Item 5: Shocks and Shock Posts
Pre-1984 Shock Installation:
- The hardware for shocks on pre-1984 models is different from newer ones. These use bolts that go all the way through the suspension carriage and have two opposing wedges.
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Bolts require collars to fit into the shock eyelets, serving a dual purpose: they bottom out the nut when tightened and prevent the wedges from grinding on the tapered seat if bolts loosen.
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If the long bolts loosen, it can cause significant wear on the seats, making alignment and maintenance more challenging.
Post-1984 Shocks:
Newer models do not use collars. The shock posts are the correct diameter, and the nuts are lock nuts, tightened only until the shock bushing begins to bulge.
This method is often less prone to overtightening compared to older systems that require more precise adjustments.
Maintenance Tip:
When replacing shocks, if bolts and wedges are frozen in the hole after removing the shock, make sure to free them up before reassembly.
It’s advisable to have extra wedges and collars on hand when ordering shocks, as they are crucial for proper installation.
Hardware Count:
Pre-1984 models use 8 separate pieces of hardware per shock post. With 10 shocks on the bus, this totals 20 assemblies for the entire chassis.