You are lucky to find a nice 55 Crown that is affordable. I would not waste money on an alignment at this point. A-arm bushings, idler arm, tie rod ends, should be closely checked and replaced, if needed. KYB gas-a-just shocks are a good choice for shocks and are on sale quite often on Rock Auto. The ball joints are almost always ok, if they have been greased as they should. As far as the rear springs, don't flip the shackles to raise it up. Replace the front and rear bushings, they are almost always worn out. Look for some station wagon rear springs or try to find some leaf springs that are very similar and cut the spring eyes off the main leaf and add to your spring pack. Also when you have the spring pack apart grease the pads on the end off the leaves to get a smoother ride. This comes from 25 years of suspension and alignment on all kinds and off-road vehicles.   Ist Cav Man  

Thanks for the reply, Lou.

What you suggest is the "right-thing" to do; however, funds are simply not available to do that now; so, I still need information on shocks.
No one else??

Regards, JLB

55 Ford Crown Victoria Steel Top

I would not replace the shocks until i was ready to replace the springs and do front and rear springs. Replace the rear springs with 6 or 7 leaf springs.
Do a Google search for "overload shocks", found my local parts store has them.

Folks,
Just "picked-up" a nice '55 Crown and am looking for current information on what shocks to use for best fit -- front and rear, travel (enough "drop" to allow for rear tire changes); and, with "helper springs" for the rear.
Manufacturer and part numbers would be appreciated. Rear end is low with Continental kit on it & cannot afford to do anything with rear leafs at this time. Going-in for an alignment in two weeks and would like to install new shocks at the same time.
Regards, JLB

55 Ford Crown Victoria Steel Top