SanTan Devil

On the topic of shocks, can anyone recommend between going with Monroe OESpectrum 5802/5804 or the ACDelco 5301/5302 gas charged shocks? I have a 72 Cutlass Supreme Convertible.

Comments I've read is that they both provide OE ride/fit (which is my desire) but, read that perhaps the ACDelco shocks are a bit more firm, possibly too firm.

I have considered the ACDelco shocks with the Spring Assist as that's what looks to be original to the car but, both mechanics (one an Olds Only specialist) recommend the basic shocks for ride comfort. The Spring Assist also seem to have reviews indicating a very firm ride.

oldcutlass

There are many offerings for shocks and most off the shelf shocks are suitable for a factory ride or maybe just a tad stiffer. I currently have Monroematics on my car and will probably move to KYB's next time. Rockauto has a very good assortment to look at, link below:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...+absorber,7556

SanTan Devil

Thanks. Are you thinking the KYB Gas-a-Just or the Excel-G models?

Yes, Rock Auto seems the best for name brand items. I've been pretty happy more often than dissatisfied. Ex, the Water Inlet I bought from them was not as advertised.

oldcutlass

I moved your posts to your own thread so others may respond. I'm thinking about the gas adjust.

Fun71

I also have Monroematic gas charged shocks on my car. I like them and would use them again.

SanTan Devil

Thanks. I keep hearing Monroematic and wonder if the Monroe OESpectrum are truly better and how?

KYB has a pretty sweet deal going with their rebate program right now so, that's especially on the table. My wife tells me that she's ok with my buying the KYB immediately so as to get the rebate. Otherwise, so much going on with the car that she would want me to wait.

Either way- we both at least have the same opinion that we want a quality shock worthwhile having on the vehicle. My definition of quality would be a like-new ride (which might be attained by many shocks), correct fit, and something that adds whatever minimal value to the vehicle in lieu of taking away as a cheap part.

70cutty

Fun71

You are asking about shocks, but I thought I would bring up the topic of springs. Are you replacing the springs, and if so, with what? If not replacing, do you know what is already there? I ask because the springs have a huge impact on ride quality.

SanTan Devil

I have not discussed Springs with my mechanic (I do some work myself and, lately, I've happily turned over some work to him) but, he did a thorough go-over of the car and recommended front/rear shocks, upper control arm bushings, sway bar links/bushings, and ball joints. We started with the ball joints, put Moog ones in and the conversation has led to the shocks/bushings/links.

I will bring up the subject of springs to him though as I was also wondering about a few other items like a control arm shaft kit. If I were to do springs, I'd probably go with Moog (5382).

Fun71

So do you think it still has the factory original springs? If so, they likely are sagging - the ones on my 70 Supreme were sagging back in the 80s when the car was just over 10 years old. It gave a very cushy ride but you could definitely tell the rear was dragging a bit.

It would be easy to measure the ride height to see where it stands now.

This thread has good information:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...de-height.html

SanTan Devil

I would guess they are original springs. I get the car back in the morning, the tank is basically full (I will top off just in case), the trunk is basically empty and I will get to measuring. My car also has T/A Radials and rides on SSII rims. Yes, this chart should be helpful