Need new shocks for my 1948 DeSoto.

[Art Bailey]

On 3/15/2021 at 11:56 AM, James_Douglas said:

 I have both sets of FACTORY installed shocks for both cars. I confirmed it with MOPAR part numbers on the shocks and the master parts books.  So, I use them to check any new shocks for the max and min length.

 

 

 

This is a great idea. I don't know if mine are OEM, but they're OLD, and since my car has been off the road the better part of 55 years, there's a good chance they're  a closer match to what should be on there than anything currently available, and might even have some part numbers on them.

Edited March 16, 2021 by ratbailey

[James_Douglas]

Below is something I wrote up some time back.

*********

Somewhat definitive shock information (46-48)

 

Hi All,

 

I replaced my shocks on the 1947 Desoto Suburban (LWB).  This car had a build date of Late December 1946.

 

I was surprised when I took the shocks off to realize that the are the original shocks.  The front MOPAR part number checks with my part book, the rear does not.  However, they  have the same undercoating on them that matched the rest of the car.  It has a single coat of original factory or dealer applied water base coating. I am convinced that these are the factory shocks.  So for your record keeping pleasure:

 

******************************************

Front Shocks:

 

Collapsed Length:       8.75 Inches

Expanded Length:      13.0 Inches

 

Part Numbering from top to bottom as on shock:

12B6     1F8-F0

Made In Monroe

Patent No.2.004.380

& No. 2.078.364

 

PcPd

1121207

 

Rear Shocks

 

Collapsed Length:       12.5 Inches

Expanded Length:      20.0 Inches

 

Part Numbering from top to bottom as on shock:

12B6     1F8-F1

Made In Monroe

Patent No.2.004.380

& No. 2.078.364

 

PcPd

1121208

 

 

New Fronts NAPA = 5752ST (Box had LE 10002)

New Rears NAPA 94008

 

 

 

*************

Posted December 3, 2016  

This week I have been moving parts around.  I found the box that had the shocks I took off the 1947 Desoto Suburban when I first purchased it and the 1949 Desoto Convertible when I took it apart. The shocks are MOPAR with the CDPD stamp on them and factory part numbers.  They are Monroe shocks.

 

1947 Desoto S-11 Suburban:

Front 1121207, closed 8.75", open 12.875," Dia max 2.125"
Rear 1121208, closed 12.5", open 20.5", Dia max 2.125"

 

1949 Desoto S-13 Convertible

Front 1311851, closed 8.75",  open 13",  Dia Max 2.125"

Rear 1311852, closed 12.5", open 20.5", Dia Max 2.125

 

Interestingly the Monroe cross reference on the 1947 Desoto shows a front part number of 5752.  On Amazon or Jeg's they are about $22 each.  At NAPA or O'Reilly they show up as from Rare Parts at $200!  What a joke...

I may have a custom set made for the big Desoto.  The shock valves were different according to the master parts book for the heavy Suburban.  Custom adjustable shocks may be better for this daily driver than another set of modern Monroe's.

 

The 1947 Shocks are know to be original to the car. The 1949 I suspect may have been changed once.

 

Best all, James

[Art Bailey]

2 hours ago, James_Douglas said:

Below is something I wrote up some time back.

*********

Somewhat definitive shock information (46-48)...

 

 

 

 

 

This is gold...this goes right into my ever growing DeSoto file. Thanks so much, James.