the lift and rebound differences. Also maximum extended length for the rears (to avoid trailing arm/half shaft binding if rear tires leave the pavement. This measurement is 14.25 inches from center of mounting holes for the rears. Fronts have no requirement.
Then make your decision.
Years ago, many of us went to shocks with a bigger piston to better control wheel hop. But you really have to know the lift and rebound specs as well. Are they 90/10, 75/25, 50/50?? Then compare to originals. Noland's Book on C2 Restoration or the AMA Design Specs should have this info. I know I have it in some of my books, but they are currently all stored away. But it should be available if you check a few places.
Larry
Then make your decision.
Years ago, many of us went to shocks with a bigger piston to better control wheel hop. But you really have to know the lift and rebound specs as well. Are they 90/10, 75/25, 50/50?? Then compare to originals. Noland's Book on C2 Restoration or the AMA Design Specs should have this info. I know I have it in some of my books, but they are currently all stored away. But it should be available if you check a few places.
Larry
Has anyone run F41 shocks on a 1966 428/390 is the question.
I need to return a set. They appear identical as far as installation.
Install the stock replacement or bolt in the F41 shocks?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,658
Likes: 3,665
From: Central Arkansas
Can't answer your question with a definite or experienced answer - but if original type shocks (not gas, etc) you are dealing with 60 year old technology. Running the F41 shocks would probably be little different than a cheap set of HD modern shocks.
