Wallowing/rolling indicates my Monroe gas shocks may have reached the end of their useful life (45K miles). I wonder if any of the expensive high-end brands included with hi-po suspension kits sold by T-Bird suppliers would last longer?

I remember a time when OEM oil-filled shocks were routinely tossed with only 15K miles on them. The original parts on my Acura are still providing a very acceptable ride after a quarter million miles.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I used monroe coil over rear shocks and they have been working for about 7 years now.

55Birdman  Hickory NC

I have two 56's,one with Gabriels from NAPA and one with KYB from Concours.The Gabriels do a lot better job.The car with the KYBs handles awful on a wavy road.They do a terrible job of controlling rebound.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

Paul,



Do you have the Gabriel/NAPA part #, by any chance? One front shock has definitely failed, so I need to buy a spring compressor, I guess (?).

Also, the T-bird catalog KBY model description suggests they are adjustable?

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Oops (should have read the manual first). I guess the shock just drops down through the spring.

Would welcome any tips/advice re: parts not included with the shocks that should be replaced, whether the A-arm needs to be supported, etc,.

Anyone have experience with Bilsteins? Harsh rebound like the KBYs?

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Daniel - the shock goes in from the bottom. There is a plate on the bottom that is bolted to the lower A arm that comes off, holds the lower end of shock

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Hello all,2 numbers that were recomended by another 56 Ford owner are ,Front Gabriel 82026 and rear Gabriel G63398 Ultra which are actually listed for Ford pickup but are correct length and mounts for 56 Ford car.Chuck Gardiner came up with these after much experimenting and catalogue searching. www.chuckgardiner.com/1956ford.htm. (If you have not seen his car on his website have a look.A really excellent restoration)Regards,Mark

  

55Birdman,



Do you have a part #? Monroe web site does not include LoadLeveler/coil-over type in model specific, catalog listing.



P.S. The only front shock they recommend for T-Bird is a more expensive, limiting travel type (might consider for combating nose-dive). Gabriel site only lists the cheaper #82026 gas shocks.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Danial,  I have a monroe # 1007  for a front shock....wrote it in the back of my old 55 ford shop manual,  when i was playing with t-birds...Dont know if the number is still good , but maybe it will help.......Sam                                        west central Florida

56 victoria

Sam,



Thanks anyway, but must be an obsolete # (can't find in current catalog).

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA