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Old 12-24-2021, 12:51 AM
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Stuart Stuart is offline
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Default 1961 rear shock absorbers versus 1962 and newer

This is something I've always wondered about...1961 Pontiacs use a different rear shock absorber than 1962 and newer cars. As far as I can tell it was exclusive to 1961 Pontiacs and wasn't used in any other application; I know you can buy new ones from Ames and other online sources, but you can't just run down to the local auto parts store and get one off the shelf. Does anyone know what the difference is? I wonder if a 1961 car can be easily modified to accept the shocks from the 1962 and newer cars, it would be more convenient.

Below is a picture of the rear shock from the 1961 shop manual for reference.

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Old 12-25-2021, 09:11 PM
Goatracer1 Goatracer1 is offline
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That shock is exactly the same as my 1962 Bonneville!

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Old 12-25-2021, 09:43 PM
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Hmm...I wonder why the application books say 1961 is different.

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Old 12-26-2021, 04:36 AM
Goatracer1 Goatracer1 is offline
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I used the shocks from Ames and they are labeled 1958-1962. Warning to you they didn't come with the lower mounting stud. I had several packages of lower studs and bushings so it was not a problem for me. You used to be able to buy the stud package at a local parts store. If you need them plan ahead. Good luck.

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Old 12-26-2021, 09:49 AM
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Default Shocking

63 and up rear shocks are different, they used the 2 small bolts on top.

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Old 12-26-2021, 09:58 AM
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If 63 and up is the same length as the earlier would it be possible to cut and pull the piece for the two upper screws and use the thu bushing bolt instead?

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Old 12-26-2021, 09:18 PM
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i did a 62 catalina i used a body kyb shocks used bushings from old shocks fit perfect

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Old 12-26-2021, 11:52 PM
Goatracer1 Goatracer1 is offline
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If the upper loop is the same you could probably cut the mount out and replace the bushings but why bother?

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Old 12-27-2021, 02:00 AM
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I spent some time looking through the PY online parts database, and found something interesting: while the standard rear shock absorber is listed as 1961 only, the heavy duty shock for police and taxi use is listed as 1961 and 1962.

That confirms that the same shock absorber will physically fit on either 1961 or 1962, but there must have been some minor difference in how they performed...perhaps one year had a different damping rate than the other, or something.

If the only difference is that shock uses the two bolt upper mount, I'm guessing it could be pressed out and replaced with a bushing to match the illustration in my first post. I have an old Monroe shock absorber catalog, and it lists the same shock for full size Pontiacs from 1963 all the way through 1983 (it may even been used for cars even newer than that but the catalog only goes up to 1983). The catalog includes dimensions and travel listed for each shock; when I have some time to devote to it I'll look through and see if I can find an application that is the same as the 1963 and up shock, but with an eye mount on both ends.

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Old 12-28-2021, 07:01 PM
mgarblik mgarblik is offline
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I spent some time about 2 years ago trying to find some decent rear shocks for my 62 Catalina. So if your sure the fitment is the same between 61-62, here are some KYB options you can check out online. The rear shocks with the closest compressed and extended lengths were KYB 4012 for the rear. 12.9" compressed, 20.8" extended, 7.87" travel. Others to consider: KYB 5426, 5507, 5438. I don't have the specs. handy for those 3 part numbers. But I put a star on my notes next to the 4012. So that must have been my best choice. For the front, KYB 4550 was the only part number. (I am not a big fan of KYB as the "ultimate shock" or anything of the sort. But IMO, they are a small step up at least from a non-gas charged shock or the run of the mill Gabriel or Monroe. They typically are a little more harsh than the cheap stuff. Hope this helps.

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