shocks

[thumper]

Finishing up my installation of a booster and dual master cylinder, waiting for the valve and thought while i have it off the floor i would put new shocks on. Just looking for suggestions on brands in today's world, not looking for the cheapest just good ones.

[fdlrc]

There has been recommendations on this site to use a 56 rear shock for the added travel, which aids in changing the tire. I have standard Monroe brand from Napa, they seem fine.

[geraldchainsaw]

when u install new rear shocks,  get the ones that have more travel,  like 5",  when u get a flat with normal shocks the rear wheels don't come off,  at least thats been my experience

[hiball3985]

I switched to KYB on the front and I'm happy. They don't make one for the rear on Ranchero/Wagons so I have Gabriels back there.

[RICH MUISE]

I used the '56 Monroes on the back, and happy with them........although after 30k+ miles, i need to be thinking about replacing them with the same. I've got a part number somewhere, but may take hours to find it

[Tom S]

I used the '56 Monroes on the back, and happy with them........although after 30k+ miles, i need to be thinking about replacing them with the same. I've got a part number somewhere, but may take hours to find it

These with 8.5" of travel?
https://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Ford/Customline/Monroe/Shock_Absorber_and_Strut_Assembly/1956/SET-TS31125-2.html?apwcid=gglpla&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_campaign=824996321&gclid=CjwKCAjwxaXtBRBbEiwAPqPxcHMzwfXMBsGegDGX4Zl1_uWSr3cIS1UczOe_Sa31iVaFZI3Yv2Qo9BoCrUkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[lalessi1]

I am running Gabriel Highjackers air shocks for a '56 on the back and Bilsteins on the front.

[RICH MUISE]

Not sure of the compression  travel, but I do know it's less than the 57 shocks have. That may be an issue for a wagon or Ranchero with a load in the back. Jim Nolan is the one that did the initial research/trial and error on them and reported no problems with his 2 dr htp. Likewise, I have had no issues with them on my Custom.
That could be the pn, Tom...I'll look when I can to see what I got. If it is, Rockauto has them at 17.42 each........that's almost 1/2 of the source you posted.

[Tom S]

Not sure of the compression  travel, but I do know it's less than the 57 shocks have.
That may be an issue for a wagon or Ranchero with a load in the back. Jim Nolan is the one that did the initial research/trial and error on them and reported no problems with his 2 dr htp. Likewise, I have had no issues with them on my Custom.
That could be the pn, Tom...I'll look when I can to see what I got. If it is, Rockauto has them at 17.42 each........that's almost 1/2 of the source you posted.

If you're talking about the ones I posted it doesn't mention compression travel as such & I have no idea what the average installed length would be for most '57s.
Among other things it gives these numbers.
Collapsed Length :  12.25 in. Collapsed Length 
Extended Length :  20.75 in. Extended Length 
Damper Travel :  8.5 in. Damper Travel
Looks like they're the very same ones that Rockauto has.  Part#31125, $17.42 each, 
I didn't spend much time searching, just posted one of the ones that popped up.

[RICH MUISE]

I found it and the rears I used are the Monroe 31125

[rmk57]

  The oem shocks have a 10.75 compression and 17.25 extension. It seems the 56 shocks may be better for removing larger tires because of the extension but the oem shocks would be better if your going with original 14 tires and careering more weight. 

[Tom S]

Found what looks like the thread JimNolan first made about using '55 Ford rear shocks. Yup, the 31125 Monroe Matic Shocks.
('56 rear shocks would be the same.)
http://57fordsforever.com/smf/index.php?topic=2674.msg15175#msg15175

Of course you would have to make some sort of adaptation to the upper mounting to bolt to a Ranchero or wagon.
Haven't yet figured out what 'made in USA' rear shocks are my blue Ranchero but they did let the rearend drop far enough to pull a rear tire with ease without disconnecting them & they did have the type of upper end that bolts right up. Couldn't find a brand name on 'em & I couldn't determine what they were from the numbers I saw on 'em.  Need to take one off for a better look but I moved that Ranchero with it's %$@&!! busted
auto transmission into a guy's storage shop 2 days ago.

[RICH MUISE]

That brings up a possible issue we haven't discussed in the past that I'm aware of. Is the shock mount in your pic typical of Ranchero's and wagons and sedan deliveries, or has someone modified yours?  I'm surprised Ford went to a different design, but possibly because there was less room for the stud mount on models with flat floors?

[gasman826]

The wagons, Courier and Ranchero rear shocks are located behind the axle with a much stronger, relocated cross-member.  The Raunch Wagon came from the previous owner with air shocks.   I run these shocks for several years with about 15 lbs of air.  With more horse power, I needed more control at the rear.  I reverse engineered the part number on the air shock to find the application was 2nd Gen F body GM.  The adjustable QA1s do a super job.

[hiball3985]

That brings up a possible issue we haven't discussed in the past that I'm aware of. Is the shock mount in your pic typical of Ranchero's and wagons and sedan deliveries, or has someone modified yours?  I'm surprised Ford went to a different design, but possibly because there was less room for the stud mount on models with flat floors?

Rich thats how the Ranchero etc mount, they have a crossmember that the passenger cars don't. They were more heavy duty, bigger axle bearings etc and were rated to carry as much weight as a 1/2 ton pickup. This is why I couldn't get KYB shocks for the rear.