Alan,



Did that extra leaf raise the rear end any? I likely would have gone that way if my springs had needed replacing, as that upgrade is an often recommended improvement for 55s. Since the shock change was overdue anyhow, the coil-overs were a simple way to gain a bit of rear-end height, and firm up the handling just a tad.



If you order a set from the same place, be advised that I specified a weaker-than-standard helper spring, and insisted on low pressure gas instead of the standard oil-filled (invoice # was 24107, if that's any help). Ride is just barely firmer than the Monroe gas shocks I took off. You might not want to sacrifice ALL the extra handling you are used to, and with a jillion miles on your springs, you may need more height than me if you pull that extra leaf.



My rear springs weren't really sagging (going by 50's photos of new Birds hubcap-skirt distance), and I think it likely my slight reverse rake was the result of new front coils a bit longer than stock, installed by a previous owner (again, from vintage photos of tire/fender relationship)?

Since all the springs were fine otherwise, the car has now been leveled with a minimum of fuss, and the extra inch of ground clearance just makes it easier to work on.




6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Daniel thanks for the update-I've had an extra leaf in my bird for a jillion years and should probably remove it and go your route. less sway, but a harsher ride-which was fine when I was a kid. your deal seems to make more sense. would like to hear more.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Didn't occur to me until the next day, but for the benefit of anyone else changing rear shocks for the first time; If you remove/insert both instead of changing/tightening one-at-a-time, no prying would likely be required (duh....)!

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

FYI/update:



Finally installed the "Load-Leveler/coil-over" gas shocks from Shockfinders (800-344-1966/$160) today . As I requested, they raised the rear about an inch, the ride is firm but not harsh, and they fit OK with no interference (had to pry on the second one just a bit to squeeze it into place). Sometimes you win one.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

If anyone is interested, the Monroe tech. rep. referred me to a place called "Shock Finders" that custom-builds coil-over/LoadLeveler type shocks for applications no longer serviced by Monroe/Gabriel, etc.

They are a bit pricey, but you can specify the amount of lift/support needed, and the model of base shock you desire.

I ordered a set of low-pressure gas shocks with lighter (700#), progressive (?) springs for the rear of my "55 Bird, and will report later on the outcome.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Sam,



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

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

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

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

  

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