Early A: Have plans/diagram/photos of Rear Shock Extension?

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dibbons

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The one full leaf I added to both sides of the rear suspension of the '65 Formula S may have lifted the rear more than a couple of inches (it looks almost as if the stock-style shocks are fully extended at rest). I was thinking about a two-inch or so rear shock extension of some kind. Need an idea of how to fabricate such puppies if I go forward with the plan. Thank you.

shock ruler copy.JPG
 
The instructions (photo #1) don't even show a bolt or nut in the original rubber bushing location on the bottom, looks like it just gets squished from another smaller bolt located in the middle/center of the extension itself. But the installed photo (#2) looks like I see a nut/washer installed down there.

Shock Extensions directions.jpeg


shock extenders installed.jpeg
 
The instructions (photo #1) don't even show a bolt or nut in the original rubber bushing location on the bottom, looks like it just gets squished from another smaller bolt located in the middle/center of the extension itself. But the installed photo (#2) looks like I see a nut/washer installed down there.

View attachment 1715721113

View attachment 1715721114
Yes, read post #6
 
Yeah go for it. Best thing since sliced bread.
 
Either the Imperial shocks or I used the Mopar drag shocks on mine. I forget the part # but you can get them thru Summit and others.

Tim
 
I "used" to run these, low buck, and could not find a correct shock.
What I did was mount them on the top.
You could not see them that way.
 
My question in post number one seems to have gotten detoured some how. Whatever happened to the spirit of "hot rodding"? I am not going to replace almost new shocks with new shocks (which could be China crap anyway), thank you very much. Why are so many willing to spend my own money (lol)?
 
You would need to contact a shock manufacturer or get into their technical charts for a longer shock. I looked up 66 Dart and 66 Chrysler Imperial. Same rear shock for both applications.
 
I know all about longer shocks. Back in the '70's i used the Chrysler super stock springs and the Chrysler recommended shocks (longer) on my bracket racer.

Today, 2021 I am in Mexico with a stock 318 Barracuda in a different situation, just looking into the possibility of shock extensions and I would appreciate any input on THAT installation/fabrication. Thanks again.
 
I used the shock extensions on my car, because I was worried about breaking my beloved hydraulic Koni's, when I put in heavier rear springs, which lifted the rear of the car. Never had an issue with the extensions.
 
I always liked the look of those shock extensions, so much so that I had them chrome plated so you could really see them. : ) And yep, they mount on the lower end just as a shock would using nut/washer to compress the rubber bushing.
scan0005.jpg
 
Personally I would wait until you get the car on the ground with a full tank of fuel and let it sit for a couple of weeks then decide if you need any shock extensions. Depending on where your front jack stands are sitting it might not be allowing enough weight transfer on the back of the car.

I do like how you marked the shock with tape so you can see what is going on with how the shock sits.
 
I always liked the look of those shock extensions, so much so that I had them chrome plated so you could really see them. : ) And yep, they mount on the lower end just as a shock would using nut/washer to compress the rubber bushing.View attachment 1715721292
hahaha, I have them on my 66 cuda!
I wanted to keep those Koni hydraulic shocks, which are, IMO, the best shocks ever made.
 
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