Hey Guys,

Need some help again....
Working on my neighbors 73 convert, Rear shocks are staggered and they
were frozen. Are all rear shocks staggered ?

I could not measure the old ones as they were frozen and were pretty
banged up and could only read the numbers on one shock

Also it seems that with the new shocks the driver side is about an
inch to short, is it possible that there are different shock lengths ?

Do I need to look elsewhere for a different problem ?

Thanks
Ken

 

In 71-73 only the cars that was a factory 4 barrel had staggered shocks.Give http://www.mustangbarn.com/ a call he can tell you if the staggered shocks are different size then none.

 

Thanks, I willgive them a call.
I am getting alot of info about this car and some is conflicting,but that may be
to some changes made along the way before he bought it.

The car is a 73 "Q" code 351 2 barrel 4 speed convertible.
Also has the staggered shocks and front and rear sway bars.

Keep being toldthat it should be a four barrel....
I can see that the 2 barrel has a partial kickdown linkage on it
as it was for an automatic trans car.

Hopefully I will figure out what I have here....
Thanks again

 

It is a 73 the last of the body style ford could have just used the staggered shock set up to get rid of the stampings made.To me i rather have them staggered it does help some with traction most pickups have it like that now.

 

Actually staggered shocks were part of the "competition suspension package" that could be ordered with any engine except the 6 cyl. It included front/rear sway bars.
The Mach1 pkg also included comp suspension.

 

You sure on that tho?

 

I'm pretty sure the staggered shocks were 351 4V 4-speed and 429 4-speed only, even with the HD suspension.

 

Staggered shocks were intended to help control wheel hop on both accel and decel by providing dampening in both directions.

Order shocks for the Mustangs that came with them, competition package etc.

 

My Mach1 351 origionally C6 AUTO definatly came with staggered shocks.


The 1972 options guide shows competition suspension available as a separate option for $29, except not
on 250cid engines. I assume same was available for 73 also.