Shock bolts

Jimbanjer

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I’m getting ready to purchase some bolts to install shocks on my project but not find much info online for what I need. The truck is a 1985 F350 with no shock mounts. I’m going to take the shock mounts off a 1987 F250 frame and put them in this. The rear axle is a sterling 10.25 from a 1989 f350. The front axle is a Dana 60 from a 1991 F350 cab and chassis. I think I just need regular 1/2” grade 8 bolts but wanted to double check.
Thanks!
 

Jimbanjer

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I’ve seen some on other vehicles that had rubber cones on each side of the shock. Do our trucks need these?
 

riphip

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No rubber cones of any of mine. 1/2 x 3 " shank bolt (not fully threaded) & Nylok nut
 

Jimbanjer

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How far down should it be smoother before the threads? These are what I found at lowes. Should I go with the 3.5” instead to have more smooth areas or will the 3” work?

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riphip

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Smooth only where the inner shock mount sleeve sits. 2-3 threads before nut bottoms out on bolt shank.
 

IDIoit

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I honestly wouldn't doubt that they are metric......
 

chillman88

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I honestly wouldn't doubt that they are metric......

I'm pretty sure they are. Either M13 or M14 because the hex sizes are 18mm and 19mm but for this application the SAE equivalent of 1/2 or 9/16 should be fine (because that's what I've always done :D)

I'm sure you knew that though!
 

ifrythings

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I couldn’t get 1/2” bolts to fit in my shocks, had to get M12 bolts.

Don’t worry about how much shank the bolt has as it does nothing when you tighten the bolt and the shock sleeve gets pinched by the shock mount, just make sure the threads come out of the nut a few threads especially if your using nylock nuts.
 

ifrythings

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I believe they are the same on the f series trucks, I know the 250 and 350 use that size bolts
 

riphip

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My 80s trucks have standard bolts on frame & metrics/standard on engine.
 
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