PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA
Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => Parts Resources, Here is where you can find this or that. => Topic started by: Wittsend on March 27, 2015, 02:40:11 PM
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I was poking around looking for cross reference shocks for the front of my Pinto. I came across an interesting link regarding the need for "short" shocks for lowered, early Datsun pick up trucks. Turns out the Pinto shock with its short length is a popular item. Someone at the site who works in an auto parts store came up with list of shocks that function in compressed/extended lengths similar to the Pinto. All the shocks listed go shorter/longer than the Pinto shock. Thus the range seems applicable. I'll cut & paste below but if you care here is a link to the site (scroll down to post #24) http://community.ratsun.net/topic/19595-shortest-shocks-you-can-find/page-2 (http://community.ratsun.net/topic/19595-shortest-shocks-you-can-find/page-2)
I don't know if the mounting is all the same, but I'd think it would be adaptable. Anyway, consider at your own risk. For the economically minded like myself ("Pick A Part is my Pep Boys") I'm intrigued. I'm far more likely to find decents shocks on a newer vehicle then some scruffy, EOL Pinto.
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http://www.monroe.co...LengthSheet.pdf (http://www.monroe.com/catalog/documents/08_MountingLengthSheet.pdf)
when ever someone comes into my store looking for a short shock i find out the stock number (unless they've changed the mount type) stock on a 71 521 is a monroe-matic 32206.
PART MOUNTING LENGTHS
NO. Upper Lower Comp. Ext.
32206 S4 LS23 8.375 12.500
S4 3/8 - 16 stem type
LS23 12MM 1 1/4 bushing and sleeve type
now you can change the upper mount as long as the stem is a bigger size because you can just drill it out and the lower is the same way. also you can mount a shock upside down (why not) works just fine been rockin shocks on my brothers truck for a long time upside down. so time to dig
32134 S4 LS18 8.125 12.125 (this looks like a 76-81 larger Chrysler product shock)
911047 S4 LS23 8.125 12.125 (this looks like a early-mid 2000's Nissan pick up shock)
911171 S4 LS23 8.000 11.875 (this looks like a early-mid 2000's Nissan pick up shock) Note, I have seen some listings down into the '70s
911245 S4 LS23 8.250 11.750 (this looks like a early-mid 2000's Nissan pick up shock)
911529 S4 LS23 8.125 12.125 (this looks like a late 90's-mid 2000's Nissan pick up shock)
It seems likely there are "better fit" shocks, but all these six digit shocks seem applicable for the Nissan pick up/SUV application over a large range of years
32118 S4 LS20 8.375c 11.000c Ford Pinto shock posted above
911171 is your best shot
cross reference in kyb is
565045 monomax hp $44
kg5446 gas adjust $36 at Baxter Auto Parts i work in vancouver washington
application is a 2001 nissan xtera std suspension
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Appears to be really good information. Thanks for sharing!
Dwayne :)
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Now you need to look for short rear shocks because when you REALLY lower a Pinto the rear shocks will bottom out. Even Koni will. One fix is to use a lowering block under the spring to lower the bottom eye mount. No one will need to tell you if this is necessary because you will think the rear end just fell out when you corner the car like a boy racer. One a lowered Pinto you should always mark the center of the travel on the shocks just to give you an idea of how much trouble your in.
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Upside down shocks are used in racing because as used they are un sprung weight. Turn them over and they become sprung weight which is much better for racing.
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"Now you need to look for short rear shocks because when you REALLY lower a Pinto the rear shocks will bottom out. "
Mission accomplished! The wagon (what I have) has shocks that are roughly 1-1/2" longer to begin with. And in my ever reaching frugality I just employed standard Pinto rear shocks and used spacers/washers (as many as I could safely use and still tighten the nuts) to simulate the longer shock and center it. Remove them and the problem is solved. ;)
Anyway, I was considering alternative shocks at a stock height. It was only the Datsun article that was seeking to lower the vehicle. I just posted it for the shock alternatives. Yesterday I was blowing leaves out from under the Pinto and was again reminded of the approximate 3"-4" ground clearance I have with the Turbo Coupe exhaust. That and living in a city that was on the pioneering end of using speed bumps on residential streets for speed control says "go no lower." :'(
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One time I wanted air shocks forthe rear of a pinto sedan.All I could find that was short enough was for a mid 70s camaro(I think).It had the bolt thru end though.Simple was to bend 1/16 steel into u shape with a bolt thru bottom as a stud and holes at each end.Bolted adapter to shock mount then shock to adapter.Only changed mount to one inch higher(shock was short enough for this).
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I have: 4 NOS front & 2 NOS rear shocks ;D