tube shocks vs lever

Hi guys , I have a question about tube shocks and lever shocks. Im
building a 34 ford pu with a flathead and now working on the front suspension. I have a hooded tube shock mocked up and it doesn't look
quite right.....I think a lever shock would look more the part but I don't
know if they would work ok on something that was going to be driven
often. Thanks for your help.

-Joe

 

Lever shocks in good condition work just fine. I've ran several cars using Armstrong lever shocks from the rear of a MG Midget, compact and work well on a rod.

 

There is a reason why they disappeared after the hydraulic tube shock came around.

They do work, but not so well when compared to something like a Bilstein or even a lesser brand.

Try a set of tube shocks without the hoods.

 

The early Ford shocks can be expensive when compared to the normal tube shocks. Not only the rebuilt shocks but the arms, links and shackle bolts can add up, but if the look is worth it to ya, go for it. They say 40s to me. By the early 60s they were mostly gone on hot rods.

 

if you find old levers, make sure they are dual action. The real early autos used single action... no damping in one direction.