Were all the big brake shocks the same size and part number for 1957 -1962.I have seen a 1961 dated #5532411 that was was the same size as A 1957 but hade no valving number .I do not know if this was over the counter replacement. Thanks .It is my understanding that delco quit using valve numbers after 1958.
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Re: Big Brake Shocks 1959 1960 1961 1962
Let's move you back up the "Q". You deserve a response.
Stu Fox -
Re: Big Brake Shocks 1959 1960 1961 1962
I'm not an expert, but this may help. I believe 61 and 62 shocks were the same for big brake as standard. Earler years used heavier duty shocks than standard. There are real experts on this board that I'm sure can help more than I. JerryComment
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Re: Big Brake Shocks 1959 1960 1961 1962
Dan,
Dr.Gerry Wagner wrote about RPO 684 AND 687 cars some years ago. There are now nine editions of his article. It is the most complete I have seen. Read the data below and see if this helps as I have pasted his info. I can get more specific if needed and so can the other RPO Heavy Brake / suspension experts that own these cars. DO YOU HAVE A BRAKE CAR? iS IT IN OUR REGISTRY?
HE STATES
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All RPO 684 cars, except early '57s, had extra parts to accommodate their heavy-duty shocks. The RPO shocks were thicker than base ones and to clear the front springs the lower clamshell retainer for the front shocks had an offset hole. The base retainer has its shock rod hole in its center. The clamshell retainers seem to often be broken and many RPO 684 cars are found with the base retainers which were serviced by GM until recently. The rear shocks required a larger, heavier top support on the frame crossmember. At the factory when the suspensions were being assembled onto the inverted frames, the base retainers were knocked off and the heavier RPO Vee shaped pieces were welded on. This welding is crude ("bubble gum" tacks rather than neat seams). See photo below.
The 1962 RPO shocks had new part numbers and the rear ones did not require the upper Vee supports welded onto the crossmember (as in late '57-'59), nor did the front shocks need the '57-'59 offset hole lower clamshell retainers.
As noted there are three distinct sets of shock absorbers: 1957-58, 1959, and 1962. The redesigned 1962 heavy-duty shocks did not need the RPO 684 modified upper rear shock supports or offset front shock lower clamshell retainers. Although the '62 RPO AIM called for rebound bumpers to be welded to the radius rod frame towers to control spring wind-up, they were not actually installed.
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Re: Big Brake Shocks 1959 1960 1961 1962
Jerry's correct. Perhaps the only cars in the 60-2 era with funny shocks were the Cunningham Le Mans cars, but these were changes to the stuff inside the shock and not visible. However, one of Bill Thomas' recommendations WAS to install the earlier shocks.Comment
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