Ok, I got the bottoms nuts off the shocks and went to remove the top. The bolt just spun. Is there a bolt head I can hold onto or is it fixed to the support somehow?
Mike
Which model? On the sedans and hardtops, the top and bottom of the rear shocks have a stud on each end, with a nut. On wagons, Sedan Delivery, and Ranchero models, there is a stud on the bottom, with a tie bar on top, with a nut and bolt on each side, so a total of 4 nuts and bolts for the upper rear mounting.
Sorry I need to change my tag line to include the wagon. Ok, that makes sense that they would be bolts. Just was sure if they were caged or not.
Mike
I just finished this task, rears on a Ranchero. Top of shocks were anchored by common 5/16 hex bolts and nuts, no special captive hardware.
If the upper hardware is in good condition and not being replaced one of the two upper bolt sets can be just loosened instead of removed. The shock will tip out of the loose bolt. Makes it easier to hang the new shock and start the other nut. I loosened the rears, removed the fronts.
This truck's suspension seems to be OE but the extended length of the catalog recommend shock seemed short. I felt that the shock might "stub" on a long stretch-out. I tried a couple of brands, including one packaged in 1966, they all seemed short, to me.
( You know how a '57 will "float" going into a dip with the 'shine tank empty. LoL )
I went by the spec section of the catalog and found a shock that had a longer extended length. To boot it has a slightly shorter compressed length. All seems well with a road test.
If it's of any interest I can dig for and post the part number.
Early GM 'F' body QA1 single adjustable were the only shocks that controlled the rear end the way I wanted (that I've tried so far). Double adjustable let me tune the front and eliminate the 'float'. Most brands of shocks available in the big box stores are owned and manufactured by companies owned by Tenneco...Monroe Shock. So buying a different color doesn't change the performance. As to length, my 10.5" tires clear due to disc brakes.
gasman826, I see you have a rear sway bar under the housing. What application was it for? I've been adapting similar under the housing design from a 69 mustang application as well.
I agree that there are very few shock choices that control the rear of our wagons/cars. The QA1 you recommended seems to be a good choice. Could you list a part number if available?
shocks:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/402830651927?epid=1130420462&hash=item5dca93f217:i:402830651927
rear sway bar:
https://www.addco.net/product/ford-full-size-rwd-including-crown-victoria-19910-5-11-rear-379/