For the second time in approximately the last 90-days, we have received a defective rear OEM shock through Ford parts. Both of these shocks were outwardly very new in appearance. The first time this happened to us, the shock was very obviously "frozen" in its fully extended position. With the full weight of the car on it and even driving the car, the shock simply wouldn't budge. Ford replaced the shock at no charge and the replacement was fine. That was about 90 days ago.
We had a different GT in our shop recently and we noticed a leaking right rear shock. The owner asked us to replace it, and we did. Now, given our previous experience with a bad shock, I want to think that we watched that shock compress as we lowered the weight of the car onto it. But, in retrospect, we may have seen what we wanted to see. This rear shock is also frozen in the extended position. The owner drove the car a bit - and this shock is locked solid. Of course the ride is HORRIBLE when you have essentially a fixed rod in lieu of a shock!
One of the first thoughts I had is that we got the same frozen shock we returned back. However, with the tight-fitting metal perches, it is pretty much impossible to slide them on and off without some witness marks. I really think it is unlikely that we received the same frozen shock back.
My theory - and I think is is a very plausible one (and hence the post), is that the shocks are becoming "bad" having been stored in the pressurized, fully-extended position for the last 15 years. This is not a normal shock position because when they are on the car, they are in a slightly compressed state and they are not at their extended limit. Almost all shocks that we have worked with - even inexpensive shocks, are packaged and shipped in their most-compressed state. You typically have to cut a tie or strap to allow them to extend.
So, heads up out there. If you are putting "new" OEM shocks on a GT - make sure that you witness the shock compressing when you put the weight of the car on it. I'm nearly 100% certain that we haven't seen the last of "bad" (frozen) GT shocks that Ford may unwittingly have in their inventory.
DBK - you have much better connections than I but it may be worthwhile to whisper in someone's ear. The bad shock that I have will be going back to Galpin tomorrow.
We had a different GT in our shop recently and we noticed a leaking right rear shock. The owner asked us to replace it, and we did. Now, given our previous experience with a bad shock, I want to think that we watched that shock compress as we lowered the weight of the car onto it. But, in retrospect, we may have seen what we wanted to see. This rear shock is also frozen in the extended position. The owner drove the car a bit - and this shock is locked solid. Of course the ride is HORRIBLE when you have essentially a fixed rod in lieu of a shock!
One of the first thoughts I had is that we got the same frozen shock we returned back. However, with the tight-fitting metal perches, it is pretty much impossible to slide them on and off without some witness marks. I really think it is unlikely that we received the same frozen shock back.
My theory - and I think is is a very plausible one (and hence the post), is that the shocks are becoming "bad" having been stored in the pressurized, fully-extended position for the last 15 years. This is not a normal shock position because when they are on the car, they are in a slightly compressed state and they are not at their extended limit. Almost all shocks that we have worked with - even inexpensive shocks, are packaged and shipped in their most-compressed state. You typically have to cut a tie or strap to allow them to extend.
So, heads up out there. If you are putting "new" OEM shocks on a GT - make sure that you witness the shock compressing when you put the weight of the car on it. I'm nearly 100% certain that we haven't seen the last of "bad" (frozen) GT shocks that Ford may unwittingly have in their inventory.
DBK - you have much better connections than I but it may be worthwhile to whisper in someone's ear. The bad shock that I have will be going back to Galpin tomorrow.
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