39 LaSalle Front Shock Replacement

[Kincaid]

I am a recent 1939 LaSalle  series 50 owner. The front shocks are in need of replacement and I recently obtained a set of front shocks.  Do I need to do anything special in order not to disturb the front end alignment?  I am not familiar with lever shocks so interested in any advise that you can offer. I am hoping it is a striaght trade out like traditional shocks ?  Thanks

[Mark Lowery]

Kincaid,
These are knee action shocks, and they are nothing like the telescoping shocks you are no doubt used to.  I would advise you get the manual, or at least a Motors Manual from that era before attempting to replace these.  You will be removing the eccentric pin that mounts the arm on the shock to the steering knuckle support.
Before you tamper w/ that, remove the front Zerk fitting and mark the hex adjustment that is at the forward end of the eccentric pin.  This should allow you to get the camber back to where it was, assuming the old shock and the new were manufactured exactly to the same dimensions, and that there wasn't a lot of play in the old shocks.  Of course, that is unlikely, because from your description, they were worn out. 

So, that said, I'd count on an alignment once you are done in any event.  You might want to take it by your favorite alignment shop before you start to see if they are up to working on this type of suspension.  Their machines will work just fine on your LaSalle, but the issue is whether they know how to do the adjustments.
For caster, you can even make your own alignment tool w/ a 2 ft. spirit level and some tapped holes for machine screws.  Then w/ a little trigonometry, you can do your own caster setting.  However, if you can find a shop that has worked on these types of suspensions, the $50-60 that they charge is a bargain, and they will set caster, camber and toe-in for that price.

Mark Lowery, CLC#25216