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lever action shock rebuild

PostPosted: Sat Dec 01, 2018 7:20 pm
by turbo84gn
If I missed the post in my search, I apologize. I think there was info in the previous forum.

It's the off season, and was looking to rebuild the lever-action shocks for my restore. I have them off the vehicle and in my basement workshop. I am really worried about snapping the screw heads for the cover plate off. Not able to get a good bite. How cautious should I be with heat? Really want to avoid drilling them out.

I found some info on jalopy journal, but info on rebuilding these things is scarce. Any experience out there to share? This is for a 1949 KB-3.

Re: lever action shock rebuild

PostPosted: Sun Dec 02, 2018 7:34 am
by manicmechanic
Apple Hydraulics in New York rebuilds them

Re: lever action shock rebuild

PostPosted: Sun Dec 02, 2018 5:09 pm
by turbo84gn
Thanks, that’s the most common info I found, send it to somebody else. I prefer to do my own work. One of the reasons I chose to do an International.

Re: lever action shock rebuild

PostPosted: Sun Dec 02, 2018 6:28 pm
by dean466
Do you have or have you considered purchasing an impact driver?

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-2910-2-In ... 2796&psc=1

I have found these helpful for breaking screws loose without rounding out the heads.

Dean

Re: lever action shock rebuild

PostPosted: Sun Dec 02, 2018 6:54 pm
by Wylie
Those on my to do list as well. Found these as possible rubber replacements. Just haven't taken the time to measure yet...
https://www.autopartswarehouse.com/brak ... /e1298103g

Also here's the oil.
https://www.restorationstuff.com/ecomme ... ts_id=1077

Re: lever action shock rebuild

PostPosted: Tue Dec 04, 2018 3:35 am
by d2crazy
turbo: Here are a couple more sources to consider
1) Skinned Knuckles magazine had a series of three articles on rebuilding Delco Lovejoy lever action shocks. Reprints might still be available. See http://skinnedknuckles.net/pages/back%20issues.htm . August, Sept., and Oct., 1992 issues.

2) Classic and Exotic Service sells some parts for Delco Lovejoy shocks (seals, metering rods, gaskets etc.) but pricey. They cater to top of the line cars.
https://www.classicandexotic.com/store/c-22-shock-absorbers.aspx

3)http://www.shocks2springs.com/ also does rebuilds

4)https://www.fillingstation.com/ might have shock bushings and pins that would work. They list dimensions on some parts. If you use the online catalog enter page 395 and work your way through the index from there. Or download a pdf copy.

Tom

Re: lever action shock rebuild

PostPosted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 12:12 am
by turbo84gn
Yes, I have an impact driver. I am sort of a tool junkie, not much I don't have.

So I finally found a few articles...
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/136203-lever-shock-leak-cure/

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/289216-delco-lovejoy-rebuild-help/

I did get the cover off of one. Was surprised to find oil in it (truck sat for 20 years on the farm). And my shock is different, doesn't have the bolt, the lever is pressed in. So no shaft seal to replace. So if it leaks, get a different used one. This link describes it.

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/306705-delco-lovejoy-lever-action-shocker-rebuild/

Found a link for potential shock links, bushings, pins, etc. Do a search there are different lengths of links.

https://www.chevsofthe40s.com/shop/search.lasso?vehtype=All&year=All&Catalog=All&search=shock+link&SeachBtn=Search&dept=Rear+Suspension&cat=Shocks&new=&sale=&showcase=&searchtype=FT&method=KeywordSearch

Re: lever action shock rebuild

PostPosted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 2:17 am
by worthy
Great information here, thanks for posting!

Re: lever action shock rebuild

PostPosted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 12:47 pm
by Wylie
Great info as well. This should go in the parts section, good stuff here. Thanks!

Re: lever action shock rebuild

PostPosted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 6:14 pm
by lbesq
Yes, Please, those who posted info, please put it in the "parts" link so it will be easier for folks to find. Thank You. Lloyd