Replacing front shocks with a narrowed beam

[darinowen]

Hello,

I'm having a bit of an issue replacing my front shocks on my '65 notchback. The front beam is narrowed, and due to that, I'm left with so little clearance that I can't get the lower nut off, never mind sliding the shock off the pin. Will I need to remove the lower torsion bar to remove the shock. If so, any links or advice on doing that would be awesome.


Anyhow, I've included some pics to give you an idea as to where I'm at. Thank you for any and all advice in advance.

[old_man]

I really can't tell from the picture but is the car in lifted and in the air with the suspension fully extended?

[Jason37]

I would think it easier to drop the beam out instead of pulling your torsions. Six mounting bolts and the steering coupler and it should drop.

[darinowen]

Okay cool! I'll give that a shot. The back shocks were a walk in the park by comparison to the front I know just enough to be dangerous with these things unfortunately. I am however committed to learning everything I can about my car so I can do all the work myself. Thank you for your help and advice, I truly appreciate it

[Mike Fisher]

Lowered/narrowed cars can go with NO front shocks. Use your angle grinder & cut them off the front? Use original oil shocks as new/stiffer shocks ruin the ride!
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[darinowen]

Oh wow! So no shocks at all?? Ha! i'm learning all kinds of new stuff. Well, that's certainly the easiest option. Thanks for your help Mike, very nice of you!

[Bobnotch]

[darinowen]

Yeah, i mentioned my dilemma to a friend of mine, and he said exactly the same thing in regards to safety. Very good point. Yeah, I bought this pair of Bilstein shocks to match the rear set i just installed. Going from 4 shocks with zero pressure, those Bilstein rear shocks are incredible to say the least. Are there any videos on how to drop the front beam? Or is it pretty straight forward? Thank you guys all for your help with this.

[Jason37]

Since you are dealing with a type one narrowed beam, it may have adjusters that would allow you to raise the front of the car by loosening a bolt. The adjusters would be in the center of the beam.

[darinowen]

okay awesome, I'll give it a look tomorrow morning and see if I can adjust it. Thank you so much for your help