I had a problem with my brake lights, one or the other would be out sometimes. I checked bulbs and grounds and sometimes when I got ready to work on them they'd start working again by themselves. Well, this week a guy stopped me at a light and said you got a left brake light out. It dawned on me that I'd just made a right hand turn. I jiggled the turn lever and it moved up a little. When I got home I had Connie tell me if my brake lights worked after I used the self cancelling function of the turn signals. Sure enough, the lever wasn't returning all the way to the middle. It was enough to turn the turn signal off but not enough to close the circuit so the brake light would work.
Took the steering wheel off and sprayed silicone lubricant all over everything and the lever snaps back into the middle position perfectly now. I can't ever remember lubricating it before. Just thought you guys might like this information, especially if you are chasing a brake light problem. Jim
Jim had the exact same problem with the Ranchwagon! Exact same fix....good job!
Good info, Jim. I'm not having a brake light problem, but I do have a slightly sticky turn indicator. It's not a '57, 40 years newer but probably could use a little lubrication/cleaning.
I just finished installing the '55 shocks on my car 10 minutes ago, btw. Thanks again for the tip on that. I can't believe I had them on in 20 minutes....something must be wrong somewhere, lol. Nothing on my car is ever that easy.
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2015-12-04 21:25
Good info, Jim. I'm not having a brake light problem, but I do have a slightly sticky turn indicator. It's not a '57, 40 years newer but probably could use a little lubrication/cleaning.
I just finished installing the '55 shocks on my car 10 minutes ago, btw. Thanks again for the tip on that. I can't believe I had them on in 20 minutes....something must be wrong somewhere, lol. Nothing on my car is ever that easy.
Rich, if you've got wide tires and stock wheel wells you'll thank me when you jack the car up to take the tire off. I have no idea why they every put such a limited travel shock on a 57 to begin with.
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2015-12-04 21:25
Good info, Jim. I'm not having a brake light problem, but I do have a slightly sticky turn indicator. It's not a '57, 40 years newer but probably could use a little lubrication/cleaning.
I just finished installing the '55 shocks on my car 10 minutes ago, btw. Thanks again for the tip on that. I can't believe I had them on in 20 minutes....something must be wrong somewhere, lol. Nothing on my car is ever that easy.
Rich, can you get real specific as exactly what shocks you installed. As I recall, Jim used '55 or '56 Ford shocks, but I'd be interested in exactly what you purchased ( Part #? ) and from whom, if bought them on line.
Thanks
John
John...fronts (not installed yet)..KYB KG4515 2 @ 33.79 ea =67.58
rears Monroe 31125 (just a std. '55 shock)2 @ 15.33 ea = 30.66
shipping 8.09
total 106.33
Ordered from Rockauto.com at 3 pm Friday, received Monday!! The front shocks were what some members were using and recommended..can't remember who...Jim/Hiball??
The rear Monroe shocks were just as Jim Nolan posted. I was surprised to see they are made in USA.
i must have missed the post about the diff shocks by Jim Noland, over the years i remember taking off the rear tires and having problems, tell me where the post is, also, that was good info on the turn signals, i get tired of holding the arm making a right hand turn, thanks jerry
Hey, tell me about the KYB KG4515 front shock. Never heard anything about it before. What's the scoop.
Jerry...I can kill two birds with one stone on this one...heres a thread I had saved that started by quoting Jim's old thread on the rear shocks. and Jim...it went on to talk about the kyb front shocks.
http://57fordsforever.com/smf/index.php?topic=5973.0
I've got 3500 miles on the KYB so far so good.. Gabriels on the rear now have almost 6000 with no problem..
Rich, I gotta thank you for this information on rear air shocks. I didn't know the other thread existed. The Monroe 31125 rear shock specs are about the same as the MA739 Monroe Air Shocks. I had a set of Gabriel Air shocks on it once and it wouldn't let you change a tire any better than the original shocks so I took them off. The information you directed me to hooked me up on them. The Gabriel's from what I remembered had to have a minimum of 50Lbs in it and I was scared I'd beat my cross mount to death with them. These MA739 air shocks will work with 20-150 lb of air in them. I run air shocks on my 63 and love them. When we take trips I can load the trunk down and keep the car level, but, the 63 has a stronger shock mount than a 57. Sooooo, I just ordered the KG4515 and the MA739 shocks from Rock Auto. $130 counting shipping. I'm happy, thanks again for all this information.
The KYB KG4515 shock doesn't fit a 57 Ford. I cut a slot out of each mounting tab, used big washers and mounted them anyway. They are stiff and you can't compress them by hand. I want to see how they ride and I might try to find gas filled shocks that fit. Very unhappy to say the least.
Jim, aren't those shocks gas assist? Was the shock tied closed with a string that needed to be cut for install ? If so that would explain why you couldn't compress them by hand. Have used kybs for years and ride was always firm but not harsh.
Guess you'll know more after you take car out for a spin.
Zap- :unitedstates:
These are pretty stiff, like Jim said, can't be compressed by hand. I knew before I ordered them I'd probably have to slot the mounting piece. The only thing I was guessing wrongly at, was I thought they were adjustable shocks ...misled by the name GAS-A-JUST. Apparently they are "self adjusting to road conditions. Here's a KYB video on their shocks in general, including these.
I'm real anxious to find out how they perform for you, Jim. Hope they're ok after I led you in that direction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSwBro7HTn4&feature=youtu.be&rel=0&showinfo=0&modestbranding=1
Yes, they are gas shocks. I cut the bands and let them expand before installing, they are stiff but can be compressed by hand, eat more Wheaties :003: I wish they were adjustable like the old Gabriel adjustable E's, I don't know about auto adjust, sounds like a sales gimmick.
I'm really happy with mine, car handles great
Rich,
Oh, I'm going to use them. I just need to find thick washers to secure them better. I just took a air grinder with a small cutoff blade and cut the end so the mounting width would be wider. I think they'll be OK. KYB lists this shock as fitting a 57, so it sure isn't your fault. It's going to work.
My biggest disappointment came when I went to put my air shocks on the rear and the tailpipe was so close to the shock it'd end up rubbing. Now that's a big problem. Needless to say I'm not going to be taking my exhaust system apart and rebending it right now. Most of the stuff I do to my car I don't really have too, I just enjoy making it better and it gives me something to do. Time spent working on my 57 is time well spent and enjoyed.
Guys, there were no bands to cut, no strings to pull, no buttons to push. It was just extended to it's longest length, which was fine with me for installation purposes and I used a little hydraulic jack to compress them when I put them in. And, if you let the jack slip off, the shock extended again real quick. They're a different breed from the shocks I'm used to.
And I hate Wheaties. lol
Quote from: JimNolan on 2015-12-10 16:40
Guys, there were no bands to cut, no strings to pull, no buttons to push. It was just extended to it's longest length, which was fine with me for installation purposes and I used a little hydraulic jack to compress them when I put them in. And, if you let the jack slip off, the shock extended again real quick. They're a different breed from the shocks I'm used to.
That really unusual that they weren't strapped, were did you get them?
I don't like Wheaties either, and most other cereal :003:
Rock Auto
My Monroes were strapped, like Jim, my KYB's were not. Have you driven the car yet, Jim (Nolan)?
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2015-12-10 17:11
My Monroes were strapped, like Jim, my KYB's were not. Have you driven the car yet, Jim (Nolan)?
I'll drive it tomorrow, if nothing goes wrong. I need to find some real thick washers first and make sure the mounting is good. All I had were regular washers today.
Years ago got introduced to KYBs, at the time we were doing some club road racing. Lots of fun.gas assist shocks were just starting to become popular so we tried them and were really pleased with the improved ride. They were no match to the CARRERA 3 way adjustable shocks and struts we used on our production car but for street use they couldn't be beat for the price. Sold and installed a lot of them at the time. Never saw one that wasn't strapped then if they've done away that it's going to be hell for a lot of installs.
My understanding of gas versus oil only shocks is as follows. Stock oil filled shocks are doing just what their name states absorb or take away all the little jolts that different road surfaces produce. Giving us a comfortable ride. The difference with a gas assist is that by design meets that goal and also does its best to keep the tires firmly in contact with the road.
To me there was always a noticeable difference in performance in every car I owned that had them. It was most noticeable in my 1970 Ford Bronco.
It often pays to do just one upgrade at a time to really evaluate difference good ,marginal or bad. Since your doing just shocks hopefully your evaluation will be positive.
Zap- :unitedstates:
Guys,
I drove the car about ten miles today, going over railroad tracks and turning corners at higher speeds than normal. I thought they were better than the regular shocks. But, I do have a large 1 1/8" sway bar up front to begin with. That makes it harder to recognize better performance over one shock than another. As far as I can tell it had somewhat less bounce when both wheels hit the railroad track at the same time. And, I don't think my wheels ever left the ground either. Seemed solid. I'll keep them.
Good to hear.
Zap- :unitedstates:
Sounds like they worked out, Jim, and that's doubly good to hear since I've got them in my garage waiting to be put on!!
Glad you like them, I'm happy with mine and with the large sway bar I'm pleased with the cornering.
I still can't imagine why they weren't strapped, every gas shock I have ever used was. I would think having them strapped would save on packaging size and warehouse storage space.
Quote from: hiball3985 on 2015-12-11 18:27
Glad you like them, I'm happy with mine and with the large sway bar I'm pleased with the cornering.
I still can't imagine why they weren't strapped, every gas shock I have ever used was. I would think having them strapped would save on packaging size and warehouse storage space.
HiBall,
I'm glad they weren't straped. I had to jack the front end up with the wheels off the ground to begin with because I'm so big and fat that reaching the bottom bolts would have been hard for me. With them unstraped I had about 1 1/2" that I had to put a little bottle jack under and compress the shock with to get a bolt started. I was very pleased they were unstraped.
Quote from: JimNolan on 2015-12-11 18:37
HiBall,
I'm glad they weren't straped. I had to jack the front end up with the wheels off the ground to begin with because I'm so big and fat that reaching the bottom bolts would have been hard for me. With them unstraped I had about 1 1/2" that I had to put a little bottle jack under and compress the shock with to get a bolt started. I was very pleased they were unstraped.
I always cut the straps before installing, I don't think you can get them in far enough to reach the top when strapped. I was just surprised they shipped them that way..
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2015-12-05 07:44
John...fronts (not installed yet)..KYB KG4515 2 @ 33.79 ea =67.58
rears Monroe 31125 (just a std. '55 shock)2 @ 15.33 ea = 30.66
shipping 8.09
total 106.33
Ordered from Rockauto.com at 3 pm Friday, received Monday!! The front shocks were what some members were using and recommended..can't remember who...Jim/Hiball??
The rear Monroe shocks were just as Jim Nolan posted. I was surprised to see they are made in USA.
Rich, Jim Nolan and hiball3985 and anyone else on the Forum.........a couple of questions for you on shocks, as y'all have done the research to date. From what I've researched, Bilstein does not have front shocks for '57 Fords. Is that correct? Or is there another application for which Bilstein has a listing ? I looked at QA-1 as well and they have no listings either.
Rear Shocks. I looked up the Monroe #31125 '55/'56 Ford Fairlane Shocks and the Monroe listing makes no mention of Sedan ,Wagon etc.. One size fits all, I guess. So do I assume ( dangerous word, I know ) that since Monroe does not differentiate between models within those years, that this 31125 shock will "work" ,on my Ranchero, as Jim Nolan has described.
As usual, any input would be greatly appreciated, as I'm ready to buy shocks.
Thanks
John
Quote from: KYBlueOval on 2015-12-14 06:11
Rich, Jim Nolan and hiball3985 and anyone else on the Forum.........a couple of questions for you on shocks, as y'all have done the research to date. From what I've researched, Bilstein does not have front shocks for '57 Fords. Is that correct? Or is there another application for which Bilstein has a listing ? I looked at QA-1 as well and they have no listings either.
Rear Shocks. I looked up the Monroe #31125 '55/'56 Ford Fairlane Shocks and the Monroe listing makes no mention of Sedan ,Wagon etc.. One size fits all, I guess. So do I assume ( dangerous word, I know ) that since Monroe does not differentiate between models within those years, that this 31125 shock will "work" ,on my Ranchero, as Jim Nolan has described.
As usual, any input would be greatly appreciated, as I'm ready to buy shocks.
Thanks
John
I never found a listing for Bilstien either. The Monroe shock listed for the rears is for a 55/56 passenger car and won't work on the Ranchero, the top mounting on the Ranchero is different. I'm using Gabreils on the rear.
Quote from: hiball3985 on 2015-12-14 06:57
I never found a listing for Bilstien either. The Monroe shock listed for the rears is for a 55/56 passenger car and won't work on the Ranchero, the top mounting on the Ranchero is different. I'm using Gabreils on the rear.
Thanks Jim. Might you be able to tell me a part number or is it whatever Gabriel has listed for Rancheros?
John
Quote from: hiball3985 on 2015-12-14 06:57
I never found a listing for Bilstien either. The Monroe shock listed for the rears is for a 55/56 passenger car and won't work on the Ranchero, the top mounting on the Ranchero is different. I'm using Gabreils on the rear.
Jim , I just went to the Gabriel Website, and today there is no listing for rear shocks for Wagons/ Sedan Deliveries. Rancheros are not even listed in drop down. If you have a Gabriel Part # it would be greatly appreciated.
John
Quote from: KYBlueOval on 2015-12-14 07:39
Thanks Jim. Might you be able to tell me a part number or is it whatever Gabriel has listed for Rancheros?
John
Sorry John, I usually don't keep part numbers for items like this, just what ever Gabriel lists for Ranchero/Wagons
Quote from: KYBlueOval on 2015-12-14 07:46
Jim , I just went to the Gabriel Website, and today there is no listing for rear shocks for Wagons/ Sedan Deliveries. Rancheros are not even listed in drop down. If you have a Gabriel Part # it would be greatly appreciated.
John
I got mine from this guy on Ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/57-58-Ford-Ranchero-Skyliner-Station-Wagon-Gabriel-rear-shocks-absorbers-Pair-/161916847398?fits=Year%3A1957|Make%3AFord|Model%3ARanchero&hash=item25b2ff0526:g:Ak4AAOSwf-VWbUAv&vxp=mtr
Quote from: hiball3985 on 2015-12-14 08:00
I got mine from this guy on Ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/57-58-Ford-Ranchero-Skyliner-Station-Wagon-Gabriel-rear-shocks-absorbers-Pair-/161916847398?fits=Year%3A1957|Make%3AFord|Model%3ARanchero&hash=item25b2ff0526:g:Ak4AAOSwf-VWbUAv&vxp=mtr
Thank you!
Quote from: hiball3985 on 2015-12-14 08:00
I got mine from this guy on Ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/57-58-Ford-Ranchero-Skyliner-Station-Wagon-Gabriel-rear-shocks-absorbers-Pair-/161916847398?fits=Year%3A1957|Make%3AFord|Model%3ARanchero&hash=item25b2ff0526:g:Ak4AAOSwf-VWbUAv&vxp=mtr
Jim, I think I'll start a new post and see if there are any options. I'm sure what you are using will work as they no doubt working for you, but who knows what others might have come up with.
Thanks again
John
Just one more bit of information on the Monroe 31125 rear shock absorber. I never really witnessed the extent that the shock could be compressed. I knew for a fact it would drop your tire down to make changing it effortlessly. But, this summer I put slicks on it and collapsed the shocks far enough that the driveshaft got into the body of the car. I'm using a 4" driveshaft but still, the fit of this shock on a 57 shouldn't need to be questioned.
Those Monroe air shocks I just bought have extended and collapsed specs that are similar to the 31125 but they would get into my exhaust pipes because they are too big in diameter. Wish I'd found them before I had the exhaust system made.
Quote from: hiball3985 on 2015-12-14 06:57
I never found a listing for Bilstien either. The Monroe shock listed for the rears is for a 55/56 passenger car and won't work on the Ranchero, the top mounting on the Ranchero is different. I'm using Gabreils on the rear.
Check out these Bilstein's AK 1053 front shocks... I have seen them listed for '57 Fords in the past. They are what I am going to use to replace the KYB's I have now.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bsn-ak1053/overview/
Interesting, I don't know why they didn't come up in my searches, maybe because they aren't 57 specific. I don't understand the valving numbers in the notes? I sure don't want a drag race type shock.
These are not drag shocks as far as I know. Google PST suspension, they list Bilsteins for the front and rear on "57 Ford Fairlane 500's".
Thanks Lynn, I'll check that out..
Bilstein doesn't list the AK1053 on their website. But, the collapsed and extended lengths are about the same as the KG4515's. Let me know if the fork mount fit's the 57 at the bottom. These washers I have on mine is bothering me. I usually don't put up with using bailing wire to fix my car. That's what it feels like I'm doing with the KYB KG4515's.
It may be a while on the Bilsteins, I have KYB 343127 on the front now and they are OK, but I am looking to upgrade. Down on my "never ending" list.
Quote from: JimNolan on 2015-12-15 08:26
Bilstein doesn't list the AK1053 on their website. But, the collapsed and extended lengths are about the same as the KG4515's. Let me know if the fork mount fit's the 57 at the bottom. These washers I have on mine is bothering me. I usually don't put up with using bailing wire to fix my car. That's what it feels like I'm doing with the KYB KG4515's.
Agreed, not the best type of mounting but I have seen lots of cars over the years that mount the same way with washers. I was thinking of using a small piece of channel shaped steel rather then the washer, it's on the list. Unfortunately we can't always find exact replacement parts..