Need narrower shock -- Monroe 555003 is too fat

[65CV]

We put the Michelin LTX MS/2 tires on our '59 Overlander and the shocks rub slightly on the inside of the tire.

Does anyone know of a replacement shock with a smaller diameter? The outer diameter of this shock is 2" and I'd love to find one that is 1 1/2" or less.

An hour on the web and a 1/2 hour at the local NAPA store have come up short. Everything is by vehicle spec, not by performance spec, it seems.

[drboyd]

You must have new axles from Colin Hyde if you have the Monroe shocks. Can you carve on the ends of the shock to let it move inboard a little? Or can you bend the outside cover of the shock in a little?

I almost suggested wheel spacers, but I wouldn't do that on my trailer, so I wouldn't suggest it for yours.

[markdoane]

I feel your pain. For me the solution was to move the shocks to the inside of the springs. But that's a lot of work unless you're in the middle of a full monty.

Here is a reference you might find useful

[65CV]

drboyd - yes.

markdoane - thanks for the reference.

I think the answer is a bit of work with the 3 pound sledge and the angle grinder.

It's not far off, but just enough to wear the sidewall of the tires a bit. Interesting that it only affects the forward axle, not rear.

[65CV]

Problem solved.

Grinding the shock mount so that it doesn't interfere with the shock and moving spacers did the trick. Messy but easy. Plenty of clearance between the shock and tire now.

[Action]

Thanks for posting the solution. It may help others!

>>>>>>>>Action