Wally,
I installed the same rear end in my 49 3600. I am not sure if the frame
shape is exactly the same but the technique certainly would be. After
completely installing the rear end I measured the distance from the lower
shock mount to the upper shock mount in its at rest position. Then I
measured how much 'down' travel I had until the axle would bottom out.
Subtract that from your at rest position and you now have your minimum
length for the shock. The 'up' travel I just took a good guess at and added
that to the at rest length to get my maximum length for the shock. You
already know the type of mount you have for the bottom of the shock, the
original Camaro. Now you need to decide what type of mount you want for the
top. Rather than fabricate something I went with the type of mount that is
on some of the newer Chevy trucks. It's the one with the large bolt type
that is perpendicular to the shock. All I needed to do was drill holes in
the frame and bolt them on.
Armed with all the measurements and mount types you selected above, go to
your FLAPS and ask to see their 'PAPER' shock catalog not the stupid
computer listings. In the catalog all the shocks are listed by upper and
lower mount types, minimum length, maximum length, etc. It might take you
about and hour max but you should be able to match up to something. I ended
up going with the shocks that fit the front of a Chevy motorhome.
Sorry about the length but it really isn't too complicated.
Terry Stellman
1949 3600
Missouri City, Texas
> -----Original Message-----
> From: WR Teto [SMTP:monadnoc@wgserv.crystal-mtn.com]
> Sent: Friday, July 16, 1999 12:16 PM
> To: Ole Trucks
> Subject: [oletrucks] Shock mount location
>
> I am in the process of installing a Camaro rear end in my 53 3100. I
> have all the leaf spring mounts clamped in location. I have to
> fabricate upper mounts for the shocks and was wondering how to figure
> the mount location in regards to shock travel. Should I jack up the
> truck frame, letting the rear hang on the springs and figure this would
> be just short of the shock's maximum amount of travel? This sounds
> logical to me, but if anyone has experimented with mounting shocks and
> has recommendations, I'd surely appreciate it. My total travel of the
> shock is 5". I plan on installing a rubber bumper to hit the axle when
> the shock is just short of reaching it's total compression.
>
> I am excited as everything is going well and I will shortly have a
> rolling chassis. A general shortage of "Jacksons" is hindering my
> ability to acquire additional parts, but I have plenty of cleaning and
> chassis/suspension painting ahead to pass the time.
>
> If I can convince my son to set up a web site, I may try to scan in some
> pics and post them.
>
> Wally / Templeton, MA
> 53 3100 rod project
>
>
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
|