shock absorbers

[m37jarhead]

I pulled the front shocks off of the M37 but can't tell if they are good or bad. There is some resistance when pulling the two halfs apart, but a lot less when the halfs are compressed.
What should I expect and when do you dertermine that the units are still working properly or need to be replaced?

Is there a good source for new M37 shocks?

Any help appreciated.

[Cal_Gary]

I know of no "resistance test" for your shocks; but got mine from Adirondack Dodge a few years back. Received were new Gabriels and ride well, but if you're looking for the original armored M37 shock, I have no source for those.
http://www.adirondackdodgeparts.com/pro ... kesExhaust
Gary

[Lifer]

I have no idea what the actual "stiffness" should be, but resistance should be pretty much the same in both directions.

[achiem37]

Monroe magnun websites used to display the technical information on the big bore gabriel shocks. The shocks I bought from them are very close to the original compression and extension rate values. I believe the compression rate was around 80 lbs per inch and the extension ranges were somewhere between 200-350lbs/in. The M37 springs are quite flexible in terms of compression rates. The shocks need to have a higher rebound control rate to prevent them from bouncing like a cheap mex lowrider. The shocks seem very soft when compressing them that is somewhat normal. As far as determining if they are worn out , look for oil leakage past the piston seal and listen for air when they are compressed from the fully extended position. My shocks were originals and were still ok (1952's) . I bought newer longer shocks because I added more leaves to restore the ride height. One of the military MV magazines has an article about these shocks in particular. I will try and find it and give you the proper values. Terry

[m37jarhead]

Terry:
Thanks for the compression/extension info. My shocks have more resistance when extended than when compressed, so
it seems they are working as you described. Still, for a big ol' truck shock the "resistance" seems light. Wished I had
another good one to compare. There are no tell tale oil leaks showing but they may have given up the ghost many years
ago. Hate to spend the big $$ on new ones if these are still serviceable. Any further advise would be appreciated.
JB

[achiem37]

Just found the article and how much i was off on my numbers. It appears a stock M37 shock has the following values 1100lbs for rebound control and 200 lbs for compression rate. This is because the M37 has an excellent design of leaves that allow lots of movement in them. The higher rebound control is to prevent them bouncing upon springback. Terry

[m37jarhead]

Terry:
The new figures sound more like what would be found on a 3/4 ton truck. Thanks.
If you or anyone else has part numbers for NAPA or Monroe, please let me know.
I'm assuming the front and rear shocks would be the same.
JB

[achiem37]

I found the data from monroe for some shocks I used on my Power Wagon. These are the gas magnum series 65 ones . These are not the same large body diameter like the original M37 ones . They have a few listings that depend upon your suspension set up and spring travel.

shock # L4 mounts compressed length extended length
65116 15.375 24.250
65430 13.375 19.375
65448 17.00 25.625
65464 13.375 19.250
65474 13.625 20.000
or Gas Magnum series 60
66957 15.250 23.250
or Gas Magnum RV shocks
557009 15.500 23.750



The ones I used on my M37 were from Gabriel and are the Fleetline shocks. These have the identical large bore big diameter shock. They are as heavy as the originals. I only have one listing for mine but you could check with a truck tractor supply shop for the complete listings. Mine are # 85305 and have a stroke from 425mm compressed to 692mm extended. Hope this gives you a start Terry

[m37jarhead]

Terry:
Great info on the shocks, thanks, I'll chase them down with local truck parts suppliers and maybe on the
internet.
Tks again,
m37jarhead