'65 F40 front springs and shocks

[Blake W.]

I need to replace the front shocks on my '65 w/F40 suspension. While i was on my back yesterday looking I noticed that the current shocks have an "EN" code sticker and the spring has a green tag w/ part #3832518 and "EA" designation. Now.. I'm reading the JM and it says in the table that those numbers are correct. However when one reads the description in paragraph under "Front springs" it says that a small tape with part number and broadcast code is attached to one of the spring coils of the STANDARD SUSPENSION. "The optional F40 front spring is color coded with dark green paint". See Table. The table just lists as I said earlier spring and shock part numbers and spring code. So, Is this F40 spring not to have the paper tag ? and just some daub of dark green paint on it? While I'm replacing shocks I'd like to correct this if need be. Advice please.

PS What about these delco front shocks made in Mexico. part # 530-315? should I look for another brand?


thanks, Blake

[Michael H.]

Re: '65 F40 front springs and shocks

"The optional F40 front spring is color coded with dark green paint". See Table. The table just lists as I said earlier spring and shock part numbers and spring code.
thanks, Blake

Blake,

I think the paint color code ended in 1963 for the 63 model year. Starting around that time, all factory installed coil springs would have had the part number/code tape attached to a coil.

[Blake W.]

Re: '65 F40 front springs and shocks

thanks Michael, If that's the case then one would think that the '65 manual wouldn't show this. I don't have any previous '65 JM's to compare. I'll go with what you say and leave it as is. The car did top flight 2x back in 2006 and hasn't been changed since. No deducts shown in this area. Any thoughts on which front shocks to use? I do drive this car. thanks Blake

[John S.]

Re: '65 F40 front springs and shocks

Blake,

Are you sure your front shocks need replacing? I have all 4 of my original F40 shocks on my car and they work perfect. This is a low mile car though. I have been told by more then one person that the F40/F41 shocks were some of the best made at the time and last for near ever. I have no idea myself, but there may be some place you can take them to restore. Some one else more experienced then me needs to chime in on both the quality of the shocks and if they can be repaired if needed.

John

[Blake W.]

Re: '65 F40 front springs and shocks

John, I should have noted that although the car came with the F40 suspension the car as it sets now does not have F40 shocks. One of the fronts is leaking so I'm gonna replace those 2.

[Joe L.]

Re: '65 F40 front springs and shocks

I need to replace the front shocks on my '65 w/F40 suspension. While i was on my back yesterday looking I noticed that the current shocks have an "EN" code sticker and the spring has a green tag w/ part #3832518 and "EA" designation. Now.. I'm reading the JM and it says in the table that those numbers are correct. However when one reads the description in paragraph under "Front springs" it says that a small tape with part number and broadcast code is attached to one of the spring coils of the STANDARD SUSPENSION. "The optional F40 front spring is color coded with dark green paint". See Table. The table just lists as I said earlier spring and shock part numbers and spring code. So, Is this F40 spring not to have the paper tag ? and just some daub of dark green paint on it? While I'm replacing shocks I'd like to correct this if need be. Advice please.

PS What about these delco front shocks made in Mexico. part # 530-315? should I look for another brand?


thanks, Blake

Blake------

The Delco 530-315 will work perfectly for you. However, they are not configured very much like the original shocks, F-40 or otherwise. On the other hand, the front shocks are very difficult to see very much of while installed on the car.

[Duke W.]

Re: '65 F40 front springs and shocks

Most current replacement shocks have generic calibration and barely provide enough rebound damping to control the base suspension. With F40 ride rates being double the base suspension, you need a lot of rebound damping, and IMO the only way you'll be able to achieve this is to install a set of rebound adjustable shocks like Spax or QA-1

Duke