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Technical 51 Ford shoebox rear axle travel question

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by CJ101, Oct 8, 2021.

  1. CJ101
    Joined: Apr 20, 2021
    Posts: 44

    CJ101
    Member

    Hello! I have a 51 Ford Deluxe. I've replaced the rear springs with new (like for like) and installed new shackles and new shock absorbers. Everything was ordered as stock replacement and they all measure up equally against what came out. I'm just plumbing the brakes (narrowed and installed a Ford 8.8 axle) and when I jacked up the frame to get max axle travel to make sure the rear brake line had enough play, I noticed the shock absorbers limit the axle travel. I wouldn't have expected that. The Ford 8.8 axle doesn't affect anything as it is above the springs and the bottom shock absorber mount is in "stock" location under the leaf spring. Now, unless I do some Dukes of Hazard jumps the car shouldn't see this amount of axle travel. I'm just wondering if this seems right? I'm wondering if once the car drives for a bit and sits for a bit, the suspension will settle out and not have as much downward travel? I unfortunately didn't notice what the situation was when I removed all the old parts but I did remount an old shock absorber and it limits travel too. I'd appreciate any incite anyone has! Thanks
     
  2. junkman8888
    Joined: Jan 28, 2009
    Posts: 1,035

    junkman8888
    Member

    Using the shocks to limit downward travel of the rear end is normal and necessary to prevent damage to the rear brake lines, also, if coil springs are used on the rear end, the shocks limit downward travel to keep the coil springs from falling out.
     
    BJR and olscrounger like this.
  3. CJ101
    Joined: Apr 20, 2021
    Posts: 44

    CJ101
    Member

    Just needed one comment to ease my mind and that makes good sense. Thanks!
     
  4. jimmy six
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 14,795

    jimmy six
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Depending on your installation a lot of lowered cars need to disconnect the shock to change a tire. When I installed an 8.8 I went with a longer “flexible” hose as felt it didn’t look right when I had it up on jack stands.
     

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