Mk2 Panelvan Rear Shocks
Not really urgent, just a topic for Mk2 Panelvan enthusiasts.
Well, I finally got around to rebuiding the rear end on my inherited 1976 Mk2 Van over the Christmas break.
Part of the job was to install a new pair of Monroe rear shocks, Part Number 15-0066 which Monroe claim to suit 74 - 82 Vans.
The shocks I took out were original Ford Armstrong units, with the Ford Part Number 75AB 18080FA stamped on them. (I guess Dad never got around to replacing these, in spite of my Brother working for Tenneco!) This part number matches my 1975/6 factory parts book. These genuine Ford shocks measure 17-1/2" centre to centre of the mounting eyes fully extended (maximum stroke).
The Monroe replacements are at least 1" shorter c-c fully extended than the original Ford shocks. The Monroe top & bottom bolt hole tubes as supplied are to suit 12mm bolts, (the originals use 1/2" bolts to mount to the Upper Mounting Bracket, and the original tubes are shorter than those fitted to the Monroes) so I had to make new shorter tubes to suit 1/2" bolts and fit them to the Monroe shock eyes. I also had to grind the top rubbers about 1.5mm down on each side to match the thickness of the originals to get them to fit the gap correctly on the Upper Mounting Bracket. In contrast, the 12mm bottom eyes fitted fine over the 12mm studs on the lower mounting plates. All is good, not a dodgy installation by any means as I have access to a machine shop.
I bolted everything up with the weight on the rear axles. The shocks only just made the height due to their shorter stroke, very little spare rebound stroke with the wheels on the ground. Jack up the rear of the van, place stands under the chassis rails with wheels off the ground, and the Monroe shocks are under tension due to their shorter stroke.
Has anyone else had hassles finding replacement shocks that fit correctly?
This is the only Part Number that Monroe list for Escort Panelvans and I am not impressed that they wouldn't fit 'out of the box', and am even less impressed that they are shorter stroke than the originals.
As part of the rebuild, I also fitted reconditioned four leaf springs from a 1977 Mk2 Van with new polyurethane bushings. The rear of the van sits slightly high unloaded, and I can't help but wonder if the Monroes hit maximum extension on rebound (when going over bumps) placing strain on them due to their shorter stroke?
What shocks are other people using on their Mk2 Vans?
Oh, and yes, the drive is much improved. The old girl no longer has a saggy rear end and that's a good thing
