Front Shocks for 63 Ambassador? Need help!

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Will 14.1 inch extended, 9.25 inch compressed, 4.8 inch travel, fit and work?? (Napa/Monroe NS-5819)

Is 17.25 inch extended, 10.75 inch compressed, 6.5 inch travel, to long?? (Napa/Monroe 94066)

Have to keep costs down at the moment. Searched the forum, good posts of many suitable American, Classic, Marlin, replacements but no mention of 63 ambassador. I made a spreadsheet because this has been so confusing to know what off the shelf part will work. NAPA parts guys aren't sure either, other than the computer "says" these RareParts RPC fit at $240/pair!(says KYB but picture is Gabriel Red Ryder ?) which I cannot afford right now. 
The ones I just took off to troubleshoot a front driver side noise and bushing issue are old, damaged and not functioning at all. The number 739096 has no cross reference, same as someone posted here for a marlin https://theamcforum.com/forum/front-shocks_topic42010_page2.html 

Typical project..."it will only take an hour"...it's just swapping shocks...days later trying to figure out what will work.  Thank you for the guidance. 

Edited by RamblRumble_63_19 - Apr/11/2021 at 1:17pm

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
RamblRumble_63_19 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Apr/08/2019 Location: Boise, Idaho Status: Offline Points: 84	Post Options Post Reply Quote RamblRumble_63_19 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Front Shocks for 63 Ambassador? Need help! Posted: Apr/11/2021 at 12:42pm
	Will 14.1 inch extended, 9.25 inch compressed, 4.8 inch travel, fit and work?? (Napa/Monroe NS-5819) Is 17.25 inch extended, 10.75 inch compressed, 6.5 inch travel, to long?? (Napa/Monroe 94066) Have to keep costs down at the moment. Searched the forum, good posts of many suitable American, Classic, Marlin, replacements but no mention of 63 ambassador. I made a spreadsheet because this has been so confusing to know what off the shelf part will work. NAPA parts guys aren't sure either, other than the computer "says" these RareParts RPC fit at $240/pair!(says KYB but picture is Gabriel Red Ryder ?) which I cannot afford right now. The ones I just took off to troubleshoot a front driver side noise and bushing issue are old, damaged and not functioning at all. The number 739096 has no cross reference, same as someone posted here for a marlin https://theamcforum.com/forum/front-shocks_topic42010_page2.html Typical project..."it will only take an hour"...it's just swapping shocks...days later trying to figure out what will work. Thank you for the guidance. Edited by RamblRumble_63_19 - Apr/11/2021 at 1:17pm
	Unique gearhead, overcoming life's obstacles. '63 Rambler Ambassador 880 Original. 327 61k miles. Link=> https://garagehotrods.com/2020/10/16/joey-shelbys-63-amc-rambler-ambassador/

ramblinrev Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: Dec/28/2008 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 11538	Post Options Post Reply Quote ramblinrev Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Apr/11/2021 at 1:45pm
	Classic and Marlin shocks will be the same. AMC vendors are probably the way to go. I see Rock Auto has rears, but not fronts.
	74 Hornet Hatchback X twins (since 1977) 62 American Convertible (still worth the $50 I spent in 1973!) AMCRC #513, AMO #384 70 AMX 360 4-speed (since 1981)

tomj Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/27/2010 Location: earth Status: Offline Points: 7544	Post Options Post Reply Quote tomj Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Apr/12/2021 at 12:59am
	If you have an old shock, measure it's collapsed and extended lengths. There's a PDF Monroe catalog on the net somewhere, use that to find ones in range, then use that number, or applications, to find better shocks. From my own notes, this is what I used in my 1963 Classic: Monroe 31069 (was 1069), apps: 65-72 Mustang 302 rear. Also KYB KG5517 gasadjust KYB 343219 GR2 line for 1972 Volvo 1800 E Coupe 2-Door.
	1960 Rambler Super two-door wagon, OHV auto 1961 Roadster American, 195.6 OHV, T5 http://www.ramblerLore.com

RamblRumble_63_19 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Apr/08/2019 Location: Boise, Idaho Status: Offline Points: 84	Post Options Post Reply Quote RamblRumble_63_19 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Apr/13/2021 at 11:57am
	The old shocks..no good at all. Ever see a pair crushed and dented to the point it doesn't even move, seized up? That's what I took off, old and had part number 739096 but no manufacturer. Anybody have the torque specs for shocks? Nowhere in the TSM or online that I can find.
	Unique gearhead, overcoming life's obstacles. '63 Rambler Ambassador 880 Original. 327 61k miles. Link=> https://garagehotrods.com/2020/10/16/joey-shelbys-63-amc-rambler-ambassador/

tomj Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/27/2010 Location: earth Status: Offline Points: 7544	Post Options Post Reply Quote tomj Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Apr/13/2021 at 10:24pm
	I've always gone by, until the rubber compresses slightly, 20%. Newer shocks got smarter, threads cut short so you bottom the nut and it's the right amount. The rubber needs to be compliant but not loose.
	1960 Rambler Super two-door wagon, OHV auto 1961 Roadster American, 195.6 OHV, T5 http://www.ramblerLore.com

Buzzman72 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Sep/15/2009 Location: Southern IN Status: Offline Points: 2725	Post Options Post Reply Quote Buzzman72 Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Apr/14/2021 at 5:49am
	The old rule-of-thumb was to compress the rubber to where it would expand to approximately the same OD (or within like 1/8" as viewed by the naked eye) as the washers.
	Buzzman72...void where prohibited, your mileage may vary, objects in mirror may be closer than they appear, and alcohol may intensify any side effects.