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M35A3 front shock - monroe PN?

goldwing2000

Banned
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Ingham County, Michigan
monroe 34787 is perfect fit
I wouldn't say "perfect".

I attempted to install a set of 34787 shocks on my truck this morning and found that they were about 3" longer (compressed) then the take-offs. So short, in fact, that I couldn't even get them into the mount holes.

And before somebody asks, "Did you know that they are gas charged and have to compress them by hand to get minimum length?" Yes, I checked them both side-by-side while pushing down on the Monroe with all my weight.

If one were to install these shocks, you would only get 1 or 2 inches of upward travel before they bottom out.

I'm going to check out the 66903 instead.
 

oddshot

Active member
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119
43
Location
Jasper, Georgia
I wouldn't say "perfect".

I attempted to install a set of 34787 shocks on my truck this morning and found that they were about 3" longer (compressed) then the take-offs. So short, in fact, that I couldn't even get them into the mount holes.

And before somebody asks, "Did you know that they are gas charged and have to compress them by hand to get minimum length?" Yes, I checked them both side-by-side while pushing down on the Monroe with all my weight.

If one were to install these shocks, you would only get 1 or 2 inches of upward travel before they bottom out.

I'm going to check out the 66903 instead.
Any success with the 66903 Monroe?

oddshot
 

rlwm211

Active member
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Location
Guilford, NY
The one M35Tom mentioned, 34787, is just a tad short but will work fine.

The original number 74416 does show up in the catalog and the specs are the same as the NSN.

I also pulled the number for the A2 variant from the repair parts TM and that is easily available in ebay and other sources.

All you have to do is do a search in google other another search engine and you will find tons of sources for the OEM part.

7539007

Now this number does not return the same specs as the one that Surfdog put up. There apparently is a difference between the shock for an A2 and an A3.

RL
 
Last edited:

rlwm211

Active member
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Location
Guilford, NY
To Clarify:

The A3 Shock is as M35Tom mentioned.
34787 and you may be able to find the oem model 74416

For the A2 and this IS NOT the same as the A3

7539007 a2 2510-00-294-6339 Is the NSN number and part number.

The 753007 is available from several vendors.

I have not found a perfect direct replacement for the OEM.

Monroe #66603 is very close with the major difference being that the dimensions are

12.250 x 20.125 with 1/2 studs

and the design calling for:

12.281 x 20.531 with .438 studs (7/16)

Rock auto lists this for $40.79

Several hits for the oem part list them for about 65-75$ ea.

As I mentioned, the Monroe number is a very close fit and is close by 1/4 inch. I am unsure if the stud size will be an issue. Be advised you need to check all this out yourself before jumping in and this is for the A2 variant.

RL
 

rlwm211

Active member
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Location
Guilford, NY
I wanted to compare and list the specs on the 66903

compressed 12.750

max extended 21.750

travel 9.000


Obvious differences are that the shock is slightly longer than stock compressed and extended.

Good to know.


RL
 
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glcaines

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Location
Hiawassee, Georgia
I'm using Monroe 34787 shocks on my A2. They fit perfectly and look identical with what I removed. I called Monroe Technical Support and they gave me the 34787 number when I told them it was for an M35A2. The Monroe guy seemed to be very familiar with MV applications. I also have an A3 and have not yet replaced the shocks on the A3. However, the original military shocks ont the A3 are much larger diameter than the 34787 shocks I'm using on my A2.
 

goldwing2000

Banned
506
15
18
Location
Ingham County, Michigan
I'm using Monroe 34787 shocks on my A2. They fit perfectly and look identical with what I removed. I called Monroe Technical Support and they gave me the 34787 number when I told them it was for an M35A2. The Monroe guy seemed to be very familiar with MV applications. I also have an A3 and have not yet replaced the shocks on the A3. However, the original military shocks ont the A3 are much larger diameter than the 34787 shocks I'm using on my A2.
Probably due to the larger wheels and tires on the A3. More mass needs a bigger shock to calm it down.

And I would keep an eye on those 34787s on your A2. They're really about 2 inches too long for the application (assuming the mounts are in factory location). You may never see an issue in normal street driving but if you hit a big enough bump or try to drive off road, you will definitely bottom them out.

Also, I would just like to add that I have only now realized that the original post was about A3 shocks, not A2 (I think I initially found the thread by searching for "34787" and didn't notice the 3 vs. 2). The 34787 might work just fine on the A3 but the 66903 is a much better fit for the A2.
 

glcaines

Well-known member
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2,608
113
Location
Hiawassee, Georgia
The 34787 might work just fine on the A3 but the 66903 is a much better fit for the A2.
I agree that the 34787 has a longer extended length of 23.25 inches vs. 21.75 inches for the 66905. Also, the 34787 has a longer compressed length of 14.25 inches vs 12.75 inches for the 66905. However, the upper and lower mounting studs on the 34787 are 1/2 inch, the same as the military ones. The mounting studs on the 66905 are only 3/8 inch. I have attached the specs for both shocks.
 

Attachments

Clay James

Member
524
4
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Location
Reno/NV
There's a review on the 34787 on Amazon from a guy with a deuce and he said they were too long and bottom out real easy and the 66903 is a better fit.
 

goldwing2000

Banned
506
15
18
Location
Ingham County, Michigan
I agree that the 34787 has a longer extended length of 23.25 inches vs. 21.75 inches for the 66905. Also, the 34787 has a longer compressed length of 14.25 inches vs 12.75 inches for the 66905. However, the upper and lower mounting studs on the 34787 are 1/2 inch, the same as the military ones. The mounting studs on the 66905 are only 3/8 inch. I have attached the specs for both shocks.
My original military shocks actually used 7/16" studs, so the 34787 was a little bigger and the 66903 was a little smaller. Since the load on a shock absorber stud is pretty minimal (and you can double-nut it if you are afraid if it pulling through the threads), I didn't think it was a big risk.
The 1.5 inch extra compressed length is a much bigger deal. I couldn't even get the 34787 to go into the mounts on my truck.
 

glcaines

Well-known member
3,917
2,608
113
Location
Hiawassee, Georgia
The 34787s went right in on my truck without difficulty. I've never experienced any bottoming, even offroading. I live on 32 acres of extremely rough land in the mountains and most of my driving is offroad. I replaced my shocks because my front tires were wearing badly, especially the passenger side. The new shocks significantly improved the ride and tire wear stopped.
 
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