Topic: Heavy Duty Shocks

[ruppstang]

Heavy duty shocks are listed as part of the GT equipment. Are they any different than the standard Autolite shocks? If they are what to they look like? I know the competition handling package had a adjustable shock and I am familiar with them. 

[67gta289]

Here is what I had on the rear of mine - C7ZF-18080-C1.  Fronts were gone by the time I got the car.  67 fastback GTA C code.

Autolite like other cars, but I suppose that they are "heavier dutier" than a non GT. 

The Jan 67 MPC is no help - refer to the "chart" which does list my rear shock.  I see two C7ZF-18080 shocks, a -B and the -C that I have.  Of course, there are some C4ZF-18080 shocks also that could have been used.

The replacement "kits" carried the C5ZZ-18125 part number scheme.

[preaction]

C7ZF-J for the front with GT and the number I have for the rear is for a cougar which is longer.

[J_Speegle]

+1 Different engineering number, different paint mark, differences inside

[ruppstang]

Here is what I think may have been used. There is no manufacturers mark but had a C7 and is marked heavy duty. It is similar to some latter Motorcraft  shocks I have.

[J_Speegle]

Here is what I think may have been used. There is no manufacturers mark but had a C7 and is marked heavy duty. It is similar to some latter Motorcraft  shocks I have.

hose look like aftermarket replacements. Have seen tons of those on cars over the years places like Sears, Wards, and so on sold them. Possibly made by Gabriel, marked differently and packaged for over the counter sales. IMHO would have AUTOLITE on them if they were assembly line or service replacements.

Other questions that might be good to know in solving the question

1- are these for a San Jose or Dearborn/NJ car? Makes a different in the markings and threads

2- 67 or 68 car just in case it matters to the printed resources?

[ruppstang]

These shocks are to go on a Dearborn 67 S code fastback built 2-14-67.

By the shape of the tube IMO they were made by Gabriel. Here are some pictures of some Motorcraft shocks that I removed from a 67 Mustang that had been stored for 30 years. Same shape tube. Interestingly they carry a C7 number.

Also some pictures of some NOS Motorcraft adjustable shocks with the same tube design. Much like what was used on the 68 Shelby with competition suspension.

I would really like to see what a original HD Autolite shock looked like, my reason for this post.
Marty

[J_Speegle]

.............I would really like to see what a original HD Autolite shock looked like, my reason for this post.
Marty

Believe they would look just like the standard shocks except for the engineering last letter identifying the HD version. Will check numbers then compare againist car and shock pictures I've got.

Don't think the C7 marked service replacement (MOTORCRAFT) shock it that odd. Seems to find the other markings we see from mid to late 70's parts

Surprised you haven't come up with a picture of the AutoFlex Heavy Duty C7 & C8  shocks yet that came in the AUTOLITE boxes.  Allot of west coast restorers in the 80's were using those in place of the assembly line shocks incorrectly

Did find another example of the first shock you posted. From a nice original 66 where the PO had changed a few service parts.

Have used these shocks to make close (lacking stampings   reproductions for Shelby owners.



Will gather some pictures

[J_Speegle]

Marty here is what I could turn up

Ford tended to us the term with Handling Package rather than Heavy Duty suspension in this case on buildsheets and even in the description of shocks (rear one) in the period MPCs. They did refer to front shocks using heavy duty. Just odd


Looking at buildsheets of cars that came standard  with the Handling Package option (S codes)  they call out for the C7-J shocks marked with a brown mark.  The MPC from April 68 shows no record of a -J shock being available  but the Auto Flex replacement ones (markings different - different locations and painted different colors)

I do have picture of the brown mark but cant be certain of the engineering number I have associated with the picture


Not sure when they introduced the C8 shocks into the process but during your cars period the buildsheets still refer to the C7 shocks

Since your looking for a Dearborn car the shock would likely have been marked MADE IN CANADA which would also mean different end threads on the rear shocks

Buildsheet




Paint mark




Typical marking pattern

[67gta289]

Jeff, that last shock you pictured is exactly what I had on my San Jose GTA fastback, properly date coded.  Picture in post #2 

[J_Speegle]

Jeff, that last shock you pictured is exactly what I had on my San Jose GTA fastback, properly date coded.  Picture in post #2

The one in post #2 must be the one your referring as having a good date from your car.

The service replacement options for shocks in 67 (that you show)  are really limited compared to other and slightly newer versions that identifies the engine size, GT, handling package and so on in those descriptions

Still no C7ZE-J listed   

[ruppstang]

Thanks Jeff for taking the time to look in to this for me. I see that there is a Unrestored 67 GTA registered for the St Augustine MCA national, I'll make it a point to check it's shocks.
Marty

[J_Speegle]

Thanks Jeff for taking the time to look in to this for me. I see that there is a Unrestored 67 GTA registered for the St Augustine MCA national, I'll make it a point to check it's shocks.
Marty

Since I know the access you have  won't even ask if you've checked to see if its also a S code

Hope the assembly line ones are still there and its same plant

Have a safe trip - say hi to the boss for me

[mtinkham]

My Metuchen Fastback build sheet has the same description for the shocks as the build sheet that Jeff posted.  Am I understanding correctly that both front and rear shocks would have the "Brown" identification marks?

Thanks,
Mark

[J_Speegle]

My Metuchen Fastback build sheet has the same description for the shocks as the build sheet that Jeff posted.  Am I understanding correctly that both front and rear shocks would have the "Brown" identification marks?

Thanks,
Mark

In this example yes. There are those somewhat "different" examples where the front and rears are different in engineering number extension (or what ever you call the last letter in the sequence) and color marking