Shock part numbers for SOA 40 with Ford Shock Towers in front and stock mounts in rear

[PotatoKing]

Hello, I know this question has probably been asked too many times, but I have been out of the game since 2007 when I sold my 73 FJ40. Just bought a 69 40 and need to update the shocks front and rear, yes I used the search feature but did not succeed in finding my answer (Part Numbers). Running stock 40 springs in the front and 55 springs in the rear. I will be removing the stock front mounts and replacing them with Ford Shock Towers. Everything I have read says I can run 14" shocks up front and 12" in the rear. Looking for part numbers for this setup. Looking to go with reservoir shocks, either Bilstein, King or Fox. Anyone running this setup, can you share your info on part numbers of the shocks you used or point me in the right direction? Pic of my old 40, built everything on that rig, so I'm not a total knuclkehead. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[DangerNoodle]

I'd measure at full droop/bump first, and then start looking for shocks that match that number. There can be a lot of differences depending on what brackets were used, how arched your springs are, etc. I would assume that no cruiser would be the same.

 

[pbgbottle]

Most of the big shock manufacturers have brochures that have compressed length uncompressed length and types of ends on the shocks
In the back of the brochure. PDF such as rancho measure your rig look for a brochure and read the specs. And pic your shock. .

 

[pbgbottle]

Example
here is a pic of one page from rancho. See shock info. Just pic your shock.

,,,,..

 

[PotatoKing]

Example
here is a pic of one page from rancho. See shock info. Just pic your shock.

,,,,..View attachment 2931060

That's what I've been doing, I'm just being lazy...lol

 

[rockcod]

Wondering what shock lengths you ended up going with on your 40.

 

[peesalot]

I like Bilstein 5125 series : 11" - #186559 for 170/60 valving & # 104652 for 255/70 valving
12" - #185569 for 255/70 & #230382 for 170/60
FWIW I found the heavier valving a bit stiff for a 40 unless loaded for a weeks camping.
The diff between 11" & 12" will be how you weld on the ford mounts, the position of lower mounts, bump stop location, if using stock rear mounts you will find the 12's give drop out but requirea bit of bump ext. or at least on my SOA 40 they did. Yes you can go 14's in front but I think you will find the drop out provided will not play happy with the leaf springs, just an opinion. The ford towers allow you to not have to extend the front bump down provided your steering plays nice.

 

[rockcod]

Pees,

What was the valving you went with for the fronts? Were you saying the 255/70 were too stiff for the front or rear?

 

[originalpigpen4x4]

I have a 72, SOA, spring flip, running 37s. I added the Ford front shock towers years ago and here's what I have. The Ford front shock towers were from Ford Direct Online, part # E5TZ18183A. I coupled that with Rancho RS9000s front and rear. Front is RS999012 (19"-32") and rear is RS999112 (16"-26"). I love the articulation this provides me!

 

[peesalot]

Rock, I did 255/70 all around. when loaded for a week crawling its sweet, a bit stiff otherwise but no sway and it handled well. The heavier valving was nice at speed but my 40 never really sees that type of run. I have spent 20 years watching and talking to guys whom used flat oem springs in their SOA and whatever shock ( non pressurized) and tho less performance , less clearance, sooooo much less bouncing.

I will say the new coil overs are WAY, OMG, why did I not do this years ago, better.