Pinto Car Club of America

 Am I safe in assuming that ALL the Pinto, Bobcat and Mustang II front shocks are the same regardless of year?

Is my understanding correct that the station wagon rear shocks are different from all other Pinto's and Bobcat's? Are all station wagons shocks the same regardless of year? Does the station wagon shock (1973 in my case - if it matters) cross over to any other car?

Thanks, Tom

 Greetings,
  I believe the front shocks are the same for all pintos. The rear shocks on a 73 wagon could be different on the upper mount, but I've never heard anything to confirm that. What is really significant is the rear axle in your wagon. Its type ( 6-3/4" with removable rear cover, or 8" no removable cover, just the entire center section) will determine the type of leaf spring / lower shock mount. This will determine if the shock has a post style ( 6-3/4" ) lower mount or a  "eye" lower mount (8") .
If your car is stock, these are usually the guidelines. Wagons do have different length rear springs, but I've heard that these interchange with sedans, so the spring itself shouldn't determine the shock type.

Hope this helps,

Pintosopher

 I found a post that stated that there was a substitute shock for 50's-70's cars that was approx. 1" shorter than the 71-73 Pinto wagon shock used on the smaller rear end. The post recommended that this shock would be acceptable to use based on a discussion with the manufacturer. Remember any alteration is done at the sole discression and liability of the one doing the modification.

This got me to thinking and testing. I found that "standard" late 70's Pinto (non-wagon) rear shock compresses 1/2" more than the wagon. Thus, I could extend the standard shock downward (using multiple shock washers) 1/2" and still maintain the same stop position of a wagon shock.

I also found that the "standard" rear shock is 2" shorter than the wagon shock. Well, I have already taken care of 1/2" of that with the washers on top. I then added about 3/4" of additional spacers on the bottom to bring it closer to the mounting point. Note: the limit is your ability to get the nut on.

Basically I have maintained the same shock stop position in compression and come only 3/4" short on the extrention side. Given the mentioned post regarding the replacement shock with 1" less travel as acceptable I feel I'm in the ball park.

Some additional comments, - coming up short seems to be better on rebound extension than compression. While on extension the rear end weight pulling on the shock would seem strong, it is nowhere near the hammering of the full car weight on compression. Also, how often are our cars flying through the air with the wheels fully extended as opposed to potentially bottoming out. Therefore, make sure you pre-test your shocks for maintaining the proper compressed position.
  There are also shock extensions available that might make this adaptation easier. I'm just cheap and used the washers. When I have weather more agreeable for testing I'll report back.
Tom

Hey Wittsend:

The part number for any 73 Pinto front shocks is D1FZ 18124-F.
The part number for any 74-79 Pinto front shocks is D4FZ 18124-C.

The part number for the 73-74 Pinto wagon rear shocks is D4FZ 18125-E.
The part number for the 75-79 Pinto wagon rear shocks is D5FZ 18125-R.

Based on this I would say the 73 and 74 wagons would have the same rear shocks.

Hope this helps.

77pintocw