Thinking about front shocks on my current project and have never used friction shocks and just wondering about anyone's experience positive or negative. Suicide front end with BB Nailhead providing motication! Thanks in advance!
BoB
BoB
Friction shocks... yes or no?!?
- Thread starter Tripper
- Start date
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Old Iron
Well-known member
[P[P[P
Dr Crankenstein
Rocket Surgeon
bob w to the white courtesy phone, please... bob... bob?... BOB???
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Bamamav
Well-known member
I've read the Speedway ones are junk. If I were going to use any, I'd hunt down a old set of originals.
bob w
Still crazy after all these years!
I have home made ones on my dragster. Also, my '27 Lakes roadster (sold) had home made ones too. They work fine on the dragster and the roadster was good too. I had to tighten them up every week though. If you are going to drive fast on irregular surfaces, I'd go with tube shocks.
lowbudget50
Creators of all things awesome
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- Sep 23, 2012
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I have used them on 2 projects and they have worked just fine. I drove both with out them and then added them. The don't have any rebound, so they do feel different than tube shocks. But they did work for me. I would use them again.
smallfoot
He's rockin' the "Nuttin Special"!
Haven't used them personally but if you study the ones available, it shouldn't be hard to fabricate some that would work just fine.
Blue Eyed Devil
Devil's Advocate
True friction shocks are too ineffective and finicky for street use IMO. If you want the look (or have a fitment issue), use some hydraulic lever action shocks. Early Ford Houdaille units work and look good, but sometimes they can be a little large to fit in tight quarters. I use Armstrong shocks, common on MGs and other small British cars. They work great, aren't hard to find in good working condition, and they look "right" on hot rods!
donsrods
Well-known member
Yep, go with hydraulic shocks, Tripper. My one son has chrome friction shocks on the front of his T bucket, and they work well, but it is a super light car and he does adjust the tensioning nut frequently.
Given the choice, I would choose hydraulic shocks every time.
Given the choice, I would choose hydraulic shocks every time.
bob w
Still crazy after all these years!
I've used he British shocks BED pictured with good success too.
Old Iron
Well-known member
The picture beast must have eaten your pic bob [ddd
Toad
Well-known member
bob w
Still crazy after all these years!
OI, I didn't post a pic. I referred to BED's pic. Sorry for the confusion.
Toad, I priced them on eBay last year and they have become somewhat expensive. No guarantee they work although they are rebuildable.
Toad, I priced them on eBay last year and they have become somewhat expensive. No guarantee they work although they are rebuildable.
Old Iron
Well-known member
Oh OK Thanks 
Blue Eyed Devil
Devil's Advocate
They're real proud of those shocks too!
Toad
I buy them regularly for under $50 a pair, most times much less. Just have to keep your eyes open...
