This is one of those jobs that I have put off to long. It has been suggested many times that the shocks on a Shay where not in a position that supports the up and down movement of a shock that results in the ride being somewhat stiff.

1. Jack the car up till the wheels clear the floor. Use a sturdy set of jack stands as you will be under the car.

2. Remove the bottom shock nut, the metal spacer and the rubber washer. (lay to the side you will reuse them).

3. Retract the shock (a manual push up) until you can remove the rubber washer and the top metal spacer (lay to the side you will reuse.).

4. Remove the top bolt and remove the shock from under the car.

5. Repeat the process for the other side.

6. If you plan to reuse the shocks that were removed now is a good time to paint them while they are off the car.

If you need new shocks NAPA has a #94054 for $17.00 and Monroe #32103 around the same price

7. Measure from the top shock hole 3-4 inches to the outside of the car. Use a straight edge to insure that the new mounted location will not cause interference. I was able to use 4 inches with no restriction.

8. Drill a new upper bolt hole in the location you have selected. Be careful when drilling as you are near waterlines and wires.

9. Since the concern of the shock bottom out I made a set of shock extenders. I made this in two pieces where it can be bolted on or if you choose it could be welded. The flat stock is 4X6x1/8 I drilled 4 holes the topmost hole is for the top shock bolt the next three set your extension amount (bottom 4 middle 3 top 2. The angle is 2X2ottom (3/8 and 1 hole on the side (1/2. I drilled the shelf bolt holes in the stock cross bar and aligned every thing up.

Here is where we start the extension brackets.

The shelf bracket is in place two 3/8 bolts hold everything in place. The 1/2 hole is aligned with the new hole from picture 1. The other hole to the left of the 1/2 is a 3/8 to prevent any shift of the extension bracket.

On my Shay I used the middle bolt which gave my shock a 3 inch extension. I drilled the antishift bolt hole and a 3/8 bolt is in place.

10. With fresh painted shocks mount the top bolts and tighten down.

11. Install the rubber washer in the reverse from how they were taken off. I then mounted the extender, shock and all with new bolts. A short road trip (was 30 degree) indicated all was satisfactory.

12. Tighten down the lower nut.

12. Remove car from jack stands and again check for interference. Test Drive and enjoy the smoother ride

Good Luck Nick

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