[36scsc]

Back in Jan. of '01 I purchased a complete MII IFS from Jim Weimer. Sometime into the building of my '36 Chevy I realized that the 'Proshock' coil-overs that were included were 10 1/2 while the measurement I come up with with the lower A-frame horizontal is 11 1/2. (I just checked and I see Proshock makes units for both lengths). Just to get on with the project I fashioned 1 inch extentions to the top of the shocks to get the apx. right ride height. Now that I am getting close to completion I need to purchase the 'right' set of coil-overs. That is a long preface to this question.
Could any members who have more practical experience in this area (I don't have any) advise me on puchasing a new set of coil overs? Should I stay with Proshock for my application or is there a better choice?

[Max Keith]

Ive used that brand on stock cars, never had a problem.
Do you know the front and rear weights of your vehicle? I would, however, recommend getting the proper height shock for your application.
The main thing is that what you want is a shock that is centered at normal ride height. For instance if you have an 11 1/2 inch shock, it should be compressed 5 3/4 inches at normal ride height.
To get the proper springs you need to know what your front end weight is.
A good source for both the springs and your shocks is
Speedway Motors in Lincoln, Nebraska. They handle that stuff for stock cars as well as street rods.

Speedwaymotors.com is their link.

[36scsc]

Max,

Thanks for the response. You make some good points. Think I will wait until everything else is bolted on, filled up, whatever, get each individual wheel weighed (been curious about that anyway) and then give Speedway a call.
If I had all this to do over again I would simply fashion a piece of threaded rod to act as the coilover until I got to this point and avoiding what is now going to be the purchase of 2 sets of springs... live and learn.

[Max Keith]

I know what you mean about live and learn. Been there done that, so if I can help someone else keep from repeating the same mistakes, Im all for it.
The measurement you gave me on your shocks, was that the closed, extended, or mounted measurement?

[36scsc]

Max,

The (apx.) 11 1/2" measurement is, with the car jacked up and the lower A-frame horizontal, from the top surface of the shock tower to the center of the bolt hole on the lower A-frame that connects the rod end on the bottom of the shock.

Why do you ask?

[Max Keith]

I was trying to find out what the extended length is and the compressed length is so I can figure out what the measurement of your shock should be at ride height. It is half the distance between extended and compressed. IE: if your comressed length is 10 1/2 inches and your extended length is 16 1/2 inches, your length at ride should be 13 inches, as your compression is 6 inches. Since you have put a stud on the end of your shock, you will need to add that to the ride length.